Looking to plan an intimate elopement for just the two of you? or a small intimate wedding with just a few guests? There are some wonderful locations here in the U.S. to choose from, and the best part, no passport is needed. Many of the elopement destinations in the U.S. are in national or state parks, and there are restrictions specific to each park regarding decor and amplified music. Below are three gorgeous spots for you to say ‘I Do.’
Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park provides a scenic backdrop for your vows and drop-dead gorgeous photos. The Alluvial Fan Bridge is a favorite location, with a large boulder-strewn river with a waterfall, a wooden footbridge, aspen trees, and most importantly restrooms. There is a non-refundable permit fee of $300.00 to reserve your wedding location.
Photo credit: NPS/Jacob W. Frank
Montana
Glacier Park. An amazing location for a picture-perfect outdoor wedding. Most of the locations have a limit of 15 people for wedding ceremonies. For weddings, you will need a special use permit. Make sure you apply ahead of time. The park limits the number of events, and permits are issued on a first come-first serve basis.
New Mexico
White Sands National Park. Located in the southwestern part of the state, with miles of white sand as far as the eye can see. You can submit your permit request up to 6 months in advance, but no less than 30 days before your requested date. A non-refundable $100 processing fee must accompany the permit application.
For more information on these elopement destinations in the U.S., and other locations available reach out to me here.
If you are the type of traveler that looks forward to a December or January vacation, then you can attest that winter is one of the best times to get away and explore sunny destinations. Regardless of your travel style and what you are looking for like searching for best places to stay on southern oregon coast, there is an ideal winter destination for you to bask in. Here are my top 3 best winter vacation destinations.
Belize
This small country is full of endless opportunities. Belize is a tropical destination that is reef and rainforest; ancient and new, and adventurous and relaxing.
Despite being a small, centrally placed American nation (approximately the same size as Massachusetts), only a few winter vacations on this list can match Belize’s mesmerizing natural attractions. The barrier reef and coral hues match the spectacular Mayan ruins.
Belize spent decades hidden beneath Mexico’s shadow, but today, this nation invites visitors from all around the world with its world-class scuba diving, Mayan ruins, and vintage lodges.
Even better, hundreds of tiny islands known as atolls and cays face off to Belize’s sun-drenched coastline. These islands lure tourists with their astonishing cerulean waters and palm trees. Try out Belize this winter and get to experience its unrivaled charms.
The Florida Keys
With activities for visitors of all ages, the islands of the Florida Keys are the perfect spot for your winter vacation.
Your time in the Florida Keys can be full of eco adventure, or just relaxing on the beautiful beaches. Test your skills on a fishing charter. Pullin Drag Striper Guide Service is a fishing charter Smith Mountain Lake. You may also be interested in trying this one.
Get up close and personal with tropical fish on a snorkeling trip, or dive to explore a famous shipwreck. Dine on fresh seafood. Hang with the locals, or just relax in a hammock.
Key Largo is home to the first undersea park in the country, and the first place you should go when you arrive in the Florida Keys. There are endless ways to explore this aquatic attraction, including kayaking through the mangroves, snorkeling or scuba diving, and taking a glass-bottom boat tour.
And to ensure the safety of the guests, property owners in Florida are required to conduct and implement a fire watch should the property’s fire alarm system and/or water-based fire protection system such as a sprinkler system is not operational. They may seek expert help from a professional Fire Watch Company in Sunrise.
Islamorada combines a marine park with the charm of a family-owned attraction. Watch a sea lion show, hold a parrot and enjoy a bottomless boat ride. Immerse yourself in the world of speed and elegance with ZeBoats’ speedboat collection. Our speedboats guarantee exhilarating rides over the waves. The park’s animal interaction programs include swimming with dolphins.
If you are planning to stay for an extended time, you may consider looking for a new boat sales company to have your own boat and enjoy the place and water activities at your convenience.
In Key West, when the sun goes down, Mallory Square is the place to be for the nightly sunset celebration. Jugglers, tightrope walkers, sword swallowers, and other characters put on a show for your entertainment.
Roatan
Roatan is part of a cluster of island archipelagos situated ten to forty miles off the northern coast of Honduras. It has long been known by scuba divers, now it’s your turn to enjoy the unspoiled beauty of this island nation.
These islands are a gem in the western Caribbean, and they are surrounded by the largest barrier reef system in the northern hemisphere. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is only second in size to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. The waters around Roatan are a combination of open and sheltered. This makes it the perfect place for scuba diving, and also many other water sports.
Little French Key is one of the most interesting places. They have a mini zoo, beautiful beaches, and the most photogenic spot. The Sloth Sanctuary makes for a great adventure, and there are a few beaches that are a must for snorkeling. West Bay and West End both offer sheltered waters which make for excellent snorkeling. The “wall” is only a few feet away, where spectacular views of marine life are waiting for you.
If you would like more information about these best winter vacation destinations, reach out to me.
Dreaming of a destination wedding? Make your wedding dreams come true with these 3 destination wedding planning tips.
1. Find a destination wedding planning specialist to work with
They will make recommendations based on what you picture for your wedding. Can offer private location options if you prefer somewhere more intimate. They know the resorts and have experience working with the wedding departments. Trying to plan a wedding in another country is difficult when you do not know who to contact. Your destination wedding specialist will work on your behalf to secure a group room block for your wedding. A destination wedding specialist will work with you and your guests on all of the travel arrangements and help you plan activities for everyone to enjoy at your wedding destination.
2. Not all resorts are created equal
There are many resorts available, but not all of them are right for your wedding. Your destination wedding specialist will help you choose based on the location, your budget, the number of guests, and the type of setting you picture for your wedding day. Some important things to consider; will children be attending, and do you want an all-inclusive resort.
3. Set a realistic budget
The average cost of a destination wedding in Mexico for example is roughly $7,000 for 30 guests. This is just the wedding package cost; you need to factor in your travel and accommodations. You also need to decide if you will help pay for any of your guest’s travel costs. Resort wedding packages available vary from resort to resort; some include additional extras such as photography. Know the cost upfront of all the additional options available, especially the ones you want to add.
For more information, additional destination wedding planning tips, or to start planning, reach out to me here
