If you’re reading this, chances are you’re looking for elopement inspiration. Whether you’re planning a small intimate elopement or a lavish party, you’ll want to find the perfect spot to get hitched. And while it might seem like there are just a few options when it comes to getting married in Europe, that’s not the case at all. There are actually plenty of great spots where you can elope from Portugal to Poland and beyond! Before you go though, you might want to have your custom designed rings already made. If you have a family heirloom that you want to use as an engagement ring, you may have it restored first by a jewelry repair expert. Alternatively, you may be looking to sell gold jewelry in order to get that perfect engagement ring. Look for a well-established service to get the best deal you can.
Lisbon, Portugal
If you’re looking to get married in one of Europe’s largest cities, then you’re in luck. Lisbon is one of the most romantic cities in the world, full of cobalt blue lights, a charming old town, and delicious food. The city is also home to several world-class hotels and has a thriving nightlife scene. In fact, many consider Lisbon the party capital of Europe.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is known for its party scene, and that’s not just because of the annual Formula 1 Grand Prix that is held there. It is also home to the country’s most exciting nightlife. There are loads of great places to get married in Barcelona, and if you’re looking for an international crowd, it’s one of the top places to elope in Europe. Just an hour outside of Barcelona is one of the most enchanting spots to elope; Montserrat Monastery.
Rome, Italy
Rome is known as the city of a thousand columns. Romans also love to celebrate their special occasions. You can choose from a variety of great options when it comes to getting married in Rome. Say I do, in front of the Trevi Fountain. Picture the Pantheon as the backdrop for your picture-perfect wedding in Italy.
Venice, Italy
If you’re looking for an elegant and classic way to tie the knot, then Venice is the place for you. The city is full of art and history, and you can expect to experience a sophisticated atmosphere at every turn. Picture saying your vows to each other in a gondola as your cruise along one of the many romantic canals.
Now that you’ve gotten a little insight into where you can elope in Europe, it’s time to get ready to get hitched! Whether you’re searching for an intimate ceremony or an extravagant wedding, there are a number of great options in Europe. For more information on the options available and to start planning your European elopement, reach out to me.
I have done several posts on destinations in Mexico and highlighted some of my favorite resorts, but this is my first post on Akumal. You may know from my travel coverage and social media that I am a Mexico destination specialist, but you might not know one of my favorite places to visit in Mexico. So here I am – sharing the sun, sandy beaches, and adventures of a beach getaway in Akumal, Mexico with you.
Photo Credit: AMResorts
Why Akumal?
Akumal has always been known as one of the top beach destinations in Mexico for vacationers. Akumal is located 62 miles south of Cancun, in between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Famous for its beautiful beach, beachfront hotel, swimmable lagoon, and home to some of the most romantic resorts located in the Riviera Maya.
What’s so great about Akumal?
I think Akumal is an incredible place to visit for a laid-back, no-compromise style that is perfect for a romantic getaway. It’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of Cancun and downtown Playa del Carmen. The area is also known for its wide range of ecosystems and biodiversity. It is nick-named ‘Turtle Town’ because it is here in Akumal that you can snorkel with sea turtles. It has it all: crystal clear turquoise water, secluded beaches, fun, sports like biking with a new bike from the monster cycle, and amazing food.
Explore Mayan Ruins
About an hour from Akumal is the ancient town of Coba. You can explore the area’s rich history by visiting the Coba ruins. This ancient Mayan city had enormous power before the age of Chichén Itzá. Here you will learn about the Mayan culture, and climb the tallest pyramid in the Riviera Maya.
Mayan Ruins At Tulum
You can also visit the ruins at Tulum. I highly recommend planning a private sunrise tour of Tulum. Seeing the ruins at sunrise will take your breath away, and you will be transported back in time to walk in the footsteps of the Mayan people.
Travel is about more than just ‘visiting’ a destination; it’s about exploring, learning about history and culture, and creating memories that you will never forget.
There are plenty of accommodation options to choose from in Akumal, from boutique properties to high-end luxury all-inclusive resorts. There is a place to suit every travel style and every occasion. I have my favorites, which one will be yours?
To find out more about planning a beach getaway in Akumal Mexico, and all of the options available, reach out to me here.
