For many couples, getting married these days often means contemplating variables once thought relatively uncommon including interfaith marriages, multiple extended families and stepchildren. Others might just be looking to do something a little more exotic. Whatever the reason, more people than ever before are choosing destination weddings over traditional weddings at home as a less stressful and often less expensive, alternative.
If you are thinking about this option, here are five things to keep in mind if you’re planning on getting married outside of Canada:
1. Where to Go?
The first thing to decide is your ideal destination. There is virtually no limit to your options—you could tie the knot on a white sandy beach in the Caribbean, have Elvis as your minister in Las Vegas or say your “I-Dos” underwater at the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Check out our Top 10 Wedding Destinations for more ideas.
2. Plan Ahead
Try to organize your wedding at LEAST six months in advance to avoid sell outs and ensure you get exactly what you want. This is particularly important if you’ll be travelling in a peak season such as Christmas/New Year’s, Spring Break or during summer holidays. Check out more planning tips here on our website.
3. Pricing
Don’t base your price expectations on the current market pricing. Travel is very seasonal and the time of year will have an impact on price and availability. Speak with your travel consultant who can help you find suitable options within your price range.
4. Legal Requirements
Every country has different legal requirements so make sure you contact the Embassy or Consulate which should have the information you need. Some places such as Las Vegas require only that you get a marriage license when you arrive. Others like France will need one of you to be living in your chosen place of marriage for at least thirty days.
5. Group Discounts
You can often benefit from discounts if the group travelling at the same time is larger than ten people. Even if the destination is within the same country, savings may be available on travel arrangements.
Our Flight Centre Wedding Specialists have years of experience, and will happily work with you to select your dream destination, with your budget and needs in mind. They have specialist knowledge of all the top wedding and honeymoon destinations, including Australia and the South Pacific, Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Europe. For more information, be sure to contact one online or by phone at 1-866-940-0213