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Destination Weddings on the Rise

May 29, 2009 by Christina

Despite the recession, destination weddings are on the rise, says a recent National Post article. Why?

I was recently asked this question by a journalist for an article on destination weddings.

It’s pretty obvious that the biggest reason weddings away are taking off is the budget factor. Generally speaking, destination weddings cost less because there are less guests. (The average amount of guests at a destination wedding is 48.) Less guests = less money. Plus, couples usually combine their wedding with their honeymoon which saves money.

Another reason for the increase is that the options for destination weddings have exploded in recent years . Many venues offer complete package deals that make life easy for couples who don’t want to invest the time in planning a wedding from scratch.

Also, couples love the idea of treating their guests to a good time. What better way than a destination wedding? Weddings away are big on fun and they allow couples to spend quality time with friends and family members in a shared experience that’s remembered for a lifetime.

Photo: Photography by Stacey, Amanda and Ben’s Cottage Destination Wedding

Filed Under: Destination Weddings | 1 Comment

Say ‘I Do’ in New York: NY Wedding Venues for Contemporary Couples

May 28, 2009 by Christina

ny wedding venues i love new york for weddings

Want a contemporary NY wedding with lots of flair? Want an intimate NY wedding in a ‘wow’ setting? New York has plenty of ‘raw spaces’ that can be magically transformed for your wedding day.

Check out these unique NY wedding venues:

The Foundry

In the 19^th Century it was a foundry, now it’s on the list as one of the most interesting NY wedding venues. One look at the photos and you’ll see that it has been meticulously restored to retain its industrial character. Stunning proportions, adaptable to many uses, and available to rent for weddings up to 125 people for a seated meal.

The Foundry also has an adjacent courtyard, as well as a terrace, which features views of the Queensboro Bridge and Manhattan skyline.

Scandinavia House

When it comes to unique NY wedding venues, Scandinavia House has of the most ideal settings for an intimate event.

Designed by the celebrated American architect James Stewart Polshek, Scandinavia House is a stunning modern building that puts Scandinavian culture on display with design materials and furnishings representing the five Nordic countries. Detailed with exquisite care, the cultural center reflects Scandinavia’s reputation for excellent craftsmanship and sophisticated design.

The building is located in mid-town Manhattan and is close to major New York landmarks.

Scandinavia House has a list of preferred caterers including Smörgås Chef, which manages a full service restaurant on our main floor.

Brooklyn Artists Gym

Brooklyn Artists Gym is an artist studio and gallery facility in the Park Slope/Gowanus area of Brooklyn, New York. The Brooklyn Artists Gym Gallery is available to rent for small weddings. The Gallery is approximately 900 square feet, with over 125 running feet of wall space. There are over 60 adjustable lights, and the ceiling is 11 feet high. There is also an adjacent 500 sq. ft room that can be used along with the gallery space for weddings.

Galapagos Art Space

This art space, located in Brooklyn has 1,600 square foot lake complete with island seating on the lake, a wrap around mezzanine with operatic ‘box-style’ seating is as romantic as they come.

Winner of a 2009 Building Brooklyn Award, and current nominee for the Municipal Art Society’s MASterwork Award, Galapagos Art Space in DUMBO is on target to become New York City’s first LEED certified ‘green’ cultural venue.

Spoke the Hub Re:Creation Center

spoke the hub ny wedding venues Spoke the Hub Re:Creation Center, located in the heart of residential Park Slope, Brooklyn, serves as the company’s headquarters and main teaching center and its available for weddings.

Occupying two full floors of a typical Brooklyn brownstone, the main studio is approximately 16′ x 38′ and sports a sprung maple hardwood floor, mirrors, ballet barres, and a sound system that accommodates CD’s or iPod.

Ramscale

ramscale ny wedding venues Ramscale is a 3,500 square ft. penthouse loft with a terrace that overlooks the Hudson River. It has 12 9 ft. x 4 ft. windows that offer breathtaking views of the harbor and lower Manhattan.

Divine Studio

If you’ve been looking for NY wedding venues that will wow your guests, check out Divine Studio. Divine Studio is a 300 square foot studio in the heart of Noho. The white expoxy floors, floor to ceiling arched windows and south and west daylight exposure make it a magical setting for a wedding. The space is like a blank canvas and can be transformed for intimate events.

Real Weddings: Corey and Christopher’s Beach Wedding in NC

May 11, 2009 by Christina

beach wedding in nc

Corey, 28 & Christopher, 33

Whalehead Beach in Corolla, NC

Wedding Date: August 17, 2007

Number of Guests: 43

Wedding Cost: $25,000 (This does not include the cost of rental houses that were rented for all of the guests for the week).

Wedding Ceremony Location: On the beachfront in Whalehead Beach in Corolla, NC

Wedding Reception Location: The Saltaire Event Home in Duck, NC

beach wedding couple

Why did you have an intimate wedding?

Both my husband and I didn’t want the crowd of people that we’d be forced to invite if we stayed home and had a wedding. We both wanted a small private affair with our closest friends and family. My father had died a year before the wedding, my father-in-law also died the month before, so we were both glad that we planned it this way in the end.

