The world is your altar. A simple ceremony in Bermuda, a gentle kiss in the tropical breeze, hands joined in a lifetime link of love. The pink sands of the beach and the calming sounds of the ocean paint the perfect backdrop, warm and inviting. No need to travel to a honeymoon destination. You are already in your own paradise.
For a couple in love, a destination wedding is the ideal opportunity to travel to exotic places, set their eyes upon new sights, and jumpstart an exciting adventure together.
As more and more resorts and cruise lines provide appealing wedding packages in such locales as Fiji, Australia, Jamaica, Mexico and Costa Rica, engaged couples are looking beyond the traditional wedding ceremony and reception package to a quiet, distinctive exchange of vows at a location that speaks of their own personality and dreams.
Nancy Chase, owner of LiveWell Ventures on Camano Island, encourages couples to enjoy visiting the most beautiful regions globally in remarkable comfort and style.
According to Chase, Asian destinations can be exotic and very ceremonial. “We specialize in Buddhist countries as we find the experience traveling to these locations to be most magical and rejuvenating,” she said.
Partnering with a travel agency can ease the process of planning and paperwork. “An agency is only as good as its experience, so the interview process is important both ways,” Chase said. “We interview to get a perception of the experience anticipated, and move into asking for comprehensive details on budget, dates and how many people in the overall party.”
The travel agency should also do research and provide comprehensive proposals and suggestions. “This is seldom managed in one conversation, however,” Chase said. “We also put the client on task to be a part of the process by providing links for them to review online. We create their plans mutually and symbiotically for the best outcome.”
Travel services such as LiveWell Ventures can customize your honeymoon stay with activities such as diving, snorkeling and horseback riding. “The couple can enjoy everything from jet skiing to waterfall excursions and cultural encounters,” Chase said. “We focus a lot on cultural, environmental and wildlife encounters in our destination options.”
Chase recommends that a member of the wedding party arrive early at the destination to make sure that paperwork is done and details are finalized. “There is no better wedding than one that has all the I’s dotted and T’s crossed,” Chase said.
In the preliminary stages of planning, special note should be taken in obtaining or renewing passports for the wedding couple and any family or friends who will be attending the ceremony. “I encourage all to pay the additional premium, as it is managed more quickly and comprehensively,” Chase said.
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