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Believe it or not, you can save time, and the frustration of complex wedding plans, and you can probably cut your wedding costs in half by hiring a travel agent instead of a wedding consultant. Actually, your best choice is probably a wedding planner who specializes in destinations or a travel agent who specializes in weddings. But, don't worry; these people are out there doing a booming business. Recent market surveys indicate that destination weddings are increasing in popularity daily. Destination planners will coordinate everything: accommodations, legal documents, the ceremony and photographer, flowers, food, and entertainment.

Enjoy Your Wedding

The advantages of a destination wedding are considerable. To begin with, they are by their very nature less formal; so there's much less pressure to host the perfect wedding. Furthermore, destination weddings generally have smaller guest lists. You can enjoy your wedding with your closest friends and family, and not worry about all the strangers who somehow make it onto an ordinary guest list. And finally, your wedding and honeymoon will blend into one. Really, you're inviting your favorite people to join you on your honeymoon.

Enjoy What You Like to Do

Since you're inviting your guests to travel with you, and they're essentially planning a vacation around your wedding, give considerable thought to what you and your guests want to do before and after the wedding. You might want to choose a place where you can enjoy a favorite activity such as skiing, biking, scuba diving, horseback riding, swimming, rock climbing, golf, or tennis. You might choose a tropical climate or romantic scenery or just somewhere to get away from it all.

Choosing a Destination

Your choice of location will dictate many factors about your wedding, including its cost. There are so many breathtakingly beautiful wedding destinations all over the world; the most difficult part of having a destination wedding is probably choosing the best location to celebrate. Here are a few favorites:

Nationally

Mendocino, California

A visual, spiritual, art lover's paradise; Mendocino village is located along the rugged Northern California coast. The climate is surprisingly moderate in this picture-perfect, oceanfront village where small markets, intimate restaurants, charming B&B Inns and art galleries are all within easy walking distance from each other. The backdrop is spectacular ocean views. There's everything from hot tubs spas and excellent massage, to horseback riding, kayaking and abalone diving.

Hawaii

Oahu, with its pristine, aquamarine blue waters and long, powdery beaches is about as luxurious as it gets. Not to mention it has rugged mountains to explore. Maui is another beautiful location for your dream wedding. With its velvety warmth and secluded beaches that guarantee privacy. Or try the big island of Hawaii where you can swim with dolphins or climb the peaks of an active volcano and pay homage to the Hawaiian goddess, Pele.

Internationally

Mexico:

Mexico is home to 2 gorgeous holiday wedding locations. If you're dreaming of white beaches and crystal clear water, opt for Cancun. On the other hand, Cozumel, just off the Yucatan Peninsula, offers some of the world's best scuba diving along with charming resorts and secluded beaches.

Jamaica:

Jamaica offers a backdrop of rich culture and easy living in a tropical climate. You and your guests can visit breathtaking waterfalls, enjoy ruggedly beautiful mountaintops, and exquisitely clean beaches.

Bermuda:

Some claim Bermuda is a true paradise on earth. It is one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Adorned with lush green gardens, exquisite pink sand beaches, and unique coral reefs, the island is as inviting as the hospitality is charming.