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Filed Under: Destination Weddings, Real Weddings | 5 Comments

Real Weddings: Amanda and Ben’s Cottage Wedding in the Muskokas

April 15, 2009 by Christina

Amanda, 24 & Ben, 26

Wedding Date: August 31, 2008

Number of Guests: 52

Wedding Ceremony Location: Family cottage, Lakeside Fairholm Island, Lake Muskoka, Ontario, Canada.

Wedding Reception Location: Family cottage, also on Fairholm Island, Lake Muskoka, Ontario, Canada.

Why did you have an intimate wedding?

Before the wedding, I thought it was because of the budget and the size limitation of the venue. Looking back, though, the connection with our guests should have been the biggest reason. Even if money and space hadn’t been an issue, I wouldn’t have done it any other way.

What are some the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding?

Most of the challenges were related to the fact that we were using a non-traditional venue. The cottage {it’s been in the bride’s mother’s family for more than 100 years!} just wasn’t set up for a large party. Also, it’s on an island, so everything (food, chairs, tables, dishes, staff, guests, decorations, and a rather large grill) had to be brought in by boat, which was no small task.

Was it difficult to pare down the guest list?

Yes and no. Yes, because of course there are people we would have liked to invite and couldn’t. But also no, because we were having a destination wedding (we live in Pennsylvania), so there were people who just would not have been able to make it.

Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family? If so, how did you address them?

Actually, we didn’t have many problems at all. We explained to our relatives early on in the planning process what guidelines we had set out – close friends and family only. Nobody really seemed to have a problem with our approach.

What were the highlights of the ceremony?

Ben’s vows. We had decided to write our own, and he absolutely blew me away. That, and the reaction of my youngest sister, who was one of my bridesmaids. She was apparently so overcome with emotion that she cried through the whole ceremony. Happy tears, though! Towards the end of the ceremony my father had to throw her a pack of tissues. Our videographer caught that moment on tape and it cracks me up.

What were the highlights of the reception?

A few things come to mind. Ben was intent on picking our first dance song and keeping it a secret. He surprised me with a compilation of ‘Over the Rainbow’ by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole and ‘Grow Old With You’ by Adam Sandler, from the movie ‘The Wedding Singer.’ It was sweet, silly, and perfect.

We used an mp3 player for the reception, and unfortunately had some technical difficulties when it came time for the father daughter dance. I was heartbroken that ‘Little Miss Magic’ by Jimmy Buffet refused to play. My twin sister came to the rescue as impromptu DJ and selected – of all things – ‘Sweet Emotion’ by Aerosmith. We ended up ad libbing and doing the mashed potato and the sprinkler instead of something more traditional. It was a great spontaneous and funny moment.

My favorite part of the reception, though, was the speeches. In addition to the usual best man and maid of honor speech, the microphone was passed around the room to many of our guests, who had touching stories and advice to share.

What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?

Being able to spend quality time with our closest friends and family, without running around and missing the chance to savor the occasion. It was amazing to have so many important people in our lives together in one place. We had everyone over the night before the wedding for a rehearsal dinner barbeque, where my grandfather gave a moving speech welcoming everyone to the island. Everyone got to meet and spend some time together before the wedding. Between the rehearsal dinner and the reception, I tried to spend as much time as possible with everyone, and I still could have used more time. I have no idea how people get to see anyone at large weddings!

What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding?

You might get some flack for not inviting everyone you’ve ever met (and maybe some you haven’t met), but you won’t regret it. I know I don’t. That’s not to say that large celebrations are bad — if you want to have a huge wedding, go for it! Only you will know what kind of wedding you really want to have. Don’t let yourself get talked into inviting half the world if that’s not what you want.

Vendors:

Photographer: Photography by Stacey

Videographer: Starshine Videography

Catering: Dempsey Fine Catering

Muskoka Party Rentals

All Seasons Weddings

Photos: Photography by Stacey

Read more about this fantastic wedding over at dellastella.

Filed Under: Destination Weddings, Outdoor Weddings, Real Weddings | 9 Comments

Real Weddings: Becky and Ryan’s California Destination Wedding

March 5, 2009 by Christina

This is the most detailed real wedding story I’ve received to date – and it was submitted by the groom! How refreshing! I detect so little groom involvement in the world of wedding planning – it’s so great to have a guy share so many thoughtful details about his wedding day. I really appreciated that he took the time to provide lots of helpful insights and tips on planning a destination wedding. This is a great read for anyone planning a wedding away!

Becky and Ryan california destination wedding

Becky, 31 & Ryan, 32

Santa Catalina Island (aka Avalon, CA)

Wedding Date: August 12, 2008

Number of Guests: 71 at Ceremony & Reception; 58 on cruise

Wedding Cost: $20,000

Wedding Ceremony Location: The Landing (in the courtyard)

Wedding Reception Location: Ristorante Villa Portofino

Why did you have an intimate destination wedding?

Becky and I choose to have a destination wedding, and it goes without saying that having a destination wedding will result in an intimate wedding due to the fact that once travel is involved (at least in our case) many family and friends may just opt out of attending the wedding.

One of the reasons we opted for a destination wedding is that both Becky and I have been blessed with large, loving, kooky, fun families. And while both of us had met and developed relationships with each other’s family, none of our family members had met each other prior to the wedding, aside from my parents who had met Becky’s mom.

Even though the time that we each spend with our own families is oftentimes quite limited, we both love and appreciate everyone and we wanted to share the most important people in our lives with our respective new families.

