Exclusive to Purple Light Vacations by Travel Writer Tonya Denmark

With gay marriage legal in the United States and many countries, destination weddings for LGBT couples are growing in popularity. Generally, a destination wedding is less costly than a full-scale event close to home. And while the definition of paradise differs for each couple, there are a few key points to take into account before planning your wedding.

Style

By style, we don’t mean what you’re going to wear to the wedding. Pick a destination that fits your personal style as a couple. While Caribbean and Mexico are quite popular, if you prefer the slopes to the sea consider a ski resort in Utah or Colorado. The added perk of a destination wedding is beginning your honeymoon immediately after the ceremony. Make it somewhere you love!

Get a travel agent

It might sound self-serving to tell you to get a travel agent, but your travel agent will not only help you with travel arrangements, he or she can be your wedding planner, or liaison with your wedding coordinator at the hotel or in your destination city. An experienced travel agent not only has firsthand knowledge of various wedding destinations and legalities of gay marriage, he can secure extras for you and your future spouse as well as your traveling party. Travel agents can access hotel perks, discounts, tours, and amenities that are not available online.

Additionally, a travel agent can take care of your guest’s reservations, often at a group discount. Plus, do you really want to be the one to make the reservations for everyone attending?

Wedding Guests

Speaking of wedding guests, one drawback to having a destination wedding does mean fewer of your friends and family will attend. Make sure you give your loved ones plenty of time to plan accordingly. Send out Save the Date announcements and review your plans your friends and family. The added beauty of a destination wedding often means you and your guests will spend more time together the few days prior to your nuptials making it a fun “family” vacation.

Keep your guests budget in mind too; a destination wedding is a larger expense for your guests. Plan a special event like a tour or outing for your friends before or after the wedding day as thanks for traveling.

There’s more to consider when planning a wedding across the country or across the sea. Stay tuned for part two of how to plan a destination wedding.