Wedding Locations | The Destination Wedding Blog

Getting Married at One&Only Ocean Club in the Bahamas

22 May 2013 by Harmony · 2 Comments

honeymoons at ocean club Getting Married at One&Only Ocean Club in the Bahamas

If you want a wedding with oodles of privacy, lots of luxury, an authentic island experience, and a bit off the beaten’ path, but don’t actually want to go off the beaten’ path, then One&Only Ocean Club is for you. The Caribbean property, located on the somewhat secluded side of Paradise Island in the Bahamas, is one with old world charm, new world amenities and a calming spirit that lends itself perfectly to a peaceful and perfect destination wedding. I had the chance to explore this tropical paradise, and from the moment I touched down, I completely unplugged. And that’s not always easy to do! But I guess when this is your view from your suite, it gets easier…

oneonly ocean club resort Getting Married at One&Only Ocean Club in the Bahamas

Or the view from this pool!

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So what makes this property stand out from the rest? Well, to start, it has one of, if not, THE most spectacular ceremony site I’ve seen at a resort. See what I mean!?

wedding locations bahamas Getting Married at One&Only Ocean Club in the Bahamas

Ancient cloisters were flown in from monasteries throughout Europe and erected atop a beautiful garden hillside overlooking the crystal clear blue Caribbean waters. Need I say more? It’s the perfect place to say “I do” if you want that feeling of a spiritual ceremony without getting married in a church. And if that’s not your style, the backdrop equally transforms your event into a grand affair with the comfortable formality only an Oscar De La Renta dress in the sand only could create.

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From ceremony to reception, you and your guests can tent the neighboring lawn and dance the night away, move to the beachside and drink cocktails on the deck; or depending on the size of the event, even retire to one of the villas fit for royalty (and rumor has it that Hollywood royalty call this location home regularly). The food is superb, the service is always friendly with a smile, and the rooms are welcoming, spacious, and anchored with amazing tubs (sign of a good stay).

weddings at oneonly ocean club Getting Married at One&Only Ocean Club in the Bahamas

One&Only Ocean Club is prime for a buyout so you and your guests can have the entire run of the property and rest and relax poolside or beachside with the serene luxury they provide. If you and your friends are looking for a little more action, host a room block at their nearby sister properties at the Atlantis Resort. Guests can draw out the kid in them at the waterpark, or dine at one of their 20+ incredible restaurants, then return to the quiet romance of the One&Only Ocean Club.

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White sand, clear blue waters, epic weather, the beauty of the past with the luxury of the future – what more could you ask for from your destination wedding location?

ocean club bahamas Getting Married at One&Only Ocean Club in the Bahamas

Well, how about bathrooms as beautiful as these?! This was my tub, fit for royalty for sure!

ocean club honeymoons Getting Married at One&Only Ocean Club in the Bahamas one and only ocean club1 Getting Married at One&Only Ocean Club in the Bahamas

Thank you Anna, One&Only, and the entire staff at Ocean Club for an unforgettable experience at one of my now favorite destination wedding locations on earth!

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Top 10 Vermont Wedding Venues

26 March 2013 by Harmony · Leave a Comment

Today we’ve got a special guest expert with us, Paige Hiller, Founder and Creative Director of Vermont Wedding Style. We’re thrilled she has joined us to share her Vermont wedding expertise.

Vermont may not be the first place to roll off your tongue when you start to think about your destination wedding, but that’s probably because you haven’t seen these amazing venues! A beautiful state filled with unique barn and ranch properties, farm to table organic wedding fare, and wonderful event professionals – Vermont really does have it all! To see what we mean, take a look at part one of Paige’s recommendations for the top ten wedding venues in Vermont.

SVACbuilding Top 10 Vermont Wedding Venues

Southern Vermont Arts Center
“The Southern Vermont Arts Center is truly a unique setting for your wedding celebration. Set on Mount Equinox, the grounds of the Southern Vermont Arts Center offers breath-taking views, as well as beautiful botanical paths, an enclave of Bradford Pear trees, a sculpture garden, and vast meadows and fields for your guests to meander through. The Yester House Gallery, a historic 1917 Georgian revival mansion is the jewel in the crown of the Arts Center’s campus. The 28- room National Register of Historic Places mansion was built as a “country cottage,” a place to get away from the hurly-burly of Manhattan. The Yester House Gallery’s grand staircase and ten beautiful galleries is a perfect backdrop to an intimate rehearsal dinner, wedding ceremony, cocktails and elegant sit down dinner.

