Romance By Lisa Simons

Create Destination Wedding Magic


Love is in the air and here are some ideas to create destination wedding magic!
How about getting hitched at 11,000 feet and skiing down the slopes in Colorado? Maybe a romantic ceremony at a European castle? These ideas are just a tip of the iceberg and SELECT Hotels & Resorts properties can add just the right touches to make it even more special. Here are some other ideas that are guaranteed to deliver lifelong memories.

AUTHENTIC FIJIAN WEDDING
Known as a tropical paradise, Fiji tops many destination wedding lists, but her's how to take the ceremony to the next level. A traditional Fijian wedding is an amazing cultural experience. The couple has a choice of donning traditional Fijian wedding costumes or their own attire. Included in the ceremony are warriors dressed in grass skirts (called Liku vau) and children in traditional garb sprinkling flowers down the aisle. Afterwards, the wedding party and guests can explore the islands on a boat, enjoy surfing, a round of golf, or just soak up the sun on the beach. There are several SELECT properties on Fiji including the Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Resort and Kokomo Private Island.



SOUTHERN CHARM
Go back in time for a wedding destination that defines Southern charm on the cobblestoned streets of Charleston, South Carolina. The couple can make a grand entrance as they arrive to their wedding on horse-drawn carriage. This darling city of the south is an epicurean's delight with many top-rated restaurants that offer reception options. The couple and guests can stay right in the heart of the Historic District and explore the grand mansions, gardens, and parks or rent a villa on the beach at nearby Isle of Palms. There are many SELECT properties in Charleston, including The Wentworth Mansion and Salamander Resort's Hotel Bennett. Plus, additional SELECT properties are located at nearby beach resorts.



TIE THE KNOT ON A YACHT
Boat aficionados, rejoice! Tie the knot aboard a yacht such as the Manhattan Elite, which offers private charters in New York City. The couple can say their vows surrounded by stunning views of the sites of the city including the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge. Afterwards, attendees can stay in luxury in one of the dozens of SELECT properties in the Big Apple and explore all that the city has to offer. SELECT properties in NYC include Four Seasons, Hilton, Hyatt and Marriott, along with numerous, romantic boutique hotels.


FULL OF HOT AIR
The gorgeous, sprawling region of Letchworth State Park in the Finger Lakes, New York is known as the "Grand Canyon of the East Coast" for its stunning views of lakes, waterfalls, and gorges. The couple can view these sites, exchange vows, and make a grand entrance while soaring in a hot air balloon. Back on the ground, there's no shortage of options to host the reception, from charming vineyards to lakeside locales. The Inns of Aurora is a SELECT property on the shores of Cayuga Lake.



HOT STUFF
Choose Arenal, Costa Rica to say "I do" against the backdrop of the nearby volcano accompanied by the music of chirping birds. The area features thermal mineral springs and cascading waterfalls you thought only existed in movies. Here in paradise, there are hundreds of indigenous plants and wildlife, making for a wedding worthy of a fairy tale. ATV riding, ziplining, hiking, and white-water rafting are just some of the post-wedding activities for the more adventuresome. SELECT properties in the foothills of the stunning Arenal Volcano, includes Nayara Springs and Amor Arenal.



AN INCA-INSPIRED CEREMONY
How about an authentic Inca-inspired wedding ceremony performed by a Shaman in the shadow of Machu Picchu? This spiritual and mystical ceremony celebrates the beauty of nature and love, near one of the world's most breathtaking wonders. At the reception, everyone can dig into a feast worthy of any epicurean's fantasies, while over the gazing over the mountains and intoxicating foggy mist. Guests can extend their stay at a hotel with a view and explore the wonders of Machu Picchu. SELECT properties include the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge and Explora Valle Sagrado



HOW TO MAKE THE DREAM HAPPEN
Whether you choose a SELECT Hotel, Resort, or Villa, there are options as unique as the couple themselves. Our travel advisors have a list of property contacts such as group sales, reservations, concierges, and SELECT Hotels & Resorts Program representatives. They can be a resource for all wedding packages, planning, activities and tours, and any cool extras for the wedding party and guests.