Desination Weddings, pro’s and con’s?
I'm trying to decide if a Destination Wedding is the right choice for my fiance and I. Apparently some places that offer it, the US doesn't recognise that country's marraige liscense then you have to redo it once your back. And I'm looking for people who have done it. Is the paperwork a hassle? Does the wedding planner handle the majority of it? I really just want to sit back and relax once we get there and not stress that everything will be in order.
It will be only the two of us going. Like I said, I want to relax. 
But I'm also weighing the option of a small ceremony here then hopping on a plane the next day.
The reason it's only the groom & I is we don't want the hassle of inviting several guests. Also it seems weddings now seem to be based on making everyone else happy, and impressing others. I want our day to be exactly that, "OURS". I'm not interested in paying for other people to have a good time...it's not their day. Just my opinion and that's why we've decided a destination wedding would be the best for us.
May 13th, 2010 - 13:21
I don’t know about the legal stuff, but if it is only you and your fiance’ going, what about family and friends. Surely you would want someone you are close to, to be with you when you say your vows, I think in time you would regret. Unless the stress is too much, I would have a small wedding here and then you and hubby go on your honeymoon. That’s just my opinion but that’s what I would do, I cannot understand getting married without anyone family/friends.
May 13th, 2010 - 13:28
The pro’s are:
-Exotic locations
-Get more for your money
-Relaxed environment
-Normally less expensive
-Less hassle
Con’s
-Most of potential guests will not be able to attend due to financial reasons, obligations with school, work, not enough vacation time etc.
-Some guests will not be able to travel due to health and insurance reasons (older people)
-Some people do not want the hassle and the additional expense to get passports.
-Families with children typically are unable to attend due to school obligations, baby sitting or pet sitting fees, even custodial orders that block taking kids out of the country.
-Offended family members and friends that feel that a destination wedding is selfish and that you are purposely excluding people.
A destination wedding is a good choice for a small party of relatively wealthy and healthy individuals with no small children. A group of young professionals that come from small families for example.
Good luck
May 13th, 2010 - 14:14
Look in to getting the marriage license before leaving the US, and possible have a friend take one of those online officiant courses.
If the license is from the states, and your officiant is recognized in the states, then it should be legal.
Or, if you don’t get legally married while you’re away, then I don’t think it’s a hassle once you come back. You don’t apply for recognition of the foreign license. You just apply for a brand new one, and get married by a judge in a court house to make it official. You can set that all up before your wedding. As I’m sure you know, the license needs to be applied for a certain amount of time before the wedding, and signed within a certain period. Just get the license before you leave for your destination wedding, and book the court house for the day after you get back.
As long as you two can afford your destination wedding, and you’re not worried about family being upset over being excluded, then I don’t really see any cons.
You may want to extend it a couple of days though. You could consider it the honeymoon.
Alternately, you could get married at the court house, and then hop on a plane for the wedding ceremony the day after that.
May 13th, 2010 - 14:41
If you have families that you love and want to be a part of your union, opt for the small ceremony here then go on a honeymoon the old fashioned way. Good luck!
May 13th, 2010 - 14:43
The ones that came to mind:
Pros – Beautiful back-drop on all of your photos (weather permitting), Smaller so it’ll be more intimate, You won’t be expected to buy an expensive dress.
Cons – Most of your guests may not be able to attend. Can be costly (airfare, hotels, etc.)