You may already know that you want an island themed wedding or at least an island wedding dress as part of your special day. Remember that choosing the perfect destination that will complement your dressing style is just as important as choosing a beautiful island dress. Here are some ideas that may escape your initial brainstorming of wedding venues, but often turn out to be the perfect romantic setting. You’ll even save money compared to an event in popular destinations.
hawaiian-cruise
Many couples want to have a destination wedding and then continue their honeymoon in the same area. One way to cut costs is to have the wedding guests and party take a cruise to Hawaii. You get the benefit of visiting Hawaii without the expensive hotels, food, entertainment, and other vacation costs. Sure you still have to pay for the cruise and maybe a flight to the cruise port depending on where you live, but this is often less than a round trip flight to Hawaii, lodging expenses, and food expenses. Now you have the option of having a ceremony on the cruise ship with the nearby Hawaiian Islands on the horizon submerged in the beautiful deep blue ocean. The bride and groom might want to get away for a little romance in the Hawaiian Islands after the wedding while in a port of call.
the florida keys
The Florida Keys are in the Caribbean, but they cost a fraction of what a full cruise would, especially for a large group. The Keys are a great option for couples on a budget living in the eastern US. Florida’s businesses live primarily off tourists, so there are always great deals waiting for the opportunistic bargain hunter. A good place to start is a visitor center where you can get discounts on everything from lodging and dining to dinner shows, attractions, and tours. For the bravest of couples, you can head north to the Florida Everglades for a truly memorable experience; If you love seafood, be sure to find Cap’s Place, where you’ll find the best seafood you’ll ever eat. Cap’s has been open since 1928 and still does the food the same way, oh yeah; the menu is based on the daily catch. If it wasn’t caught that day, you won’t eat it at Cap’s Place.
Katherine
Off the coast of Los Angeles and Orange County is Catalina Island. Even though it’s only a 90-minute boat ride from Los Angeles, it feels like you’re in another world. You get the island feel without the expense of traveling to an exotic destination available only to the rich. There are some resorts right on the water that have exceptional accommodations for weddings and receptions. Alternatively, you can head up Catalina Mountain to a private residence or one of the few viewing outcrops. You’ll need to plan ahead, especially if your wedding is between spring and fall, as many city dwellers escape to Catalina for a weekend retreat. This is a bustling island with tourists from all over the world, island dwellers and Southern Californians alike. Don’t let Catalina’s popularity burst your bubble because the island is popular for a reason; breathe romance and hospitality.
Malibu or San Diego
Southern California offers some of the most romantic and picturesque scenes for weddings rivaled only by island destinations like Hawaii, Fiji, New Zealand and Bora Bora. Two of the most popular areas in Southern California for locals and tourists alike are Malibu and San Diego. Malibu is just north of Los Angeles and is nestled in the beautiful mountains that meet the ocean. Some may be put off by the crowds in Los Angeles, but San Diego is as different from Los Angeles as Tokyo is from New York. You’ll find that the locals, tourists, and everyone else in San Diego are some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. Everyone is laid back, looking to have a good time, and happy to help anyone in the community…even if they’re just passing through. On top of all that, San Diego has just as much romance as Paris with its beautiful views, architecture, and landscapes. There’s a reason San Diego is “America’s Best City”; there are too many positives to list.