For some couples, there's nothing better than a destination wedding, which can provide the opportunity to gather friends and family before the wedding for a festive time. A side benefit, of course, is that the location can double as a honeymoon destination.

Sometimes couples reason that they are saving money by combining the sites. Others feel that even though the expense can be high, the beauty of a ceremony and honeymoon in an exotic and romantic setting is worth the extra cash.

A destination wedding can be held anywhere in the world, including on any of the oceans. Cruise ships offer wedding packages, and you can choose any number of exotic locations in the world for a wedding. But you don't need to get carried away. A nice beach ceremony a few states away could satisfy you.

Is It Worth the Challenge?

There can be a number of challenges to planning a destination wedding. You might have to deal with unfamiliar regulations, work with vendors you don't know, and have fewer guests at the wedding because of the expense.

This final point can be seen as either a negative or a positive, depending on how you feel about having certain family members at your wedding! All joking aside, destination weddings require significant planning.

Destination Locations

Disney World in Orlando, Florida, offers a variety of wedding services in their many themed hotels, with the bonus of fun and adventurous honeymoon options right there in the theme parks. It's a stateside destination location that may also appeal to your guests, particularly if children will be attending.

Riverboats that traverse the Mississippi or a river near you are also hot spots for weddings. Couples can choose to reserve an entire cruise or just a portion of it. A special plus: The captain can perform the ceremony.

Look for deals online by typing your requirements into a search engine such as Yahoo! or Google. Try simple phrases such as “wedding packages under $500.”

One couple found a Lake Tahoe location that offers several packages starting with a simple economy wedding for $275, which includes obtaining, filing, and notarizing the marriage license. Upgrading with more elaborate flowers, more chapel time, videography, and additional features increases the price, of course. The most expensive package tops out at several thousand dollars and includes a three-hour stretch limousine rental.

If either of you has interests such as Renaissance fairs or historical re-enactments, you may want to get married in period costumes.

Do some research to see if you can get married at these sites for a little expense. Imagine the effect of having your marriage ceremony conducted by someone dressed as a king or a military captain.

Again, items such as flowers and other decorations can be down-played not only for savings, but also because they wouldn't be historically accurate.