How to Have a Destination Wedding in Key West
The average wedding costs upwards of $25,000. Surprisingly, however, you can enjoy a destination wedding for much less. Brides and grooms everywhere are learning that a destination wedding can still be just as special without the debt hangover often caused by a traditional wedding. Whether you want to wed in Las Vegas with an Elvis impersonator officiating, marry your military sweetheart while he is stationed in Germany, say "I do" with the sound of waves crashing in the background, or enjoy the romantic ambiance of a wedding in the mountains of Colorado, destination weddings can be a fantastic alternative for some couples.
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Instructions
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Take a cruise. One of the most convenient ways to get married is to take a cruise and get married during one of the port stops. For example, in Key West, Florida, Dial M for Matrimony (see Resources below) will pick you up, take you to a location of your choice (based upon their recommendations, provide music, officiant, flowers, champagne, cake and even a photographer--all for an affordable price. You can find similar companies in most cruise ports.
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Hop a plane to Vegas, baby. Nothing says love quite like an Elvis impersonator and a Las Vegas Strip chapel. The Elvis Wedding Chapel (see Resources below) is one of the more popular chapels for destination couples in Vegas. Add that to the fact that Vegas can be one of the more affordable vacation destinations, and a wedding in Sin City might just make the best sense.
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Talk to a military chaplain. If you are marrying a military member in a foreign location, a military chaplain is your best source of information. They can direct guide you through local wedding laws, as well as help you to find a venue on base, or point you in the right direction for off-base venues, depending on the location of the base. While weddings near foreign American military bases may not always be legally possible, a chaplain can guide you if and when they are.
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Be a blushing mountain bride. For the outdoorsy type, a Colorado mountain wedding may be just the type of romantic setting you are looking for. No need to spend a fortune on decor when you are surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. A great source for all things related to Colorado weddings is the online version of Rocky Mountain Bride Magazine (see Resources below). There, you can find officiants, reception entertainment, venues and much more.
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Combine your honeymoon and wedding. To save even more money, you can extend your time in your destination wedding location to include your honeymoon. Many couples these days, particularly those with children from previous marriages, enjoy "family moons." Bring along grandma and grandpa to babysit in the evenings, and you can turn your wedding/honeymoon into a family vacation and family reunion all in one!
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Tips & Warnings
Don't go overboard on decor. Quite often the location itself can be the decor.
Pull in location-appropriate traditions to make it even more special. For example, you can enjoy a sand combining/pouring ceremony (symbolizing the joining of families for a beach wedding or a casino reception in Vegas.
