Destination weddings can be exciting, romantic, and breathtaking whether they are in Mexico, Vegas, or halfway across the world. Since you will be away from home, your destination wedding will surely feel more intimate and it can even double as your honeymoon.

 

But keep in mind, there are several key details that you must carefully consider when looking to leave Manitoba for a destination wedding.

 

1. Get Married in Canada

• My recommendation to avoid any potential headaches is for you and your partner to get legally married in Canada before you leave or shortly after you return home. If a death or divorce occurs, having your legal marriage documents signed in Canada will make dealing with the government a less painful experience.

 

2. Legal Requirements

• If you want to get legally married in a foreign country, you must ensure you have the right paperwork ready to bring with you. While some countries require your proof of residency or a letter of intent, countries like Mexico require a blood test as part of your legal documentation.

 

• Depending on your situation, it may be more convenient to have your legal paperwork done where you live and save the aisle walk for your trip. That’s why educating yourself and doing research well in advance will alleviate some of the stresses when planning your destination wedding. Also, in many cases getting your paperwork done in Canada can save you lots of money.

 

3. Visit Your Wedding Location (and Venue) in Advance

• To ensure no stones are left unturned, it is important that you visit your wedding location at least a few times before your wedding day. Because you don’t have the luxury of driving down to your wedding locale whenever you want, it is important that you do your due diligence when looking for the right vendors, hotel wedding packages, and anything else you think you may want. If travelling before your wedding day is not possible, ensure you meet with your venue planners and vendors via video chat whenever you need.

 

4. Go with the Flow, Don’t Fight It (Too Much)

• Planning a destination wedding is not the easiest task in the world and there are likely going to be some challenges along the way. It is impossible to manage every single detail because there are many things happening at once in a place that may or may not speak your language.

 

• While you may be tempted to micromanage every person you deal with, try your best to go with the flow as best as possible and understand that many foreign wedding venues, vendors, and services operate on “island time” because that’s how they’ve always done it. At the end of the day, communication is key!

 

If you want to inquire more about a destination wedding, please feel free to contact me directly.