Save $4500 on a Destination Wedding in Mexico

Lovers looking to tie the knot with a destination wedding need look no further than Marquis Los Cabos, the beachfront Baja California Sur resort that now features a "Take the Cake" package.

Complimentary for the bride and groom when a wedding group of 10 rooms minimum are booked for three nights or 15 rooms for two nights, the package offers $4,500 in savings.

The "Take the Cake" package includes:

• an ocean-view casita with private pool on their wedding night
• two 50-minute Aromatic Massages
• a chilled bottle of champagne
• a romantic gift basket
• daily in-suite breakfast discreetly delivered via a private alcove
• a one year anniversary certificate for a complimentary three night stay
• tuxedo and wedding dress pressing
• bridal bouquet and groom's boutonniere
• mani-pedi for the bride
• signature welcome drink"Take the Cake" package.

In addition, a professional wedding coordinator will arrange everything from the wedding location to the photography and minister. Special room rates starting at $295 are available for groups. For more information on the Marquis Los Cabos Resort, click here, or call 877.238.9399.

Inspired Details for Destination Weddings

By Kate Darnell

Today, we're putting together a few inspired ideas for your upcoming destination wedding.

In order to have the wedding of your dreams, you have to have a clear vision, but not necessarily deep pockets. Roses can many times be a lower cost flower compared to Calla Lillis or orchids. Below is a creation by talented floral designer, Anny Heid, which gives a fresh perspective on a traditional wedding bouquet. (Image by Christiaan Phleger)

A loose-fitting up-do is a popular choice for many brides. Add a fresh orchid and voilà! Your look comes together and complements the look of your casual and elegant beach nuptials. Keep in mind that you may want a few extra flowers on hand in case they begin to wilt in the hot temperatures. (Image by L'amour Photography)

For the junior bridesmaids, giving them something that's a little easier to hold on to is a good option. This design is small yet, has the desired impact. Florals by Anny Heid (Image by L'amour Photography)

If you're having a nautical themed wedding, but aren't into the "cliche" nautical look, below is a good compromise. The design is by Dabney Lee.

If you're looking for a modern take on a black & white invite - add a pop of fuchsia! Below is a great Save the Date option from Dabney Lee.

As Save the Date magnets go, this one is fun for those of you who love a cute cartoon. Plus they are very affordable! By PosePrints

If you prefer to send the standard paper invite, they make those too. By PosePrints.

If you have inspired ideas, we'd love for you to share them. Email us at info@destinationidomag.com with your favorite new (or old) ideas!

Australian Destination Wedding Paradise

Introducing Villa Botanica. Located on the edge of the Coral Sea, overlooking Airlie Beach and Hayman Island, this secluded paradise has rarely been open to the public except for very exclusive destination weddings.

As part of the Australian Open Garden Scheme, the property will be open to the public the weekend of October 31st-November 1st.

Owners, Ralph and Janet Hogan were driven by a desire to create something significant and inspirational. Ralph Hogan says, “I am influenced by the turn of the century when people created lasting beautiful spaces. Our newest addition to the garden is a Cactarium, which I like to imagine pays homage to the Art Nouveau hothouses of Europe.”

Janet Hogan says, “what visitors love most is the integration of buildings and gardens, the slightly manic obsession with detail and the way plants create the connective tissue for all our architecture. It’s a very beautiful, magical location and one we have the great fortune to be custodians of. It’s a privilege we love sharing with others”.

With its unique Balinese ambiance and spectacular setting, Villa Botanica is rapidly developing a reputation as Australia’s most beautiful wedding venue.

To learn more about Villa Botanica, click here. Honeymoon, elopement and destination wedding packages available.

A Destination Wedding in Costa Rica

Wedding Design and Coordination by Events & Weddings Costa Rica
Images by Julie Comfort, Comfort Studios

Costa Rica is quickly becoming the destination of choice for weddings away and honeymoons. For Annie and Christian, it was the backdrop for their recent destination wedding, and what a wedding it was!

According to Julie Comfort, of Comfort Studios, it was "an awesome wedding in so many ways. Cool couple, perfect location, cooperative weather and a group of people who clearly know how to have a good time."

