Newbie from Vancouver trying to decide on where to go!

Hi there. I just got engaged on October 13th and after looking at every possible option in our home of Vancouver, BC we think we've decided to go away for a destination wedding. We are thinking November 2012 (as I don't want to do it over Christmas and really don't want to wait much longer than a year). Our guests will be coming from Vancouver, Ontario and Nova Scotia so we are looking for a location that will be easy for everyone to get to but also unique enough that our guests will have a fabulous time (we want it to be worth their expenditure since we know it is Their vacation too).

 We are open to Jamaica, Mexico, Maui (though may be too cost-prohibitive for our guests) but would love suggestions for unique venues or locations where there is both exquisite scenary and adventure. One main thing is, I just don't want a cookie-cutter wedding in a resort where I'm one of 5 brides getting married that day, and am funnelled through. Any insights or advice would be greatly apprecaited as we basically have a blank canvas right now

Welcome! And congrats on your recent engagement! 

We had a really hard time deciding on a destionation for our wedding.  We have family scattered all over Canada and wanted something that was easy to get to and relatively decent priced.  We first looked at Maui, after a little research we found it was just going to be way to expensive, especially for guests coming from the Maritimes and Ontario.  We also were leaning more towards an all inclusive resort for our wedding as we are in our mid 20s and our friends and family like to party, eat and drink.  It seemed like the most cost friendly way to do things. 

We then started looking in Mexico, but as we want to be legally married, we found it is just a lot of work to have documents translated ect to get legally married in Mexico, plus we never really fell in love with a resort.  We then found a resort in Jamaica that we have decided to get married at.

For us one of the most helpful things was to write a list of what we were looking for ex. resort size, amenities provided, cost ect.  We also used a travel agent to help us narrow down our search.

By far choosing the destination and the resort was the most time consuming and stressful part of our whole wedding planning thus far.  Good luck!  You will find an amazing location for your dream wedding! Happy planning!
 

Originally Posted by McLecker 

Hi there. I just got engaged on October 13th and after looking at every possible option in our home of Vancouver, BC we think we've decided to go away for a destination wedding. We are thinking November 2012 (as I don't want to do it over Christmas and really don't want to wait much longer than a year). Our guests will be coming from Vancouver, Ontario and Nova Scotia so we are looking for a location that will be easy for everyone to get to but also unique enough that our guests will have a fabulous time (we want it to be worth their expenditure since we know it is Their vacation too).

 We are open to Jamaica, Mexico, Maui (though may be too cost-prohibitive for our guests) but would love suggestions for unique venues or locations where there is both exquisite scenary and adventure. One main thing is, I just don't want a cookie-cutter wedding in a resort where I'm one of 5 brides getting married that day, and am funnelled through. Any insights or advice would be greatly apprecaited as we basically have a blank canvas right now

Congrats and welcome to the forum!  Since you are open to various locations, I suggest contacting a DW specialist TA b/c they'll be able to offer all kinds of suggestions on what locations would work best for your guests regarding travel, cost and specific things you are looking for.  There are a few TA's on the forum that you can contact but filling out the banner at the top of the form, but if you go somewhere else, make sure they're knowledgeable regarding DW's.  Good luck!

Hi McLecker, welcome to BestDestinationWedding.com!  Congratulations on your engagement!

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Welcome McLecker,

We have a HUGE canadian group here so I am sure you will find the help you need.

Hello, friends, I am too new to be here with all of you.

Congratulations and welcome to the forum!   I live in the Mayan Riviera and am very lucky to photograph beautiful, unique weddings here all the time.  It is a fantastic location and convenient for guest coming from all over Canada.  Westjet has a variety of direct flights from different places.   However I would suggest doing your research in choosing a resort.   There are so many helpful brides on the forum.   If you want an intimate and unique wedding there are lots of options.  

Best of luck and warmest wishes,

Lori

I have to reiterated and agree with my fellow photographer Lori from SweetFire above! The Mayan Riviera really has so much to offer you and your guests.

Please don't hesitate to ask any questions if you need. Here is a link to over 50 galleries of weddings and different hotels here in the Mayan Riviera. https://www.facebook.com/media/albums/?id=18683524486

Best of luck 

Linkn