Destination Weddings are about memories.  The wedding couple will have theirs, and the guests will have theirs.  Since its a more intimate occasion, and usually in an incredible location, there are many things that couples and guests tell me that they remember.

What are the usual things that people remember after a DW? (in no particular order):

1.  Water.  You see it in all the photos, the water at many destinations makes for an incredible backdrop - the colors are incredible.

2.  Surroundings.  Again, most destinations have something interesting around the destination wedding package location.  It may be as simple as just a gorgeous beach, or tropical canopies, etc.

3.  The wedding officiant.  Most couples choose to use an officiant at the destination that is included in their destination wedding package, which I HIGHLY recommend.  They bring a great local "flair" to everything and really make it special.  Most of them are extremely personable and really love what they do, which comes out in their ceremonies.

Take a look at the video below, from a recent wedding in Cozumel that we did (congrats Sarah and Kevin!)  Think about what I mentioned above...you'll see it all...something really unique in the background when they walk in, something about the water that you hear throughout the ceremony, and the humor and warmth from the officiant. 

 

Hello again everybody,

Well, I was lucky - our recent Hawaii wedding newlyweds were kind enough to send video of parts of their ceremony as well.  So I took the video earlier showing the site, and was able to add some great footage from the ceremony itself.  This way you can see the site and how it transformed into the "big moment".

I really like this video, having been to Hawaii and facinated by the culture.  Not every couple incorporates the culture into their Hawaii wedding, but this one really has it all...traditional blessing and the conch shell.  I was down in the Caribbean last year and entered a conch-blowing contest at a local happy hour, and it's not as easy as it looks!

Enjoy the video!

 

Good afternoon everybody,

I know that everyone is always interested in seeing actual Destination Wedding setups at various locations.  So whenever I get my hands on something that shows an actual wedding, I always share it.  Before I share this I have to send a big congrats to Shayna and Mark - newlyweds just a couple weeks old! 

Below you'll find a quick video of their wedding ceremony site.  Not every couple wants to get married on a beach, and this is a prime example of one of our specialists recommending a great spot.  I love Hawaii, and this spot really does a great job of creating a secluded area with lush garden and water surroundings. 

 

Congrats again, and thanks for sharing your unique location for Hawaii weddings!

Thank you to Ed, one of our Senior Destination Wedding Specialists, for this review of the Azul Sensatori in Riviera Maya, Mexico

The resort is located approx 20 miles south of Cancun Airport and approx 35 miles north of  Playa del Carmen.  This is a smaller resort and Family-Friendly.   For Destination Wedding packages there is a requirement of 3 days arrival prior to wedding date and the day of arrival does not count.

The Beach wedding locations were well-designed with beautiful backdrops for the couple, sitting on white sands.  However, the Sky Wedding option is the seller here.  It was difficult to get to the top (elevator stops a flight of stairs prior), but....well worth the effort.

All suites had indoor Jacuzzis, and were quite large with terrace or balcony.  

They have a Mojito Lounge that produces bombshell products!

I would consider this Family-style Resort to be Mid-Range.   They have a partnership with FisherPrice toys and unique baby amenities.  It also has an adults-only restaurant and very lavish Spa. 

The Staff attending us were attentive and worked to show us their best side.  The gardens and beach areas were clean and well-kept.  

Thanks for Myrtis, one of our great Senior DW Specialists, for her review of this great Karisma resort.

This resort was my favorite!  Apporx 60 miles south of  Cancun Airport.  The resort can host from 1 - 5 weddings per day, to give extra personal attention.  There is a requirement of 3 days arrival prior to wedding date and the day of arrival does not count.

The Beach wedding locations were great.  One had a pier and one had an outdoor kitchen where you could have the Reception, as well.

Standard rooms were quite spacious, with indoor Jacuzzi.   The 3 Honeymoon Suites were luxurious, as well, with Ocean Front views. 

The food and service were outstanding!  The top quality meal included in the FAM were unmistakenly great!   We were treated like "royalty" all the way around.

I would consider this Adults-Only Resort to be Mid-Range for the most part.  However, their Presidential Villa would lean toward Upper End pricing.   This resort can work for mid-size wedding groups.

This resort is "special" to me because of its location---closer to Tulum than Cancun.  It has the best beach, is Adults-Only and smaller in scale than the Royale, making it just a tad more intimate (less walking, too).

Thanks to Myrtis, one of our great Senior Destination Wedding Specialist, for her review of this great resort from her recent visit.

