More honeymoons including ceremonies – News

The world is your oyster — or at least it is with a bit of a budget in mind. Your honeymoon is your first big adventure together as an official, legal couple, so you’ll want to take some time to pick the perfect location to travel to.

This is where places like Travel Center of Atchison and Cotter Travel come in: to make the planning process simple so you can focus on enjoying your first week or so as happy newlyweds.

“Typically when a bride contacts us, we get their travel date, ask what they’re looking for and we start researching to see what the best options are,” says Theresa Davenport, travel consultant at Travel Center of Atchison.

General Manager Chad Cotter of Cotter Travel advises couples to book early, discuss options and compromise with each other to make planning as simple as possible.

While the most popular honeymoon destination, by far, for the past 25 years has been Mexico, Cotter has talked to a few couples interested in South Pacific locations like Bora Bora. Hawaii and St. Lucia also have been popular among honeymooners, he adds.

More and more couples are opting to go the “weddingmoon” route — a honeymoon and wedding all in one, Davenport says.

With this option, a lot depends on the couple’s budget, if they’re traveling with a group or just each other. Some resorts will offer a free wedding, but sometimes there are restrictions and requirements, Davenport says. The consultant will set up their reservation and, generally, take deposits.

Couples have had weddings in the U.S. and then opt to go to their destination and have another symbolic wedding on the beach after they’re already legally married. Others have gone to the courthouse prior to a symbolic wedding so it is legal beforehand.

“You can do as little or as much as you want,” Davenport says. There are all sorts of packages brides and grooms can customize.