Another reason is that Becky and I are at the age where we go to quite a few weddings each year. We see the same thing happen at so many weddings. Guests show up, head to the reception with a gift, eat and drink, and do the cake thing. Then they start asking themselves: “Do I stay for a dance or two or run home? I have a baseball game tomorrow, a fishing trip, or yard work to do, etc.”

What I am getting at is that we all have busy lives and oftentimes find ourselves counting down the minutes or hours, checking out our wrist watch over and over, until we leave the wedding reception. With our minds consumed with our busy lives and schedules, do we really get a chance to enjoy and absorb the special moment?

I imagine many a time the bride and groom have trouble recalling who came and who didn’t until they check out their guest book and open wedding presents. We didn’t want that to happen to us!

In fact, Becky and I are very blessed and have almost every “thing” we need. In all actuality we didn’t want wedding presents.

outdoor destination wedding in california

Having our closest family members and friends “present” would be the greatest “present” we could ever ask for or that our family and friends could ever give! We wanted the chance to spend time with each and every one of our guests.

My family has always been big into the holidays, having a big meal and spending time together. As I get older, (and yes, maybe more mature) I realize these are the things I cherish the most when I look back at my life.

While I have received many a Christmas or birthday present over the years, I would be hard pressed to remember what they were or even who they were from. What I do remember is all the laughter, the food, the conversation, and the hugs goodbye at the end of the night. Our lives may go their separate ways, but those hugs are always heartfelt and they mean the world to me.

”Things” break, rust, fade, and get lost, but the memories we make with family and friends are truly the only possessions we ever have that will last a lifetime.

Becky and I wanted to make memories with each and every guest, with both our family and our friends that will last a lifetime.

In the process of making us extremely happy, we wanted our guests to give themselves a present! They all deserve a treat, a vacation, or just a break from it all once in a while, and we wanted to help make sure that all of our guests got just that.

So we said to everyone we invited: “Come vacation with us, attend our wedding, and make your own memories that will last a lifetime!”

We really did put a ton of thought into our wedding event! I think we found a way for everyone involved to share in the excitement of our big day, as well as have an exotic island adventure together in a very affordable way (less than $1000 per person for everything).

As Becky and I sealed the deal, we really hoped that our wedding guests would consider stepping outside of their normal comfort zone, take a vacation with us, get to know all our wonderful family and friends, and make our wedding an adventure that we could all remember as one of the greatest vacations we’ve ever had.

What are some the challenges that you faced planning an intimate destination wedding?

Getting 70+ people to plan for, to save for, and to book plane tickets and rooms/cruise reservations for a destination wedding will most likely take as much time and work as all of the rest of the wedding planning combined.

Make sure you send out invitations as early as possible!

Becky created a personal website for our wedding 18 months prior to our big day. We sent monthly reminder emails for the 18 month duration to everyone who was invited. The emails provided helpful info to assist our guests in their travel plans. Getting everyone to secure their US passport in time for the wedding was another story all together. We also worked very closely with our travel agent to come up with payment schedules, group pricing, as well as all the small travel details which we included in our monthly reminder emails.

Then at the one year mark, we sent out our official wedding invitations and by this time we had a rough idea of who was serious about making the trek and who wasn’t

The key to it all is to remind your guests frequently about the wedding. Guests will procrastinate until they are scrambling to book their trip; to secure last minute funds; to find a roommate; to get their passports. You name it – if they can put it off until the last moment, they will.

Getting your guest there is half of the planning; the other half is all the details of the wedding and reception event. Since we planned a destination wedding, we hired a wedding coordinator from the Catalina Island area. She helped keep us on track. She gave us suggested vendors to work with, location advice, as well as helped us to create a general timeline for the wedding ceremony and reception.

Was it difficult to pare down the guest list?

It wasn’t as hard to pare down the guest list as we initially thought it would be. First, we decided on how many people we could afford to have at our reception. Then we made a list of all the relatives and friends we had to invite. On a separate list we wrote down the names of friends and family members who we wanted to invite.

Like I stated earlier, when planning a destination wedding one can assume that many family and friends will opt out of attending. Some of the guests we had to invite declined, so we were able to send out invitations to others that we wanted to invite.

It’s important to realize that some family members or friends that you really want to be there might not make the effort or plan to come to your wedding. One should be prepared to be a bit disappointed. But the way we looked at it is that those that were truly MEANT to be there were there.

Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family? If so, how did you address them?

Not really. Our biggest issue was that some family members wanted to know why we had to be so different and have our wedding somewhere other than where we live. We had to explain that while having the wedding in Seattle would have made planning for, or just attending the wedding easier and more accessible for those living in WA, we still had more than half of the invitees that would have had to travel from several states away as well as find lodging etc, which would cost more per person than the airfare and the cruise combined to our destination wedding. We decided instead to make it fair: everyone that was going to attend our wedding event would have the same basic costs to plan and save for, and as I pointed out earlier, we made it known that we did not want wedding gifts from those that attended our wedding.

What were the highlights of the ceremony?

