In the chaos of selecting a reception menu, addressing countless invitations and figuring out seating arrangements, what bride hasn’t harbored fantasies of getting hitched in a Las Vegas chapel? Or maybe at a sun-drenched tropical resort? Getting married somewhere other than the bride’s hometown is a fast-growing trend. The trend first emerged about 10 years ago among second-time and older brides; now more first-time brides and grooms are planning weddings and honeymoons in exotic locales. Depending on where a couple decides to exchange vows, these runaway weddings can really simplify plans. For starters, it’s an excuse to whittle down the guest list. While the average wedding has 200 people, according to Brides Magazine, destination weddings have 30 to 40 guests tops. Although exchanging vows in a tropical beach seems like the champagne lifestyle of the rich and famous, these celebrations can be very budget friendly. Weddings have become big business for many resorts, which offer special packages and even the services of an on-site wedding coordinator to oversee the details. Mexico

Mexico needs no introduction as far as exotic wedding destinations go. Mexico is packed with some breathtaking wedding venues alongside some picture-perfect scenery. From the golden shores to the mountains, from jungles and beautiful waterfalls to old colonial cities with their antique charm, Mexico offers an unparalleled experience to all those who want to tie the knot. Today, couples are more frequently choosing Mexico as a wedding destination. Given the opportunity to celebrate the once-in-a-lifetime affair amid stunning natural wonders, it is not hard to see the reason. Mexico is the perfect getaway for your beach wedding and honeymoon, all at a very affordable price.

Know Before You Go: In Mexico, wedding season coincides with hurricane season

(June–November) so plan around it.

Pacific Islands

Celebrate your wedding in the Pacific Islands, and you really will feel like you are getting married in paradise. These countless islands, from relatively large Bali to the five thousand tiny and uninhabited isles of the Philippines, are sparkling jewels set in a turquoise ocean. They are famed for their white sand beaches, towering mountains, verdant hills and spectacular volcanoes, valleys and waterfalls. Numerous traditional villages, hidden away in the island interiors, are a world away from the lively cities with their myriad of cultural influences and exciting nightlife. The Pacific Islands are of simply stunning natural beauty and full of romance for an unforgettable wedding day. At your wedding reception, you will be able to enjoy the delicious Pacific Island cuisine, which includes an abundance of tropical fruit, fresh seafood, meat, spices and a huge variety of vegetables. Wedding cakes in this region are often very elaborate.

Know Before You Go: You and your guests will require vaccination shots before traveling here. Check with your physician and find out what shots you will need and inform your guests.

Jamaica

Best known for Bob Marley and dreadlocks, Jamaica is much more

than just reggae and Rastas. Lush mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, sophisticated golf resorts and stunning pink sand strands mean that there is a vacation for every taste and style. Approximately the size of Connecticut, Jamaica is blessed with natural amenities. Its mountains reach up more than 7,000 feet and its soil will grow almost anything. Although Kingston is the capital and the largest city, it does not attract the same volume of visitors that Montego Bay, Ocho Rios or Negril do. Ocho Rios is also a bustling cruise port. Recently, more visitors are learning what the real Jamaica is all about as they leave their resorts and explore the diversity of Jamaica’s people, landscape and culture.

Know Before You Go: In Jamaica, if it is not locked-up or nailed-down, it is liable to be stolen. Theft is high in Jamaica, so be percautious with valuables.

St. Lucia

The enchanting island of St. Lucia seems to have been created for romance and is the ideal location for your destination wedding. There’s a hint of the South Pacific about the island as well as a mixed European heritage. The twin coastal peaks of the Pitons shelter magnificent rainforests full of lush blooms and tropical birds. St. Lucia’s magical ambiance will create the perfect atmosphere for your ceremony. The interior of this large island is rich with the cool, damp shade created by the Rainforest canopy of trees, which falls on cascading waterfalls.

Know Before You Go: Because this island is so small, medical care is limited. There are two public hospitals and one private hospital in St. Lucia, neither of which provide the same level of care found in an American hospital. Make sure your guests are aware of this if they have health issues.

The French Riviera

Celebrate your wedding in the French Riviera, one of the most spectacular regions in Europe. Nowhere else in France can you delight in such fashionable elegant surroundings and international glamour than along the ‘Côte d’Azur.’ This region has been home to both rich and famous movie stars and famous French artists for centuries. Today it offers a spectacular combination of jet set coastal resorts and romantic hillside towns, the perfect setting for a romantic wedding in France! The French Riviera’s most famous resorts include Cannes, Nice, Antibes, Saint Tropez and Monte Carlo. Several smaller towns have become increasingly sought after for their quaint fishing harbors, peaceful beaches and lush greenery.

Know Before You Go: The exchange rate from the American dollar to the Euro could make things more expensive. Be sure to account for transcontinental inflation in your budget.

Florida

Miami is the most exotic city in the United States and also has some of the most beautiful beaches of any city in the world for wedding destinations. There are lots of alternative outdoor locations, including yachts and launches. In addition to Miami, another destination wedding location is Key West, an idyllic tropical island at the end of a 100-mile chain of islands and keys off the southern Florida coast. Florida is also home to cities like Tampa and Fort Lauderdale as well as the Theme Parks of Orlando that make for great weddings.

Know Before You Go: With high temperatures and humidity in Florida, you are susceptible to bug bites, heat stoke, and sunburns if you are visiting the area. Bring sunscreen and stay hydrated, especially older guests.