The resort was pretty awesome!  Apporx 25 miles from Cancun Airport, 5 miles from Puerto Morales, and approx 15 miles from Playa del Carmen and about approx $25 for cab-ride .  The resort can host from 1 - 5 weddings per day, to give extra personal attention and can accommodate Catholic weddings in their beachfront chapel.  There is a requirement of 3 days arrival prior to wedding date and the day of arrival does not count.

The Beach wedding locations were great, well-designed with beautiful backdrops for the couple.  The water was pristine and rose-petals adorning the pathways were great additions.

Standard rooms were quite spacious, with indoor Jacuzzi, and much nicer than other resorts by comparison.  The Honeymoon Room was luxurious, as well, with private access to the beach areas.  The Casita Suites had the "aguas de amor" roofless showers (it's fun to shower looking up at the stars!), making it quite romantic.

The food and service were outstanding!  I tried a hot dog from one of the "fast-food" areas and was truly impressed with the flavors!  It was prepared nicely, stuffed with cheddar cheese and wrapped in bacon!   Heart-attack on a bun, right?!!    Breakfast----ah what can I say.....the coconut pancakes were to die for!   Really big chunks of coconut!   Of course, the top quality meals included were unmistakenly great!   AND..........we can't forget the Cake Tasting!!!  Chef Christophe was awesome and very proud (well-deserved) of his wares.   We were treated like "royalty" all the way around.

I would consider this Resort to be Mid-Range (the standard villas) to Upper End (the Casitas).   This resort can work for large wedding groups, adults-only, as they have space for up to 600 guests banquet style.  

I was impressed by the Beach Butlers in the Casita area!  Very nice touch!   We were the very first group to experience a "mock wedding" held in the Chapel.............WOW!!!   What an experience!!!   LOVED IT!

Every chance I got, I "interviewed" guests I met along the way.  One bride I met at a poolside bar was getting married in 2 hours!!!  She and hubby and most of their guests were still lounging in the pool.   I asked her how she could do that and she replied that "Why worry?  Everything is being handled by the Wedding Coordinator and it is going to be PERFECT!!!"    I heard later that their party lasted well into the night!!!

An important aspect of Hawaii weddings are definitely the wedding photos. They are the reminders of the memories of your wedding that can last you a lifetime. Also, with most destination weddings, your friends and family members who were not able to make the wedding are going to be asking to see the wedding photos as soon as you get home. There are several beautiful places on the island of Oahu that are made for Hawaii weddings and capturing the amazing feeling of the island and the joy of the wedding. Here are some places to consider for your wedding photos on the island of Oahu.

Waikiki Beach

There are beautiful stretches of Waikiki Beach that make a great background for wedding photos. With the blue ocean, white sand, and the landscape of the amazing Diamond Head in the background, you are sure to capture some really beautiful photos on this beach.

Turtle Bay - North Shore

Turtle Bay may not be known for beaches to lay out in the sun or swim in, but it makes an excellent backdrop for Hawaii weddings to take pictures at. There are places to stand on the bay and the rocks and beach and have the sun and the ocean as your background. If you are getting married in the North Shore area, this may be an option for wedding photo locations.

Waimea Falls

 

Try Waimea Falls for a different change of pace than just the beach and ocean scenes that are normally scene for Hawaii weddings. Instead, take you pictures in front of the luscious greenery in the park and the gorgeous waterfall.

 

 

These are just a small sampling of places that you may want to look into for taking wedding photos on the island of Oahu.

The island of Kauai is another popular location for Hawaii weddings. It has spectacular beaches and is more secluded than the Oahu and the Big Island. Although it may be a little more secluded there are still plenty of things to do on the island before or after Hawaii weddings.

Water Sports

Snorkeling, fishing, parasailing, surfing, and swimming are just some of the water sports that you can do on the island. There are several different companies that will take out on water sports excursions or teach you how to surf or snorkel. The areas around the island are great for snorkeling and scuba diving and you are bound to see amazing creatures swimming right before you.

Zipline Adventures

If you are not afraid of heights, there are several places on the island that you do zip lining. Zipline adventures are when you are hooked up to lines that are high off the ground and you zip down the lines above the trees or water. You go platform to platform and it makes great way to see a forest or waterfall.

Hiking

Hike your way through the rainforest or explore hidden waterfalls in the jungle. There are plenty of areas to go hiking at that will absolutely take your breath away. Be sure that you go with a guide and you know what you are getting yourself into before you start your hike, because once in the forest, there is no easy way out and you will have to continue on with the hike.

 

Kayaking

Kayaking tours are rather popular for Hawaii weddings on Kauai. There are plenty of lagoons that you can take a kayaking adventure in or you can even kayak along the beaches exploring the different areas the island has to offer.