By Stefanie Michaels
So many of my friends are getting married this year. A few had come to my wedding renewal in a Bermuda cave a couple of years back, and came to me asking if I could help them come up with unique and beautiful locations— a couple looking for a mini-wedding and the others with varying sized guest lists. Each couple, knew they wanted to go somewhere special. After much research and consideration, I gave them my list on a few unique places to get married in the US:
- The Grand Canyon: With its breathtaking views and natural beauty, the Grand Canyon would make for a truly unforgettable wedding setting.
- The Redwood Forest: For nature lovers, the Redwood Forest in California would be the perfect place to exchange vows. Surrounded by towering trees and the sound of a babbling brook, this peaceful setting would be perfect for a intimate ceremony.
- The French Quarter in New Orleans: For a wedding with a touch of old-world charm, the French Quarter in New Orleans offers a mix of history, culture, and romance. The vibrant streets and colorful architecture provide a beautiful backdrop for a wedding.
- The Brooklyn Bridge: For a city wedding with a twist, the Brooklyn Bridge offers stunning views of the New York skyline. Imagine exchanging vows with the cityscape as your backdrop, and then celebrating with a reception at a rooftop venue.
- The Great Salt Lake: For a unique and otherworldly setting, the Great Salt Lake in Utah would be an unforgettable choice. The vast, salt-crusted lake and surrounding desert landscape create a dramatic and beautiful setting for a wedding.
What Destination Brides need to consider for Destination Weddings:
- Research the location carefully: Consider the climate, culture, and any potential safety concerns of the destination.
- Plan ahead: Destination weddings often require more planning than a traditional wedding, as you’ll need to coordinate travel and accommodations for yourself and your guests.
- Consider the logistics: Think about how you’ll get to and from the wedding location, and how you’ll transport any necessary decorations or supplies.
- Communicate with your guests: Make sure to provide your guests with clear instructions and information about the wedding, including travel details and any necessary documents (such as passports, if the wedding is held outside of the country).
- Set a budget: Destination weddings can be more expensive than traditional weddings, so it’s important to set a budget and stick to it.
- Hire a wedding planner: A wedding planner can help you navigate the planning process and ensure that everything runs smoothly on the day of the wedding.
- Don’t forget the legal requirements: Make sure to research and understand the legal requirements for getting married in your chosen destination, and allow enough time to fulfill any necessary documentation or paperwork.
- Consider the time of year: Think about the weather and any potential peak tourist seasons when choosing a date for your destination wedding.
- Pack wisely: Be sure to pack any necessary items for the wedding, such as your dress, any wedding attire for the groom and wedding party, and any decorations or supplies.
- Relax and enjoy: Remember to take some time to relax and enjoy your destination wedding – it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