The Elizabeth de C. Wilson Museum, arguably the East Coast’s finest contemporary exhibition space not set in a major urban center. Designed by noted architect Hugh Newell Jacobsen, the Wilson Museum is an exquisite venue for the couple who is looking for a modern backdrop for their wedding.

The Arkell Pavilion is a 400 seat acoustical gem without equal. A former barn, the Pavilion was completely restored in 2000. You can transform this incredible space into a nightclub for you and your guests to dance the night away.”

Pond PavilionFull Top 10 Vermont Wedding Venues

The Pond Pavilion at The Equinox
“Located at the base of Mt. Equinox, this pond-side Pavilion offers beautiful wooden architectural details and awe inspiring views of the Equinox Pond and Green Mountains. With ample outdoor space for a dramatic mountain and pond-side ceremony and cocktail reception, the Pavilion is considered a ‘hidden gem’ with unparalleled natural beauty.”

West Monitor Barn Top 10 Vermont Wedding Venues

The West Monitor Barn
“Located in Richmond, Vermont, the West Monitor Barn is a beautiful rustic wedding venue. West Monitor Barn is a unique wedding venue; all proceeds go towards funding Vermont Youth Conservation Corps programs. The magnificent post and beam interior is spacious and cozy, elegant and charming. Outside, the West Monitor Barn is surrounded by spectacular views of forests, woodlands hills, conserved fields and Vermont’s third tallest mountain, Camel’s Hump.”

von trapp family lodge 2 Top 10 Vermont Wedding Venues

Trapp Family Lodge
“If you have always loved the movie, The Sound of Music, then you will fall in love with the Trapp Family Lodge. Situated on 2,500 acres overlooking the classic New England village of Stowe, Vermont, the Trapp Family Lodge is the perfect setting for a wedding.”

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Grand Isle Lake House
“The Grand Isle Lake House is situated on Robinson’s Point, a 55 acre rolling point of land with 2500 feet of Lake Champlain shoreline. Reminiscent of another era, the Grand Isle Lake House is a jewel in her crown, offering an unparalleled lakeshore setting for weddings. The sweeping views of the lake and the Green Mountains from the grand wrap-around porch provide a spectacular backdrop for a destination wedding.”

Thanks so much Paige for sharing your faves with us! Stay tuned for tomorrow when we’ll share the rest of her top ten wedding locations in Vermont!

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Mustique Honeymoon Villa Where the Royals Stay

15 February 2013 by Harmony · Leave a Comment

Mustique is quickly becoming a hot spot for honeymooners thanks to Wills and Kate who recently took time off for a babymoon on the island. Mustique is a small island in the Grenadines (in the West Indies). A lovely place to unwind without the hustle and bustle of big ports or cities, this oasis boasts some pretty spectacular villas you can call home on your honeymoon.

One such villa is where the prince and princess actually stayed! Aurora Mustique is a spacious 3 bedroom suite house with awe-inspiring views of the island. The house includes a media room, a great room, viewing and dining gazebos, as well as a quaint little cottage with two extra bedrooms. You can live lavishly at the Aurora House, as it’s air-conditioned and fully staffed with a butler, chef, maids, gardener, and even Reggie, an adorable island dog ready to love! Of course, if you want you time spent here pet free, that can be arranged.

While you may want to just stay at your own private villa the whole honeymoon, there are also many things that can be done on the island during your stay! Of course you can visit the beach with its crystal clear waters. Or you can view the island by riding horses: super romantic! Or you can just stroll/explore on your own, walking along the paths (take Reggie too if you like!) So whether you are going to spend your honeymoon here or your babymoon (like Will and Kate), the Aurora House on the island of Mustique is a breathtaking location to spend your first few days of being newlyweds!

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Easy Wedding Locations to Book for Your Destination Wedding

5 February 2013 by Harmony · 1 Comment

Looking for a location for that fabulous destination wedding or honeymoon you’ve been dreaming of? Booking with confidence is key when planning the trip of a lifetime, so know where to go and just who to plan with before you board that flight! Apple Vacations is one such company to do all the heavy lifting for you – they’ll book your travel arrangements, even connect you with a wedding planner to take care of the rest! With a collection of romantic hotels and properties throughout Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and Hawaii you’ve got plenty of options to pick the place that’s just perfect for you! Apple Vacations is the perfect home for a couple who wants a simple planning process when designing from afar.

