Best Wedding Destination (2014)

Palm trees without a passport! Puerto Rico offers couples breathtaking sights, top-class resorts, golf, shopping and beaches all with only a state-issued photo ID for entry. "It’s paradise with an exotic feel, but not a far flight," says Tripology expert Karen. There are plenty of places to wed on this Caribbean island too: Old San Juan with its incredible historic richness and enchanting urban center; beach-side locations; or even the Riu Camuy Cave System Park, for saying "I do" in a million-year-old cave!
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Couples (and their guests) who are looking for more than beautiful beaches will find plenty of variety in Aruba. Want lively nightlife? Glittering casinos? Vegas-style cabarets? Friendly islanders? It's all here, and according to our Tripology travel experts, Aruba has the highest repeat-visitor rate in the Caribbean. English is spoken everywhere, the dollar is accepted and nowhere else will you find more fellow Americans. At least a dozen U.S. cities all fly to Aruba nonstop, upping the convenience factor.
Photo courtesy of Aruba Tourism Authority

"Curacao is one of the hurricane-free region’s best-kept secrets," says Tripology expert Karen, "and a destination wedding here is sure to be a memorable affair!" With a rich Dutch heritage, the "C" of the Caribbean's ABC Islands combines European charm with a tropical setting and offers world-class diving, sandy beaches with upscale historic Willemstad’s modern village feel.
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"Beautiful beach, gorgeous water, fabulous food" ... these are just a few of the myriad reasons why Tripology travel expert Connie nominated Cancun as a perfect wedding destination. Couples enjoy plenty of options for venues - everything from adults-only Le Blanc Spa Resort with its luxurious butler service in every room to Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort, perfect for multi-generational weddings thanks to its kids club, teen center and amazing pool complex.
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"There’s a lot to discover about this spectacular chain of over 700 islands, and romance tops the list," says Tripology expert Karen. "Right off the tip of Florida, a short flight can transform your wedding stress into classic Bahamian bliss."  Exotic island charm pairs with a sense of tranquility, and marriage license requirements are relatively minimal. Sun, sand and convenience add to the reasons why this Caribbean destination is a favorite getaway for so many couples.
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The Hawaiian wedding is all about flexibility; each island has its own personality, and potential ceremony locations are plentiful. "Romantic beach weddings, luxurious waterfall weddings, cove weddings or even a boat ride to the fern grotto where Elvis Presley got married," says Tripology travel Expert Richard. Add to that the convenience of a domestic wedding, the abundance of fresh, exotic flowers and incredible resorts, and the option to wed on one island and honeymoon on another make this a favorite with couples.
Photo courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson

"St. Lucia's turquoise waters, and green plants all around, combined with the white sand make for an incredibly memorable wedding experience," says Tripology travel expert Connie.  Resorts here are as "all-inclusive" as they come, and the island's reputation as one of the world's most romantic makes it a clear favorite for both weddings and honeymoons.
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For a casual, laid-back and relaxed destination wedding, think Key West. "Here the themes run from romantic sunset beach weddings to Jimmy Buffet music all night, and barefoot wedding parties frolicking on the beach.  Your guests will surely enjoy the available water sports, good weather, and great food in the keys," says Richard, a Tripology travel expert. Romantic sunsets and a slew of bars with excellent live music along Duval Street put the finishing touches on this fun-filled wedding destination.
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The U.S. Virgin Islands – affectionately known as “America’s Caribbean” - is a tropical destination without lengthy flights, an international monetary system or strict entry requirements. Each of the three major islands - St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas - offer distinctly different adventures, and all are sure to please. "Coral reefs, wildlife and nature preserves, parasailing, windsurfing, golf and bike tours - whatever your wedding plans, the U.S. Virgin Islands have it," says Tripology expert Karen.
Photo courtesy of U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism

Mexico's Caribbean coastline is stunning, with its Mayan culture backdrop setting the scene for a destination wedding. Since Mexico is so easy to reach from much of the USA, it's a great value for couples and guests, and many of Mexico's all-inclusive resorts offer free weddings with a minimum night stay. Tripology travel expert Teri recommends Secrets Maroma Beach in beautiful Quintana Roo, saying "Choose from full or custom wedding plans, and let their on-site wedding coordinator do your legwork."
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