From Bars to Beaches

From bars to beaches, more couples are saying «I Do» to destination weddings. AskMeWeddings.com reports a 27% increase in bookings and anticipates continued growth due to stress-free and affordable options. Couples can take the plunge without sacrificing savings or sanity with the following packages and ideas. Couples seeking more fun, less fuss are booking more casual locations.

In Baltimore, Brad and Joanna Hudsontied the knot at Rocket to Venus, the bar where they met. Glen and Sarah Watkins said «I Do» at their favorite beach bar on St. Croix. «It’s about bringing friends, family together,» said Sarah Watkins, «The location was icing on the cake.» Hotel Viking in Newport, Rhode Island, which offers a chapel and a courtyard garden for weddings, reports an increase in couples inquiring about the rooftop bar for celebrations.

«Couples are expressing their creativity through unique locations and events,» says Hilary Lanzer of AskMeWeddings.com, which coordinates destination weddings at Caribbean resorts. Lanzer says at Coconut Bay Resort & Spa in St. Lucia couples are adding a beach bonfire complete with cocktails and live music to the Pearl Wedding Package.

Starting at $6999 for up to 26 guests, the Pearl package includes photography, a cocktail reception, private dinner, steel band, and much more. «The average cost of a wedding in the US is more than $29,000,» said Lanzer. «But in the Caribbean and Mexico you get so much more for a lot less.»