One of the lovely places to seal the deal on your love is at IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts. Consider a destination wedding overlooking pristine shorelines in paradises in Mexico and the Caribbean. They have several wedding options to choose from, including the Star, Silver, or Gold Star wedding where wedding coordinators onsite will take care of your every last detail. With only one wedding per day, you’ll get the privacy you crave with the view you’ll die for.

Iberostar properties will handle everything from flowers to cake to your first meal as newlyweds and more (packages starting as low as $999). With a variety of venue and ceremony locations, custom and a la carte options, and an array of price points, there’s something for everyone in the IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts weddings program.

And booking with Apple Vacations will save your guests cash and heartache too with their Group-Ease program, where you’ll get promo-code discounts for groups as small as ten passengers. Book 10 or more rooms, and get airfare credits on exclusive vacation flights and a free hotel stay.

Happy Travels!

sponsored posts Easy Wedding Locations to Book for Your Destination Wedding

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The Hottest Places to Travel in 2013

23 January 2013 by Harmony ·

Nicaragua luxury resorts The Hottest Places to Travel in 2013

Last week the New York Times published their 46 top picks of places to travel in 2013 and as it turns out, many of them make amazing honeymoon and destination wedding locations too! Who made the hot spots? Houston for a domestic I do! Rio was on the list (though we venture to say that it will be even more popular when the World Cup and the Olympics land there in a few years). For a winter destination wedding, consider Rossland, British Columbia – easy to get to from Washington.

British Columbia ski resorts The Hottest Places to Travel in 2013

Montenegro, the tiny island on the Adriatic gives you the best of both worlds – you get to live like kings of ages past but priced far more affordably for those of us non-royalty.

Montenegro The Hottest Places to Travel in 2013

Croatia also topped the list and we couldn’t agree more! We’ve worked with many couples lately saying I do to this lovely land – complete with luxury resorts and lots of ancient architecture.

croitia The Hottest Places to Travel in 2013

The Philippines got a mention, not only great for honeymoons but intimate and far away destination weddings too.

tropical destination wedding The Hottest Places to Travel in 2013

Even the big island of Hawaii made the list! To see all these hip destinations from the NY Times and get great ideas for your honeymoon, click here. All images from the New York Times.

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Rancho Pescadero Wedding Location in Todos Santos, Mexico

2 November 2012 by Harmony · 1 Comment

destination weddings todos santos Rancho Pescadero Wedding Location in Todos Santos, Mexico

Location scouting for a destination wedding isn’t always easy. Often expensive trips for site visits and not enough time of the ground can make the process less than the relaxing vacation you deserve. So we asked the ladies at Signature Event Consulting and Design about some of their favorite spots to save you a trip. One such venue – Rancho Pescadero in Todos Santos, Mexico. As regulars planning events on property, they’re here today to give us an inside look at getting married in this picturesque place.

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“We love Rancho Pescadero because it is truly a standout among all of the resorts in the Todos Santos area. The service here is distinguished by sincerity. Each and every one of your guests will be treated to individual attention and with the utmost respect and appreciation. Here, you will feel at home. The staff is professional, while still personal and incredibly friendly.”

rancho pescadero hotel Rancho Pescadero Wedding Location in Todos Santos, Mexico

Where on property do they recommend you say “I do?” “We think that the extensive stretch of private beach at the Ranch is a dreamy location for an intimate ceremony. Local elements offer an authentic Mexican appeal. Cocktail hour and the reception location can be tailored to your particular desires and the ambiance of the event. A pool-side grass terrace with fire-pit is a perfect area for dancing and lounging. The lobby entrance can be transformed into a unique reception locale. The beauty of this place is that over the course of the event new spaces and places can be revealed to guests, peak their interest and create an element of surprise. And because of its expansive layout, guests can still navigate the property without glimpse of the behind-the-scenes work we’ll be doing to prepare for your big night.”

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But this venue isn’t just about the big day’s festivities. “We suggest indulging in one of the Ranch’s daily yoga offerings. The place itself, is a truly spiritual haven for your practice, creating a sense of instant inner peace and tranquility! I think it is the perfect relaxation technique for the yogi-inclined bride-to-be!

boutique hotels los cabos Rancho Pescadero Wedding Location in Todos Santos, Mexico

The essentials: Overnight accommodations for up to 64, Wedding receptions for up to 100, Packages available.