Well, firstly, it was just absolutely beautiful. Our coordinator was invaluable in helping us pull together all the necessities for the ceremony. And Becky planned out all the unique details. It was amazing! Whether it was the parasols for all the ladies (which they loved especially in the sunny August weather), or the white silk lily clips scented with lily oil for all of the attending women’s hair (Becky and Blaze, a bridesmaid, made them), or the homemade Spanish themed handheld fans available for all the guests (another great addition for a hot day), all these small details and personal touches made the event extra special. But the highlight looking back was the two of us saying our own vows which we wrote ourselves. Not a dry eye in the crowd!

What were the highlights of the reception?

Once again, everything could not have been more perfect. Other than the wedding party, there were no assigned seats, so guest could sit down with family or their new friends and have a wonderful dinner, along with an open bar. There was an excellent acoustic guitarist playing flamenco style music to set the atmosphere as well. However, the most memorable part of the reception was just after the maid of honor and best man gave their toasts, and friend after friend, family member after family member, asked for the microphone. It was amazing to hear just how much of an impact we have made on our friends and families lives and how much we truly mean to them. It was a fantastic memory that Becky and I will always keep close to our hearts!

What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?

The best thing for us in having an intimate wedding was that we accomplished our main mission – which was to spend time with each and every person that came to our wedding. While we would have loved to spend more time with many of the guests, we did get the chance to spend some personal time with each and everyone who attended our wedding event.

What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding?

Have fun. It’s your day, so make yourself happy. Do not worry about what other people want. In the end, doing it your way will be the most rewarding way to plan a wedding, and when you look back at your big day, it will have happened the way you dreamed it would.

Also, do not be afraid to cut costs. We did not have a big bouquet of flowers on the tables; instead we opted for rose petals and candles. Also, Becky found a bargain dress and we had a cupcake tree instead of a large wedding cake.

One of the most important pieces of advice I have is to get the photographer you really want! Our wedding photographer was by far our best and most important investment in our wedding. We hired our photographers (www.geraldpope.com) and took them with us on our destination wedding cruise. It wasn’t cheap, but they were definitely worth their weight in gold. Becky and I get to look back at our pictures, moments forever captured, and relive that wonderful day again and again – not to mention they made us look like rock stars in all our pictures. So our best advice is to cut costs everywhere you can so that you can afford to hire the photographer whose work you really connect with most. Your photos are the one thing that you and everyone else will see and remember your special day with for the rest of your life. Trust me – Auntie Jane might be trigger happy with her brandy new Canon Rebel, but she won’t take the same quality pictures as a professional.

Vendors:

Flowers: Bloom’s Floral Design Studio

Music: James Moody

Minister: Tim Mitchell

Ceremony Venue: The Landing

Reception Venue: Ristorante Villa Portofino

Videography: Alex Wenger,Happy Weng Productions

Cake: Rossmoor Pastries

Wedding Coordinator: Elizabeth Wenger

Photography: Gerald & Airika Pope

Travel Coordinator: Rod Schepper, Capitol Hill Travel

Bridesmaid Dresses: Moms, Maids & More

california outdoor destination wedding couple

Photos: Gerald and Airika Pope

Filed Under: Destination Weddings, Real Weddings | 7 Comments

Having a Destination Wedding?: Plan Early for Weddings Away

February 21, 2009 by Christina

destination beach wedding in mexico bungalows lydia photo by kate harrison

When we first began planning our intimate wedding, we thought about a destination wedding. Scotland would have been our country of choice. Weddings away have always appealed to both of us. They seemed like the perfect way to combine both a vacation and a major life event.

Although we ended up having a wonderful at-home wedding instead, I can’t help but wonder what it would have been like to have a destination wedding.

If this is something you are considering, realize that the planning process isn’t always as stress-free as some people in the wedding industry make it out to be. Weddings away don’t come without risk. One thing that wedding specialists suggest is that you make sure you either choose a location that you have already visited – or at least plan a visit before your wedding to ensure that the place lives up to your expectations. But that can be expensive.

If you’ve got plenty of good information on the location – which may include recommendations from other couples or travel agents, and you don’t mind taking risks, you might want to forgo the visit.

If Darin and I had planned a destination wedding in Scotland, there’s no way we would have made a preliminary trip to our chosen location. But I have been to Scotland before, and loved the beauty of the Highlands. We would have based our decision from extensive research via the Internet.

If the thought of eloping with only your nearest and dearest is appealing to you, make sure you start early.

It’s important to nail down a few possibilities early on. Some wedding specialists suggest that planning for weddings away should begin 6 months to one year in advance. The sooner you can start planning your wedding – the better. If you plan well in advance fewer places will be booked up, and you may be able to take advantage of cheaper prices on flights and lodging.

Planning ahead will also give you more time to spend on researching locations. And it will mean that your destination wedding guests will have plenty of notice so they can book vacation time and save up for the trip.

Once you’ve come up with a few possible locations, the next step is to find out about marriage laws in each region. In France, for instance, there is a 40-day residency requirement, whereas Jamaica only has a one-day residency requirement. Several Caribbean islands, on the other hand, have residency requirements from one to 10 days.

If you want to get married in Cancun, you and your sweetie will be required to submit blood tests taken within 15 days of your wedding, as well as copies of birth certificates or passports. Hawaii simply requires a driver’s license.

In the U.S., laws vary from state to state, so make sure you research the location and find out about its requirements. You can get information about what documents and health tests are needed by contacting the county’s marriage license bureau. Make sure you ask how long it will take for the paperwork to be processed.

