Destination weddings enhance your special day

Walk down a flower lined aisle to your groom at Cypress
Gardens (Photo provided by Cypress Gardens)

Since you were a child, you dreamed of the day you would marry your prince charming.  Each detail played out in your mind, each moment of the day as clear as your dreams can be.  You got older, met the man of your dreams, and you knew your day would be even better than you'd imagined.  Those dreams may still linger, or perhaps you're looking for something new: something more you and him.

Beyond your imagination, where you hope and plan your forever, lies the perfect dream wedding.  Perhaps it's on a wave-lapped beach.  Maybe you see a desert oasis or natural fairy tale.  Could it be a romantic day surrounded by friends and family within the beauty of an opulent garden?  Or a fast and fun theme park adventure?  Whatever your dream has become, there are places out there to make it come true.

Destination weddings have become an exciting way to spend not just a single day with those you love, celebrating your love, but a fun, memory filled event where no matter the size of your guest list, you'll create something that will last long beyond those magic moments.

Here we take a look at a few of the options available for your big day.  From sunny Florida to Arizona's red rocks, a day at a beloved theme park or a romantic lakeside hideaway, perhaps these ideas will get you started on the exciting adventure that a destination wedding can be.

Islamorada, Florida
Set into the vast blue surroundings like a tranquil haven from reality, Islamorada is not a mere cliche' paradise, but the real thing.  Each of the Keys is a unique gift with its won identity.  This one is about the fishing and water.  Okay, they all are about water, but the blending here is wild and natural, like an African safari under the sea.

Chosen by The Knot as one of its 10 most romantic destination locals, calling it "more low-key than Key West with plenty of privacy."  This island paradise is located in the upper half of the Keys, situated between the wet and wild wilderness of Everglades National Park and Florida Straits on the other, Sport fishing is a mainstay here, and if you enjoy fish for your meal, you'll find some of the tastiest on earth right here; caught fresh of course.

For those who would rather have someone else do the fishing, Islamorada offers other outdoor activities amongst its blue expanses.  Discover a rich and diverse underwater realm through snorkeling or SCUBA.  Be amazed at the residents of Theater of the Sea, where dolphin and other oceanic creatures play, or take a sandy stroll along the beach.

Islamorada is a destination ready to welcome you and your guests for your dream wedding day.  Photography and video, hair and makeup, party van and rental properties are all offered through a specialized grouping of business, waiting to help you design and plan your event.

Theatre of the Sea is ready to make your wedding a truly unique experience.  Have the whole park to yourselves, and don't forget the dolphin ring bearer.

Let Sedona's Red Rocks be your glorius backdrop on your
most memorable day (Photo provided by Sedona Hilton)

Among the many places to stay, Casa Morada offers the romance of this tropical locale.  Secluded and set on the waterfront, enjoy the lush gardens, waterfall, sea view building and bayside gazebo.  Weddings, events and photo shoots are all possible in this getaway destination.

For a beautiful ending to your special day, watch the sun melt into the water from the beach as water gently laps at your feet....

Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is one of the most beautiful natural treasures in America.  Almost popping out of nowhere, it's a majestic land of rich splendor, natural wonders, and views that'll wrap you up in their embrace and make you wish you never had to leave.

As if created for weddings, Sedona provides a backdrop and environ that has drawn visitors from around the world to celebrate special days, just as Native Americans have been coming to Sedona throughout the centuries for their sacred ceremonies.  The area is also known for its mysticism and an extraordinary energy believed to emerge from the earth through its many vortexes.

Weddings can be all about the single day, or a whole weekend of events.  Hiking, horseback riding, golf, hot air ballon rides and other activities are available for you and your guests.

Along with 360° views, Sedona offers each bride her own extraordinary day through its wedding professionals.

Want help with your Sedona destination wedding?  Heart of Sedona Weddings is available to help with all your wedding needs.  Outdoor, destination, wedding packages, photography and officiant, Heart of Sedona Weddings can help couples create it all.

Looking for secluded romance?  Sedona offers a range of Bed & Breakfasts for your consideration.  Hide away in the shadow of a red mountain, or listen to the romantic rush of Oak Creek while birds and crickets sing you to sleep.

For your stay, perhaps you want the pampering and luxury of a resort and spa.  Dip yourself in the rich magnificence of Hilton Sedona Spa while the men in your party shoot a round at the Sedona Golf Resort.  Enjoy a meal at Grille at Shadowrock or slip into town for some shopping and a gallery walk.

Sedona is a deeply personal location.  It touches each with its grace and beauty, fills the sense with a natural exuberance for life, and fills you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Take your guests on a boat cruise around Lake Geneva for
your special day (Photo provided by Lake Geneva Area
Convention and Visitors Bureau)

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
A quaint town set along a midwestern lake shore invites you to share your love for each other in any of its spectacular spots.  Warm summer nights, crisp fall days, tingling winter adventures, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin is a year round resort town, with plenty to do, romance at your finger tips, and fun for everyone.

This town destination is set at the end of Lake Geneva.  For generations, the rich, famous, and all corners have traveled north from Illinois to this tiny hamlet for their weekend and other adventures.  Many of the homes that surround the lake harken back to the days when the men of rich Chicago were legendary for their business acumen and spending it on regal mansions built on the back of their power.

No matter the season, you'll find something to do, and not just on your wedding day.  Boat Tours around the lake show off the mansions of a time gone by.  Midwest festivals are famous for their food and fun.  Hiking, hot air balloon rides, museums, parks, and horseback riding are among the activities that make up the Lake Geneva area.

And yes, there is the lake.  Lake Geneva is a beautiful body of water, sparkling and cool on a hot summer day, frozen and fun in the depths of winter.  Whether you're staying in the boat or on the dock, or you jump right in and splash the day away, Lake Geneva is a must-look-at location for any destination wedding.

For all your wedding needs, Lake Geneva is well prepared to help you create the most special of days.  Weddings can be held in a quaint B&B,or a luxury hotel.

Looking for a truly unique wedding day?  Gages is the Lake Geneva Cruise Line.  For your private event on the lake, you'll need to chose which boat fills your needs.  From 2 to 225, they have a boat for those romantic moments when you say "I do" to an all out party for everyone on your list.  Lady of the Lake, the premiere grand dame of Geneva, holds up to 225 of your friends and family, and with her double decks, offers spectacular views all the way around.  Looking for something much more intimate, choose from the Polaris (40 guests), the Louise (50), the Geneva (40) or the Lorelei (14) on which to say your vows.

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin is a town with a history, a lake with a million beautiful views, and a whole lot of fun.  If it's romance, thrills, splashing, or subtle beauty, this is a place to find each and every one.  No matter the season you've chosen, the backdrop you desire, the atmosphere you dream of, Lake Geneva offers it all. 
 
*Cypress Gardens in Florida had been previously included in this article but was recently removed.  Sadly, it closed its doors at the end of September, 2009. 

  Be sure to check out my other column, Travel Marketing