A special thanks to the ladies of Signature Event Consulting and Design for sharing their location favorites with us!

Photos: 1, 4, 5: Rancho Pescadero, 2,3: Everett Potter.

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Love at First Site Weddings

30 October 2012 by Harmony · Leave a Comment

Secrets Maroma Wedding Gazebo Love at First Site Weddings

When planning a destination wedding, the location search can be of the most challenging parts of the process. But it doesn’t have to be! Thanks to the travel and wedding gurus at Love at First Site Weddings, they’ve taken the guess work (and the work) out of the process for you. What if you could purchase a less than painful in price weekend package that allowed you to on-location scout accompanied by a team of experts who show you the best the region has to offer and in a way that engaged couples need to see it!?! Think mock ceremony setups during a tour, reservations for dinner at the spots most favored by previous wedding couples, and interviews with all the site service staff you’d be working with for your big day. Sounds pretty simple. It actually is!

Palace Resort Wedding Reception Love at First Site Weddings

Love at First Site has spent extensive time and travel researching what they think are the best properties for destination weddings around the world (with the bulk of their requests coming from Mexico, Punta Cana, and Jamaica). That means they’ve vetted the options before you boar. Then, when you touch down you are greeted by their friendly and oh-so knowledgeable staff to begin an experiential tour of the region and options available to you. Oh, and you get a little romantic weekend away for two too!

When the perfect place is selected, the team at Love at First Site Weddings then handles your travel for the big day. As trained travel agents, they will ensure all your guests arrive in time to celebrate with you in style!

But what’s the best way to start? We asked Love at First Site Weddings how to make this process a simple (and fun) experience.

Secrets Marquis Cabo Reception Love at First Site Weddings

JF: What should couples do first?

LAFSW: Brides and grooms should first consider what is most important to them in this process, what they expect for their wedding or what they want for their guests for this wedding? Once they answer that question, answers to questions about destination, budget, resort, time of year will all be easier to answer. A balance is possible but you have to understand what the driving force is.

And don’t forget to think about what type of wedding you want – Symbolic, Legal or Religious. Then find out what is needed from the destination you are interested in. Know what you need to do to make sure that is the best place for you to be married. Requirements occasionally change, so make sure you verify these details early in the process.

Now Sapphire Wedding Gazebo Love at First Site Weddings

JF: What details should couples look for when on a scouting visit?

LAFSW: Use your senses: taste the food, see the property, smell the aromas, touch the tangible items & feel your emotions (trust your gut), and listen to what you are being told and offered.

Dreams Los Cabos Reception Love at First Site Weddings

JF: How far out should site visits be conducted?

LAFSW: A couple should begin planning as soon as they decide on a destination wedding. Popular resorts book up their wedding dates quickly, so the sooner a couple can firm up those details, the better chance they will get the date/location/time they wish. This goes for the site inspections as well. The location is the first decision to be made, so if it’s made early in the process, all the other planning decisions can be made after that. Plus, once you see the resort in person, you get a better idea of how you envision your wedding day.

Dreams Palm Beach Destination Wedding Love at First Site Weddings

For more information about site visits, destination wedding locations, and legal marriage requirements, visit Love at First Site Weddings. And if you’ve got room in your schedule, then pack your bags for their upcoming trips to Montego Bay, Riviera Maya or the Bahamas!

Photo Credits: Round Ceremony Structure: Secrets Maroma, Purple Beach Ceremony: Palace Resorts, Pink + White Poolside: Secrets Marquis Cabo, Bridge w/Couple: Now Sapphire, Yellow Poolside Reception: Dreams Los Cabos, Yellow Reception on Sand: Dreams Palm Beach

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Olowalu Plantation House, Maui, Hawaii

26 October 2012 by Harmony · Leave a Comment

ted craig photo1 Olowalu Plantation House, Maui, Hawaii

{Photo: Tad Craig Photo}

If you’re on the hunt for a fabulous place to wed on Maui with the privacy of a private home, the million dollar view of a beautiful resort, and the land to say I do with plenty of your closest friends and family, then look no further than the Olowalu Plantation House in Lahaina. A beautiful lawn that can serve up a reception for 200 looks out onto the ocean on one side, a historic plantation home on the other and overgrown trees filling in the land and protecting you and your loved ones from the elements (and onlookers).

tropical maui weddings 2 Olowalu Plantation House, Maui, Hawaii

{Photo Above + Below Left: Tropical Maui Weddings}

Lawn chairs for lazy moments looking out at sea, a rocky point perfect for photos, and large trees to hang lights from – this place provides you with all the ingredients Mother Nature can give to stage a stunning destination I do.