When you are getting married, there are so many decisions to make and so many details to plan. One of the most important decisions is where your wedding will be held. For some couples, a destination wedding may be ideal. A beautiful location with a fun atmosphere that feels like a party every time you look at it! With this in mind, I’ve put together some important things for you to think about regarding destination weddings and the difference between a legal and symbolic ceremony. Additionally, considering the details of your wedding can help prepare you for any question for USCIS marriage interview, ensuring that your celebration aligns with legal and personal expectations.
What is a Destination Wedding?
A destination wedding is when a couple gets married somewhere other than where they currently live. A destination wedding can be a great choice for couples who want to explore other cultures, get away from their hometown, or just have an adventure. There are many types of destination weddings, including destination weddings that are more than just a wedding trip.
Location, Location, Location
When picking a destination, it’s important to pick a place that fits both your and your partner’s interests and personalities. This will make the trip more exciting and enjoyable. It can also help create a more memorable trip because you’ll be spending time in a place that’s special to both of you. If you pick a destination that’s too far from home, your guests may feel bad about the cost to travel, and they may not want to make the trip. You don’t want to make your guests feel uncomfortable with their finances or the trip itself, so pick a location that is both within your guests’ budget and fun to visit! For example, consider looking into marquee hire Melbourne to create a beautiful and memorable setting that is accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
The Beauty of a Destination Wedding
If you’re into traveling and having an adventure, a destination wedding can be a great way to do both. You can choose a destination that fits both of your interests, which will make it even more special. There are many benefits to having a destination wedding, including how it makes your guests feel. It’s more likely to make your guests feel like they’re having an adventure too, and getting away on a fun trip. It’s also a great way to make memories with your partner that will last forever.
If you’re interested in exploring another culture, a destination wedding can be a great way to learn about another place and its people. Many couples feel that the beauty and scenery of their destination are what they love most about it. However, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, it’s the people, the environment, and other things that make a destination truly special and memorable.
Legal Considerations for a Destination Wedding
While destination weddings are often a lot of fun and exciting, they do have one legal issue for you to consider. A legal (civil) ceremony involves additional costs such as paperwork, officiant blood tests (if required), document translation services, and obtaining an Apostilla Acta. These requirements and costs vary based on the specific destination.
To avoid the added cost and a few potential headaches, many couples choose to have a symbolic ceremony. They get the legal stuff out of the way back home, before or after their destination wedding. No one is the wiser if you don’t spill the beans that you are already legally married, or plan to seal the deal when you return home.
The Price of A Destination Wedding & Travel
Traveling to a destination wedding can be costly. It’s important to set aside enough money to cover both your wedding event and your travel costs. Begin exploring investment resources to help you afford the trip. Depending on where you want to go, the cost could range from $10,000 -$30,000+, based on the number of guests, the location, the resort/venue, and all of the ceremony and wedding activities you want to include.
There are resort locations in Mexico for example, that have packages that include up to 30 people, that range from $4,000 to $5,000 for just the wedding ceremony & reception. Cecil Peak Queenstown Elopement Heli Wedding Package is also a popular choice. Please keep in mind, that many resorts charge an outside vendor fee for photography and videography for example, if you choose someone that is not one of the location’s preferred vendors. The outside vendor fee can range from $300 – $1,800 based on the venue or resort.
Pro-tip: Consider applying for a cashback credit card to use for your wedding deposit, your group room block deposit, and other associated wedding costs to help you save a little bit of money. Look for cards that offer a cashback match, and 0% interest for an extended period of time. For example, The Discover it Cash Back card.
Who’s Invited?
If you’re having a destination wedding, there will be some people you invite, who won’t attend. If that is a problem for you or your partner, consider hosting an after-wedding party back home. So those who couldn’t make it can celebrate with you.
Final Words
To make sure your wedding goes off without a hitch, work with a destination wedding travel specialist or planner. Choose someone that has worked with the resort or venue, and knows the location. They will be your ally throughout the entire process and eliminate any planning stress.
Be flexible with your wedding date. Many popular places for destination weddings have limited availability, as far out as 2024. Consider a midweek day (Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday) for better options.
For questions about destination weddings, and legal or symbolic ceremonies, reach out to me.
