GROUPON GUIDE TO VANCOUVER

Skip to Happily Ever After with a Destination Wedding

BY: Rashawn Mitchner |Aug 8, 2016

So you’re engaged—congrats! You’d better get to work. You’ve got to find a venue, pick a caterer, design invitations, hound relatives to RSVP, and the list goes on. If planning a big soiree isn’t your idea of fun, consider an alternative: a destination wedding.

Besides saving you time (and maybe even cash), having a destination wedding means you could be sunbathing instead of dealing with last-minute stressors like the seating chart for the reception. Skip to happily ever after by having a Caribbean wedding in one of these scenic spots.

Altun Ha | Belize

History buffs will love Altun Ha, an ancient Mayan archaeological site located about an hour north of Belize City. Its largest pyramid, the Temple of the Masonry Altars, cuts an imposing figure against the rainforest. Have your ceremony on the stone steps or in the grassy courtyard at the pyramid’s base. The site is open to tour groups, so avoid peak visiting hours if you don’t want an audience.

The Pitons | Saint Lucia

The Pitons, two volcanic plugs towering over Saint Lucia’s southwestern coast, are the most recognizable feature of the island’s landscape. If you and your beloved are adventurous types, hike the Pitons (we recommend the smaller Petit Piton) and exchange vows at the peak’s summit. For something less strenuous, you can moor a charter boat in Pitons Bay and make the mountains your backdrop for wedding photos that’ll be the envy of your Instagram followers.

Cozumel | Mexico

Cozumel’s crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and abundant marine life make it a must-see for scuba divers. If you really want a memorable ceremony, strap on some gear and say “I do” during an underwater scuba wedding. Well, technically you’ll be holding up a waterproof placard that says “I do.” Gowns and tuxes can get pretty heavy when they’re soaked, so consider wearing your swimsuit with a veil or a bow tie instead.

Londonderry Bay | Dominica

You can’t talk about destination weddings without mentioning at least one beach. The tiny island of Dominica (not to be confused with the Dominican Republic) offers a unique alternative to the typical white-sand shoreline. Volcanic eruptions have made the beach along Londonderry Bay black. The color of the sand is sure to add a twist to your wedding photos, and since Dominica’s not a popular spot for tourists, your ceremony should be quiet and intimate.

Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding

Check the destination’s legal requirements. Rules about necessary documents, residency, and waiting periods vary by country, so make sure to familiarize yourself before saying “I do”. If you just want a symbolic ceremony, though, you’re good to go.
Get a package deal. Picking vendors for a regular wedding is hard enough. Find out if your resort has all-inclusive wedding packages that bundle things like food, flowers, and an officiant.
Give your guests plenty of notice. Unless of course you’re having a destination wedding to keep the guest list short. Otherwise, friends and family will need plenty of time to make travel plans.