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While the interior of the home is a safe haven for the bride and her bridesmaids – to get ready in and to touch up throughout the evening.

jessica strickland photo 3 Olowalu Plantation House, Maui, Hawaii

And of course, the deck makes for a great lounge throughout the evening.

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{All Above Photos: Jessica Strickland}

For dinner, you can tent or dine underneath the stars and trees, and dance the night away until the 11pm curfew.

gina meola photo Olowalu Plantation House, Maui, Hawaii

{Photo: Gina Meola}

When you’re on property, one must take advantage of the rocky beach perfect for portraits of the bride and groom! Whether island casual or formal and traditional, this versatile historic home has a little something for everyone. For more information on the Olowalu Plantation House on Maui, check out the property here.

dimitri and sandra photo Olowalu Plantation House, Maui, Hawaii

{Photo: Dmitri and Sandra}

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Jumby Bay Wedding Scouting Trip

26 October 2012 by Harmony · Leave a Comment

Jumby Bay Weddings Jumby Bay Wedding Scouting Trip

Are you in the midst of finding that perfect destination wedding location? How do you know what’s right for you? Considering the Caribbean? Maybe even Antigua? Or better yet, a private island! Well, here’s one creative way to find out for sure what’s right for you – go on a group scouting trip!

Destination Bride and Jumby Bay are offering up a trip for engaged couples who want to check out the pristine private island Rosewood resort, Jumby Bay (off the coast of Antigua). The trip takes place from Nov. 29th to Dec. 2nd, during which time you’ll be wined and dined so you can experience all the resort has to offer. From accommodations in a beachside courtyard suite to a private rum tasting and plenty of gourmet meals, you’ll even have the chance to try out the hair and makeup staff with a styling and application! Sounding good? We’re not finished, also included is a snorkeling outing for two, a massage for each of you and a chance to dance the night away at a farewell dinner for you and your new found engaged friends. Call it a pre-honeymoon, a scouting trip, you can even call it work for your wedding, regardless you will have a great time while you get lots accomplished (a planning session comes included too)!

For more information, email caitlinkelly@destinationbride.com. Be sure to mention Jet Fete when inquiring about this opportunity and you’ll be taken great care of! Deadline to get on board is Nov. 15^th so get to packing!

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Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

28 September 2012 by Harmony · Leave a Comment

seven mile beach luxury resort Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

There are few beaches on earth more beautiful than Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman – soft white sands, seriously crystal blue still water, sea turtles and coral reef, warm weather and a handful of fabulous places and properties to drop anchor along the shore and stay for a week or two. This is the epitome of a picturesque honeymoon and destination wedding. And one of those places to make it so is The Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman, a super special luxury resort built right on that white sand. A place I’ve been many times (I even had a family member wed there), this is one resort I will never get tired of visiting.

luxury resorts grand cayman Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

You won’t see many indoor photos of the property here, as beautiful as it is and as inviting as the rooms and suites are – for me, it’s the grounds and beach that I just can’t stop staring at.

ritz carlton grand cayman Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Imagine waking up to breakfast on your oceanfront terrace before heading down to the beach for a lovely day lounging in beach beds and chairs just footsteps from the sea (oh, and they have beds in the water too if that suits your style). Then enjoy lunch delivered to your spot or happy hour poolside before getting dressed to dine at one of the resort’s several stellar restaurants. If you’re a foodie, you’re in luck. The Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman boasts several delish spots, including an acclaimed Eric Ripert restaurant, Blue.

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Now that this place is practically home and you’re settled into island time, gear up for the big day in the world famous La Prairie Spa (to give you that blushing bride glow).

Then comes the wedding – wait until sunset and you’ll have that expansive beach all to yourselves for the ceremony (and reception if you choose). Or take your party to the pool deck, ballroom or one of the property’s seven restaurants if barefoot in the sand isn’t your style.

david wolfe photography Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands wedding at the ritz carlton grand cayman Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands ritz carlton grand cayman weddings Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Last Three Images: David Wolfe

When to Go: For the best weather, December through April is ideal (be prepared for peak season rates but no hurricanes).

Travel Tip: A day on a catamaran or yacht is a must! Charter a boat out to Stingray City and swim with these special creatures for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.