Many resorts/hotels throughout the world provide wedding co-coordinators that will help you understand the region’s legalities, and some will even assist you in filing the required paperwork.

If you aren’t working with a wedding planner, you can find out information on your own by contacting the location’s tourist office, the country’s consulate or U.S Embassy. Some government websites also offer this information. Travel agents are another possible source.

The following are questions you should have answers for prior to deciding on a location for your destination wedding:

What types of documents are needed? Will they have to be translated and notarized? Are originals required, or are copies okay?

What type of proof do you need if you are divorced or widowed?

Is there a minimum residency requirement?

Are there any other waiting periods?

Are blood tests or other medical tests required? If so, does it matter if your own doctor takes them, or do you have to have them done in the country of marriage?

How many witnesses are required?

Are religious ceremonies considered legal, or must they be preceded by a civil ceremony?

Photo: Kate Harrison Photography

Filed Under: Destination Weddings | 5 Comments

Weddings Away: How Many People to Invite to Your Destination Wedding

February 4, 2009 by Christina

destination wedding guest list on beach

Often one of the biggest questions couples have when planning weddings away is: ‘How many people should we invite?”

That’s entirely up to you. Some couples don’t invite anyone, and have a celebration that includes everyone when they get back. Others invite close family members. And there are those who invite dozens of family members and friends.

If you decide that you want to invite friends and family, you’ll need to give them plenty of notice for your wedding away. It’s recommended that you send out save the date cards several months before the wedding. (Some experts recommend that you give a year’s notice!) That way they can book time off work and save for the trip. It’s also a good idea for couples to provide guests with price information on airfares and accommodations, as well as brochures on sightseeing activities.

Guests are usually expected to pay for their own trips, but oftentimes couples will tell them not to bring wedding gifts. Another way to help guests cut down on expenses is to find out if there are group rates on resorts/hotels, and to let your guests know about these deals.

Frequently, couples who invite family and friends to their weddings will host a variety of group activities so that everyone can spend time together.

If group activities are planned, it’s important to give guests a choice of whether or not they want to participate. Not everyone, for instance, will get a kick out of spending an afternoon taking kayaking lessons! Also, some guests might be on a limited budget and might not be able to afford some of the planned activities. It’s a good idea to poll everyone beforehand to get an idea of the type of activities your guests would enjoy.

You don’t have to feel obligated to include everyone in all of your tourist activities. There will be times when the two of you will want to go it alone – or perhaps just invite a handful of guests, such as your parents, or best friends.

How much time you spend with your guests is completely up to you. Some couples that want lots of privacy stay at a separate resort from their guests, or head to another destination for their honeymoon.

For some, determining how many people to invite to a destination wedding is easy. None. If you want a really intimate wedding, with loads of privacy you might choose to have a wedding that doesn’t have any guests. Plenty of brides and grooms opt for a simple ceremony that involves just the two of them at their chosen destination. Many couples that take this route have a party when they return so that friends and family can celebrate with them.

Your loved ones – namely your immediate family, might not be too pleased with your decision to exclude them from your wedding plans. It might help to tell them that a wedding away that doesn’t require months of planning and a big financial investment is more suitable to the two of you. If they still don’t come around, remember that what really matters is that you and your sweetie have the wedding you want. Settling for anything less than that would not be a good thing!

Photo: Kate Harrison Photography

Filed Under: Destination Weddings | 3 Comments

Dreaming of a Mountain Wedding? BC Wedding Venues Perfect for Small Guest Lists

January 3, 2009 by Christina

Wickinninnish Inn Tofino wedding

Have you thought about having a mountain wedding? BC is the perfect place to say ‘I do’!

BC wedding venues include everything from quaint restaurants to boutique hotels. And don’t forget the fabulous wineries. Vineyards and orchards in full bloom are perfect wedding locations and there are plenty of them in the Okanagan Valley. If you’re adventurous, there’s the BC interior or the Queen Charlotte Islands.

Here are some dazzling BC Wedding Venues:

Victoria, Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Victoria, located on the southeastern tip of Vancouver Island, is the province’s capital and one of the most popular destinations in Canada. Referred to as the “California of Canada”, it’s famous for the Empress Hotel (namely its ‘high tea’), its beautiful downtown harbour, parliament buildings and magnificent gardens. It also has a bustling downtown, with plenty of shopping. A truly romantic destination!

BC Wedding Venues in Victoria

Fairmont Empress Hotel - This hotel, which is a turn of the century landmark located on the banks of Victoria’s inner harbour, is perfect for couples who want a wedding in a luxurious setting. If it’s just the two of you, why not tie the knot in the hotel’s lounge and celebrate with a gourmet meal? For a larger wedding, book the hotel’s historic Crystal Ballroom.

Swans Suite Hotel - Located in historic Old Towne Victoria, the Swans Suite Hotel, a 1913 heritage building and landmark, has a penthouse suite that is perfect for weddings. The luxurious setting is filled with antiques and original artwork. It features a rooftop arbour and 10-person hot tub with a panoramic view of the city and inner harbour. Can accommodate up to 30 people for buffet lunch or dinner or 80 people for cocktail reception.

Tir Na Nog by the Sea Irish Musical Bed and Breakfast – Nestled among the ancient rainforest of East Sooke, this venue is ideal for couples that want to be away from the city. The venue is owned by Celtic musicians that offer music for your garden wedding. A wide variety of wedding packages to choose from.

