(Awaiting Romance by Saying “I Do” Away From Home)

From tying the knot against the backdrop of the sun setting over the ocean to saying your vows under the shade of a rain tree, there is more than just wedding- they are the experience of a lifetime.

Destination weddings are unique, romantic getaways that make it possible to truly celebrate your love and cater to your interests. Of course, every engaged couple wants their wedding to be unique and different; however, a destination wedding is something truly special — an occasion which will never be forgotten by your guests and will create a joyous experience for all present, especially the bride and groom. A destination wedding brings that daydream of a fairytale wedding to life.

So what exactly is a destination wedding?

Simply putting, it’s the ultimate way to make that special day even more special. You and your family and guests travel to that perfect location where you’ve always dreamed of getting married. Is your dream to have your wedding on a tropical island? On the coast? A mountain top? All of these things are possible for your destination wedding — it’s only limited by your imagination; the price tag may not be as much of a factor as you think.

That’s right; a destination wedding can actually be cheaper than a conventional ceremony and reception. Think about the costs that go into a traditional wedding for a minute — facility rental, staff and so on. In a destination wedding, the location itself is the star of the show — other than the bride, that is.

Of course, travel and lodging can be expensive; this is why if a destination wedding is something you’d like for that joyous occasion you should go through a destination wedding travel agent or luxury travel agency who is experienced in making the arrangements for destination weddings. They have the negotiating leverage and skills to get you the best possible deal on lodging for you and your guests separately from travel expenses or as part of an all-inclusive package deal.

A skilled destination wedding travel agent can save you all of the trouble and expense of wrangling with airlines and hotel companies on your own — if you are to be married soon; you no doubt have enough on your mind already! This is one of those cases where taking the do-it-yourself approach may not get you the best results. Fortunately, there are some great wedding travel agents out there who specialize in figuring out all of the details of destination weddings so that the couple and their guests can just enjoy the happy day without having to sweat over the logistics of the wedding.

Your wedding day is one of the most special days of your life. You can make it absolutely perfect by opting for a destination wedding travel agent and getting the perfect backdrop for your vows. No matter what that dream location for your wedding is, it can be done, often for less than a wedding in your own town!

How do I find a Specialty Travel Agent for Destination Wedding?

Ask for recommendations from friends who have successfully used specialty destination travel agents to plan their events.

Check your local agency for agents with credentials like CTC, DS, and LS. The CTC (Certified Travel Counselor) certification is awarded to agents who have at least five years experience and have completed an educational program and exam. DS (Destination Specialist) agents have taken additional training in a destination throughout the world. Certified Destination Specialists have taken the comprehensive training in their destination and have had further education by actually visiting their specialty destination. LS (Lifestyle Specialist) agents have further developed their niche market through additional education. Certified Lifestyle Specialists have relevant travel experience in addition to the lifestyle education.

Check out the agent members listed on the Specialty Travel Agents Association website. They utilize a comprehensive search engine that allows you to search for specialty agents by destinations, niche markets, activities or interests. Agents must have a certification or have extensive experience in their specialty.

What should I expect once I find a specialty in Destination Wedding Travel Agent?

Once you have found an agent you would like to use and feel comfortable with, be prepared to give lots of information about yourself and your personal preferences.

For example, the type of hotel you like to stay in, what you like to do and most important, your budget. After all, they will be making selections that best fit your wedding travel needs. The more information you give them, the better suited to your individual preferences your itinerary will be.

Don’t be afraid to ask for exactly what you want or to contact them during your trip if needed. Do be prepared to pay a service fee for their services. And don’t forget to recommend them to friends when you are happy with their service and knowledge. So if you want discover the most popular wedding destinations that are sure to create romantic memories of a lifetime. As, luxury travel agency build their business on personal recommendations and satisfied travel customers!