Beach weddings often have a carefree, relaxed atmosphere.
If you're looking to add a bit of exoticism to your wedding, a romantic, classical approach is to hold it on a beach. Beach weddings provide a pleasant atmosphere as well as the feeling of separation from society. When planning a beach wedding, make sure to visit the location before the big day.
Isle la Haut, Maine
Isle la Haut is an unfrequented portion of Acadia National Park.
Many affianced couples may have decided on a beach wedding, but not all enjoy the thought of tourists and sightseers lurking in their midst. In that respect, Isle la Haut, a remote part of Acadia National Park, provides couples with the best of both worlds. This island, accessible only by a short ferry ride, is complete with stony beaches and a single bed and breakfast. Though getting all of your guests to the island may require more orchestration than with more common destinations, the untouched appearance of the island makes it well worth the wait.
Magens Bay, U.S. Virgin Islands
St. Thomas's heart-shaped bay is in high demand for affianced couples.
Magens Bay on St. Thomas island provides one of the most sought-after beach wedding locations in the Caribbean, as the beaches are pristine and secluded while the ocean water is a clear turquoise. This idyllic backdrop plays host to countless weddings each year, and the island has several wedding-planning organizations to assist with destination wedding planning. Magens Bay was rated as one of the top 10 most beautiful beaches by National Geographic, and its tropical features do not fail to please visitors.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
The water-dwelling bungalows around the island provide an escapist atmosphere.
The island of Bora Bora, located 2,600 miles south of Hawaii, is a small volcanic island surrounded by a large reef. Between the island and the reef, however, lies the famous Blue Lagoon, which provides a striking backdrop for wedding photos. The exoticism and sheer beauty of Bora Bora have made many people want to marry here, but the rules regarding foreign marriages on the island are very strict and require planning in advance. (See link in Resources for details.)
Mondello Lido, Sicily
Sicily's expansive beaches make it an attractive destination for many weddings.
Sicily's popular beach, Mondello Lido, is home to wide sand banks, the charming on-water Mondello Bathhouse and a stunning view of the Mediterranean Sea. Located just outside of Palermo, Mondello Lido is ideal for informal Italian weddings. Because only civil ceremonies can legally be performed on the beach, you may wish to have a religious ceremony in addition to your Italian beach wedding.
Tags: beach wedding, Bora Bora, Isle Haut, Mondello Lido, Acadia National, Acadia National Park