Wedding Planners

Royal Victorian Weddings - These wedding consultants offer several wedding packages to suit your own style. You can exchange your vows in a historic church, garden, a Victorian inn or numerous other locations in the region.

Tofino, Vancouver Island, British Columbia Weddings: Mountains, Beaches and Nature’s Raw Beauty

Tofino, located on the Pacific rim of Vancouver Island, offers more than just a wild and mysterious landscape. Along with its ancient rainforests, its vast stretches of sandy beach, its rolling surf and its misty salt air, this enchanting destination – which attracts more than 300,000 visitors each summer, has a variety of luxurious spas, resorts, bed and breakfasts, restaurants and stores.

Whether you prefer a guest-free wedding on the sand, or a larger gathering inside an elegant dining room, Tofino is the perfect spot for romantic British Columbia weddings.

Did you know that people from across the world head to Tofino during the winter months to watch storms over the Pacific Ocean?

Note: If you don’t like rain, don’t consider this destination. It’s the wettest place in Canada!

BC Wedding Venues in Tofino

The Wickaninnish Inn’s Pointe Restaurant has a private room, The Salai Room for large parties. The Wickaninnish Restaurant at Long Beach can also accommodate large private parties. The restaurant, with its world-renowned cuisine, has a 240-degree view of the Pacific Ocean and glorious view of Chesterman Beach.

Long Beach Lodge which opened in 2003, was built among towering trees along the coastline of Cox Bay, just minutes from Tofino. The full service venue, which offers gourmet dining, is ideal for small gatherings.

Banff, Alberta Weddings: Mountains and more Mountains

British Columbia weddings in the Canadian Rockies are perfect for couples who want a stunning backdrop for their vows. The Canadian Rockies are undoubtedly one of Canada’s starring attractions – and there’s no better place to witness their majestic presence than Banff.

Banff, located in Western Alberta, is a nature lover’s paradise. Not only is the scenery spectacular, it’s home to numerous boutiques, cafes and activities for outdoor enthusiasts.

BC Wedding Venues in Banff

The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Canada’s ‘Castle in the Rockies’ has the stunning backdrop of the magnificent Rocky Mountains. The resort, which was designed after a Scottish Baronial Castle, has numerous meeting rooms, halls, ballrooms and even a terrace that host weddings from large to small, from simple to elaborate.

Storm Mountain Lodge and Cabins - If you want a small wedding in a beautiful and secluded setting, check out this venue, which is located in the Banff National Park 25 minutes outside of the town of Banff. The venue offers exclusive use of the lodge and all cabins for weddings, and will handle all your wedding details. Maximum 40 persons.

Wedding Planners

Simplicity Wedding Planners - This company’s goal is to match its clients with the best venues and services to suit their budget. Plans destination weddings for two all the way up to groups of 400. From the outlandish to the traditional.

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia Weddings: Vineyards, orchards and pristine lakes

Despite the fires that blazed through B.C.’s Okanagan Valley in 2003, the picturesque wine region is still a popular destination for British Columbia weddings.

Kelowna is the hub of the regions wine making industry. Other areas in the valley, such as Vernon, Penticton and Naramata are also worth checking out. The mountains, vineyards, orchards and crystal blue lakes make them idyllic settings for tying the knot.

BC Wedding Venues in the Okanagan Valley

Summerhill Pyramid Winery – This Kelowna winery, which is Canada’s most visited winery and largest organic vineyard, is just one of many in the region that offers vineyard weddings. Wedding receptions take place at Forster’s at the Summerhill Sunset Bistro, which offers high quality local and organic sourced meals. The bistro has 100 seats inside overlooking Lake Okanagan, 100 seats on the outdoor veranda, and picnic tables in the vineyard.

Lavender Fields Forever

Want a great place to take your wedding photographs in Okanagan Valley? Try the Okanagan Lavender Herb Farm which has eight acres and 41 varieties of lavender. The farm has a perfect view of the Okanagan Lake, as well as nearby vineyards and orchards, which makes it a popular spot for wedding photographers.

Photo: Wickinninnish Inn, Tofino, B.C.

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Charming East Coast Weddings

December 23, 2008 by Christina

east coast wedding

If you love quaint fishing villages and rocky seascapes, why not tie the knot on the East Coast of Canada?

There are plenty of venues that are perfect for East Coast weddings.

Here are just a few to spark your imagination. (They are also great spots to honeymoon!)

Prince Edward Island Weddings

Rustico Bay, Prince Edward Island

Whether you’re an Anne of Green Gables die hard or not, you can’t help but fall in love with both Cavendish and Rustico Bay, in the heart of Ann’s country on the northern shore of PEI. Located near Prince Edward Island National Park – with its sandy beaches, cliffs, dunes, marshes and forestlands, Rustico is a utopia for nature lovers.

Just imagine taking a pre-wedding stroll along one of the quiet clay roads, before saying “I do” at an inn overlooking the glittering sea. Sounds lovely, doesn’t it?

Venues

Barachois Inn – This 15 room inn was built in 1880 as a Victorian Country House for local merchant, Joseph Gallant. The Barachois Inn is close to Cavendish Beach – the home of “Anne of Green Gables”. Ideal for an elegant wedding with a moderate number of guests.

