There are many reasons why elopements and small, more intimate destination weddings have become so popular. While still customized to the likes of the bride and groom, these weddings tend to be simpler, faster and less stressful than a traditional wedding. You may also be able to avoid some of the family drama that threatens many weddings because your wedding guests are limited to only your closest family and friends. 

Tip 1: Choosing a location

You must consider your guests and be realistic when choosing a wedding venue. If your guests include senior citizens with limited mobility, or if your soon to be spouse has health issues, you may not want to have your ceremony in a spot where you have to hike a great distance, hop fences, or tromp through waist-deep grass  – instead you might opt for taking the tram at Alyeska to the mountaintop!  

One of the luxuries of a destination wedding, is you get to share not only in your big day, but also your love of travel, a paradise of your choosing, and quality time with people that mean the most to the two of you. 

Tip 2: planning the wedding from afar

A destination wedding can be a challenge. Most couples cannot go to the destination ahead of time to arrange vendors, venues, officials, and to check out facilities or picturesque locations. 

This is why you need a good wedding planner. We recommend a wedding planner for any wedding where the couple has limited time to dedicate to the wedding, but when it comes to a destination wedding, they are essential. Hire a professional wedding planner and relax and enjoy your wedding. 

Tip 3: unexpected expense

You know of the common expenses. But any time you are traveling, especially with a group, there can be unexpected expenses. If you are not prepared for them, this can ruin your wedding and in some cases even cause you to cut it short. 

The solution is to set up an online wedding registry account. 

You can customize it to show your friends and family what you would like to do while at your destination. Instead of wedding gifts, pre-wedding parties, and shower gifts, guests contribute the amount of money they would have spent to the account. It does not cost you or the guest any additional fees. The accounts are usually free. While you may be planning to use the funds for a helicopter flight on a glacier or another sightseeing adventure,  in the event of an unexpected expense, you can redirect the funds to accommodate. Maybe this means you will go on a free hike in a state park, but at the end of the day, the funds saved the day.

Tip 4: mementos of the event

When you get married in your parent’s backyard, you have the option of saving whatever you want for scrapbooks and mementos that remind you of something that happened during the service. 

But what about when you are away from home? It is impractical to believe you can save every item but you can still save some mementos. Before you go, talk to your planner or go online and find where the nearest UPS or Post Office is. Many times hotels have UPS pick-up. 

Select the item or items that you want to keep and ship it to your home before you leave. It is a good idea to limit yourself to one small or medium-sized box. This is not too expensive and your precious items are usually delivered shortly after you arrive home. 

With a little planning and an open mind, you can have the destination wedding of your dreams.