Annie and Christian rented a private villa in Playa Junquillal and shared their nuptials with 65 close friends and family overlooking the ocean and white sand beaches.

Annie made her very own bouquet and had several unique details, like a wall of family and friend photos.

Our absolute favorite part of this wedding was the "photo booth" they created. The guests were given props and with their own healthy dose of humor, had a fun time snapping shots and goofing off.

Thanks to Julie Comfort and Samantha Kohn for submitting this adorable and fun-loving couple's destination wedding!

Free Destination Weddings for 2010

Elegant Hotels Group gives brides and grooms a gift that they can really use – a free destination wedding in 2010!

Couples can qualify for the new Free Wedding Packages at the five distinctive Caribbean beachfront hotels and resorts dotted along the west and south coasts of Barbados including Turtle Beach Resort, Crystal Cove Hotel, Colony Club Hotel, Tamarind Cove Hotel and The House.

The Free Wedding Packages at Elegant Hotels Group includes:
• Wedding coordinator
• Marriage license and registration
• Services of magistrate/ priest/ minister
• Local transport to/from registration office
• Bride’s bouquet & groom’s boutonniere
• Best Man, Maid of Honor and/ or witnesses if required
• Bottle of Champagne for the wedding ceremony
• Single tier wedding cake
• All taxes and gratuities

Extra Incentive: Enjoy a three-night stay to celebrate First Anniversary one-year from date of marriage ceremony with Elegant Hotels Group.

To visit their entire hotel collection, click here.

The Next Issue of Destination I Do

We're done! The latest issue of Destination I Do is off to the printer and we can now put up our feet, pat ourselves on the back and enjoy a day off...hey, a girl can dream can't she? Either way, we're super excited because it's a great issue.

We've visited, tasted, tested and traveled all over to bring readers of Destination I Do, the very best in locations and inspiration.

The Fall/Winter 2009 issue is packed full of domestic destinations to say "I do" and affordable ways to make it happen. We've got a great article on how to recession-proof your destination wedding, plus one on how to dodge wedding disasters (even if they are out of your control).

From the calm mountain vistas of Tuscon (below - Loews Ventana Canyon Resort)...


To the uber-chic hot-spots of Los Angeles (below - Viceroy Santa Monica)...


And even the birthplace of bands like Nirvana and SoundGarden in the musical city of Seattle... we've uncovered 80 places to stay, eat and play in the USA. Plus, all of these stateside locales are perfect for tying the knot (and helping out our economy in the process).

We've brought you helpful info, expert opinions, a generous helping of down-to-earth destinations and fashion for the important ladies in your bridal party (including some trendy and flattering Mother-of-the-Bride ideas) plus so much more; all nestled on the pages of our beautiful publication.

All of these stories, and more (like the "Dearly Beloved" - Grand Velas All Suites and Spa Resort - shown above) will be waiting for you at a local Barnes & Noble (and other bookstores/newsstands nationwide) on September 1st. You can also order advanced copies and we'll ship them straight to you. If you would like to order one, click here.

Now we've got to get started on the 2010 issues!

Destination Weddings in Lake Las Vegas

By Honora Mastriacovo

It is said that over 100,000 couples decide to tie the knot in Las Vegas each year. From last minute weddings on the run to dream-platinum weddings, Vegas is a destination that has every bride’s needs covered.


Just 17 miles from the strip, you will find a beautiful desert resort where luxury and elegance is easy to find. Lake Las Vegas offers brides several breathtaking venues, yet with the excitement of a Vegas wedding.

This unique desert resort has been modeled after an Italian lakeside village, complete with cobblestone streets, piazzas and waterfront cafes. From dining in elegant restaurants, to shopping in the village boutiques there is an endless list of activities to enjoy while on resort property. Enjoy exploring the outdoors – take a short ride to the Hoover Dam and kayak down the Colorado River, or for a little more adventure, take a whitewater rafting trip down the river followed by a helicopter ride out. There are also championship golf courses and relaxing day spas that guests can enjoy.

Lake Las Vegas allows couples and their guests to enjoy the excitement of sin city while having a peaceful oasis to escape to for an unforgettable destination wedding.

Article by Honora Mastriacovo, Freelance writer with Ultimate Escapes Luxury Destination Club