Dalvay By the Sea Heritage Inn and Dining Room – This luxurious 1895 inn, located in Dalvay, which is 30 minutes outside of Rustico, is one of the only seaside resorts in PEI. It hosts weddings during the shoulder season in May and early October. The venue can accommodate up to 100 guests.

Wedding Planners

Caseley’s Wedding and Event Planners – If you are planning a destination wedding in PEI and you need some assistance, this company, located in Kensington, PEI, can help you with the details.

Nova Scotia Weddings

Lunenburg, Nova Scotia

Lunenburg, located on the Lighthouse Route in Nova Scotia an hour outside of Halifax, is one of the prettiest towns in Canada. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lunenburg has long been the heart of Nova Scotia’s fishing and shipbuilding industry (the Bluenose was built there) and more recently is home to a thriving artistic community.

Its charm lies in its beautiful harbour, its exceptional architecture, its museums, quaint shops and galleries. A gorgeous place for East Coast weddings.

Incidentally, if you’ve seen the movies Simon Birch or Doloris Claiborne, you’ve seen Lunenburg. They were both filmed there.

Venues

The Lunenburg Arms Hotel – This 26-room boutique style hotel, which overlooks the harbour, the Atlantic Ocean and the Bluenose Golf course, hosts weddings with up to 125 guests in its convention centre.

The Old Fish Factory – Although it doesn’t sound like an appealing place to tie the knot, this restaurant, which is located on Lunenburg’s historic waterfront at the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, is a popular spot in Lunenburg to say “I do.” The restaurant, a former fish processing plant, specializes in seafood and can accommodate groups of 25-300 for sit down meals.

Arbor View Inn – This country inn, known for its award winning cuisine, is nestled on a wooded estate with quiet garden paths and plenty of privacy. Weddings take place in the dining room of the six-room inn. Great for intimate gatherings.

Newfoundland Weddings

St. John’s, Newfoundland

Newfoundland is becoming one of the hottest destinations in Canada, not only for tourism but East Coast weddings. Its capital St. John’s, the oldest city in North America, is located on the steep inland side of St. John’s Harbour. With its colourful buildings, rocky shoreline, and ships docked in the harbour, St. John’s is true eye candy. But it’s more than just a pretty face. It’s filled with fun shops, galleries, museums and restaurants.

Venues

The Fairmont Newfoundland - This venue, which is a first class hotel and landmark situated in the heart of St.John’s, offers breathtaking views of the harbour, the historic city centre, and Signal Hill. Wedding packages include complimentary accommodation for the bride and groom, champagne, breakfast, and more. The hotel has a professional team of wedding planners that can assist you with your wedding.

Leaside Manor – Rated as one of the top Canadian romantic destinations by the Globe and Mail, the Leaside Manor, a Tudor mansion and heritage property located minutes from downtown, is an ideal setting for weddings with less than 60 guests. Numerous wedding packages are available at the inn.

The Waterford Manor – The elegant Waterford Manor, a private inn built in 1901, plays hosts to weddings. The Victorian style heritage inn has seven rooms tastefully decorated with 19th Century local antiques. The Inn was featured on the cover of The Canadian Bed & Breakfast Guide (98/99 edition).

Wedding Planners

Live Wire Events – Whether you want an elegant wedding at a hotel or bed and breakfast or a wedding on the rocky shoreline or fishing pier, these wedding planners can make your vision a reality.

History Buffs

If you’re a history nut, why not get married at one of Canada’s historical museums or monuments. Signal Hill and Cabot Hill for instance are just a couple of sites that are available for wedding ceremonies.

Photo: Sean and Sarah’s Real Wedding in Nova Scotia

Filed Under: Destination Weddings | 3 Comments

Niagara Falls Wedding Ideas

December 21, 2008 by Christina

Rainbow House Niagara Falls Wedding Destination

Are you considering a Niagara Falls wedding?

Some call it the “Las Vegas of the North”. Others simply call it a blast. Niagara Falls is the honeymoon capital of the world and is also quickly becoming Canada’s wedding capital.

The Niagara Falls, the area’s main attraction, is one of the wonders of the world, but there’s a lot more to this region than this popular destination.

There are historic parks, countless entertainment venues, a casino and a technicolour downtown that is both kitschy and captivating.

Just minutes outside of Niagara Falls, is Niagara-on-the-Lake, a splendid town known for its orchards, vineyards and theatre. Countless charming inns and bed and breakfasts are located in the area. Niagara on the Lake weddings are perfect for couples who want a small wedding that is unique and away from city life.

Whether you love the neon energy of busy Niagara Falls or the beauty of its nearby wine region, there’s no doubt a Niagara Falls wedding can be fabulous!

Venues For Having a Niagara Falls Wedding

Embassy Suites Hotel Niagara Falls - This hotel, located in Niagara Falls, gives you the chance to get married 40-storeys above the Niagara Falls, with a spectacular view of the famous natural wonder. The hotel has numerous wedding packages to choose from and has wedding specialists on staff to help plan your wedding.

Fairbanks House Bed and Breakfast - If you fancy getting married in Niagara Falls, but still want something quaint, why not tie the knot at a bed and breakfast close to the falls? The Fairbanks House Bed and Breakfast, a restored Victorian inn built in 1877, is located on the Niagara River overlooking the Niagara Gorge, just minutes downstream from the falls.

Venues For Niagara-on-the-Lake Weddings

Vineland Estates Winery Weddings - This vineyard, which is located in pastoral Jordan just outside of Niagara-on-the-Lake, is a gorgeous setting to say your “I do’s.” Acres of grapevines on rolling hills make this a sight to behold. The winery has a gourmet restaurant, as well as a beautiful stone building called the Carriage House that can be rented for intimate weddings. The Carriage House offers a stunning, panoramic view of the vineyard.

The Prince of Wales Hotel - The Prince of Wales can accommodate gatherings from eight to 80. Wedding packages at the Prince of Wales include consultations with a wedding specialist, romantic guest room for the bride and groom, all table dressing, banqueting space, and personalized menu–all within the elegance of this historical Victorian hotel.

Château des Charmes - This vineyard offers you an elegant venue for your reception. Weddings held in the vineyard’s marquis-covered courtyard which overlooks the St. David’s Bench Vineyard, as well as inside a choice of elegant rooms on site.

Photo: Rainbow House Bed and Breakfast, Niagara Falls, ON.

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Cruise Ship Wedding Theme Ideas

December 18, 2008 by Christina

beach cupcake nautical theme wedding Getting hitched aboard a ship in a warm part of the world? Here are some ideas for a cruise ship theme wedding.

Stationery – Use seashells, palm trees, water, boat or sun motifs for your invitations. Create scroll invitations and place theme inside a bottle for ‘message in a bottle’ invitations.

Flowers/Centerpieces/Décor – Using sand and shells when decorating will help set the theme. Candles in sand filled mason jars, for instance, will look great on the tables.

Colors - Use bright, tropical colors, or stick with crisp linen shades. Or go with the nautical colors blue and white.

Food - Serve seafood and fish. Chocolate seashells added to your wedding cake are a nice touch. A wedding cake in the shape of a ship would also be a whimsical touch to add to the cruise ship theme.

Favors - Give guests small, galvanized beach pails filled with Hershey’s kisses, saltwater taffy, or votive candles. Luggage tags with a cruise ship theme are also a nice touch. There are also personalized mint favor tins with cruise ship themes available online.

Filed Under: Destination Weddings, Theme Weddings | 1 Comment

Romantic Wedding on a Boat: Have a Wedding on a Cruise Ship

December 13, 2008 by Christina

cruise ship wedding For her first wedding, Pat eloped. Although her second marriage would also involve travel – it would be worlds apart from her first.

Pat and Chris, who both had a fondness for cruises, thought there was no better place to have a wedding than on a boat. They both loved the idea of a destination wedding and chose a Royal Caribbean cruise ship to say their “I do’s.”

“We wanted an adventure that was truly “us.” I didn’t want a cookie cutter wedding … I wanted to have time to visit and enjoy every guest,” says Pat, who adds that family and friends reacted with excitement to the news of the cruise ship wedding.

Along with 32 guests, the 40-something couple, who reside in Dallas, Texas, hopped aboard The Royal Caribbean’s Monarch of the Seas in Fort Lauderdale Florida for a 5-day wedding journey, which took them to Key West and Cozumel.

The ceremony was held in the ship’s lounge while the ship was docked. Windows overlooking the port on both sides gave a wonderful view of the ocean, says Pat. Chris’s 21-year old son acted as his dad’s best man, while his 14-year old daughter served as Pat’s maid of honor.

After the service, pictures were taken, and a four-course luncheon reception – complete with linens and crystal, was held in one of the ship’s dining rooms.

“It was a wonderful, delightful time,” says Pat.

Because the ship offered a package deal, the couple says planning was virtually stress-free. In fact, Pat estimates it took only 80 hours of planning – and that includes addressing the invitations.

Pat says that for her the best thing about having a wedding on a boat, aside from the lack of stress, was that she and Chris didn’t have to run from place to place on their wedding day. Instead, they could spend time with their friends and family.

Her advice to other couples considering a wedding on a cruise ship?

“Don’t sweat the small stuff,” she says. “And invite everyone you want to be there. People will really come, as long as you give them plenty of notice.”

Cruise ship weddings are becoming increasingly popular – not just for second weddings. According to travel industry experts, more and more couples marrying for the first time are having cruise ship weddings.

Why are they so popular? One of the reasons is that they are generally less expensive than more traditional weddings. A couple can have a cruise ship wedding for less than $1,000, however the average cost is around $7,000 (and that’s with 100 guests). Also, they are relatively easy to plan, especially if you hire a wedding coordinator specializing in cruise ship weddings. Cruise lines are making the most of this growing trend by actively promoting cruise weddings. Most have all-inclusive packages to make your life easy that include everything from an onboard photographer to wedding flowers. Couples who want more customized packages can forgo the packages and create their own event.

Usually the ceremony at a cruise ship wedding takes place in port (the only cruise ship line that allows captains to marry couples at sea is Princess Cruises). Because each port will have different legal requirements for weddings, it’s important to hire someone who can help you meet all of the requirements. Guests can hop on board for the ceremony and reception, and then say their goodbyes when the ship departs. However, many are opting to stay aboard.

One word of caution: if you’re a control freak you might want to steer clear of this option. Generally a wedding planner will be handling most of the details for you, which might not be for everyone.

Photo: http://www.royalwed.com/cruiseship