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5 Reasons You Should Let a Honeymoon Travel Specialist Plan Your Honeymoon

3/19/2023

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A couple in their honeymoon in Mexico
Honeymoon couple enjoying their swim-up suite
There's no denying that planning a honeymoon can be a daunting task. Where do you go?
Who do you trust? What if it isn't as good as what's shown on the website? These are just some of the questions couples will ask themselves when they try to find the perfect location for their honeymoon. These are just some of the reasons you should work with a honeymoon travel specialist to plan & book your honeymoon.
​
Let’s uncover five reasons to use a travel agent for your honeymoon.

 
1. Knowledge of a variety of honeymoon properties:
Honeymoon resort in Puerto Vallarta
Photo courtesy of Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa
Honeymoon travel specialists have knowledge of a variety of destinations & resort brands that are a cut above other types of resorts & properties for an amazing honeymoon. 

Resorts that will offer you...
a. Privacy
b. Romantic extras like candlelight dinners and a couple’s massage
 c. Perks/amenities
d. Romantic & pampering suites
e. Amazing spa experiences
​
All of these details are vitally important when it comes to having a great
honeymoon experience

 
2. The Best Honeymoon Packages:
Extra amenities for your honeymoon
Honeymooners enjoying a couples massage
A honeymoon travel consultant knows the best honeymoon packages that will enhance your honeymoon and the requirements to qualify for them! I invite you to read my blog about 4 Insider Tips for picking the perfect honeymoon destination

Too often, couples think that they can show up and receive the honeymoon amenities without understanding the qualifications or how to set it up in advance. Unfortunately, they are highly disappointed when they don’t get any of the perks and that is a sour way to start your happily ever after.

 
3. Setting Up Special Experiences:
candle light dinner on the beach
Romantic candlelight dinner for you and your husband
A honeymoon travel consultant not only can do all of the above, but also will recommend, design, & set up unique and special experiences for your honeymoon.
Note: If you are working with a “honeymoon specialist” who doesn’t guide you or recommend special experiences for you to enjoy on your honeymoon, then you are working with the wrong person.

Here are a just a few of the special experiences a honeymoon specialist can design and set up to take your honeymoon from good to AMAZING!
 
● Set up a private upgraded transfer with VIP service.
● Schedule a couple’s massage/breakfast in bed/picnic on the beach.
 ● Set up off-site excursions, like a cultural tour, ziplining, swimming with
dolphins, rum tasting, and so much more
● As well as many other recommend must-do activities, & sites to see, or
places to eat that you can only experience in your area.

 
4.Giving You VIP Status:
Romantic breakfast in your room
Romantic breakfast in your room
Your honeymoon consultant can make sure you and your new spouse are wowed upon arrival from the minute you step foot on your resort by...
a. Personally contacting the resort concierge and sales team to notify them that they have VIP honeymooners arriving.
b. Sharing any special requests that you may have with the appropriate team member to make sure they are implemented! (It’s not just a comment on a booking that we hope gets seen).
c. Following up on the honeymoon amenities to ensure you receive them.
 

5. Skipping the 1-800-wait-on-hold and crossing your fingers that you get the help you need.
avoid long hours waiting on the phone
Avoid long hours waiting on the phone
Let’s face it, we’ve all experienced the 1-800 “call center” with the random agent who doesn’t know you or your honeymoon from Adam! You’re just a number to these types call centers, and the last thing you want is for an error to happen during your honeymoon planning. A true honeymoon consultant will be with you from start to finish and care about you and every detail of your honeymoon. They will listen to what you want in a honeymoon experience so that they can recommend a destination and resort that is the perfect fit for you, Every question. Any special requests? Even needs you may have while in your destination or after your honeymoon is complete. Let’s face it, no online booking engine is going to do that.
 
Plan your honeymoon with a travel agent
Happy honeymooners that plan their special trip with a travel agent
Planning your honeymoon is one of the most exciting parts of your wedding planning process; however, it can also be extremely stressful. There are many options available to you and many decisions to be made. But don't worry, using a honeymoon travel specialist to help you along the way will make this process seamless and stress-free!

If you’re in the midst of planning your honeymoon and feel like you’re stuck and not getting very far, I encourage you to use the link below, to schedule a free 60-minute discovery session with me! I would be honored to help your figure out everything you need for an amazing honeymoon!

​Remember this isn’t just any vacation, this is the start of your new life together!

schedule your free discovery session
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Legal Vs. Symbolic Destination Wedding Ceremonies: What's The Difference?

3/5/2023

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Mexico Destination Wedding
A happy couple in their Destination Wedding -Photo Jonathan Borba
​When considering your destination wedding – planning a destination wedding is more than just deciding where you'll hold the ceremony. You also need to consider whether you'll have a legal or symbolic wedding.

Knowing the difference between what a legal and symbolic wedding ceremony are can make a big impact on your travel plans, and ultimately on your wedding day. So, let's explore this subject and see what the differences are – and if you have any questions about this topic, don't hesitate to reach out!
 
Destination Weddings Are More Popular Than Ever
 
In the past couple of years, destination weddings have experienced a surge in popularity. So much so that the trend is making its way across to those who would otherwise not have considered it.

If you're planning to get married in a different country, you will probably be faced with the decision between a legal and symbolic wedding and may be wondering, “what the heck is a symbolic wedding?” or, “is a symbolic wedding legal”, or “what’s the difference between a symbolic ceremony and a civil ceremony?”
 
This article is going to give you the deets on both a legal (civil) destination wedding ceremony and a symbolic destination wedding ceremony so that you can decide which is best for you.

 
What is Required For a Legal Ceremony Away?
Picture
Photo: Katarina Dragon - Couple signing their legal wedding document
Documents You May Need

Just like you would experience in your State, there will be documents and proof of identity required, along with any licensing fees. Some countries require notarized copies of your passport, divorce decree, or legal name change. Others will require translation of the documents into their language.
 
  • Ceremony Officiated in Language of That Country
Additionally, when doing a legal ceremony in a country where English is not their native language, there is no guarantee that your wedding will be officiated in English. In this case, a translator (usually the onsite wedding planner) will translate what the officiant says.
 
  • Government Fees:
Then there will be government fees involved, and possibly a blood test done on-site.
 
  • Witnesses:
Some countries will require witnesses (who are not related to you) to arrive with you on the
same day.
 
  • Residency Requirement:
Beyond that, most countries will also require a residency. For example, a requirement may be a 4-day residency and only business days (Monday-Friday) count toward your residency. Others may have a requirement of 48 hours and you can arrive any day of the week.
 
A Legal Ceremony is Nothing to Worry About:

Don’t let this scare you! Some countries are super easy to get legally married in. It all varies, so I generally advise my clients to do what is best for them based on the country they decide to get married in.
 
  • Be Flexible:
I also suggest being flexible. You may be going into planning a legal destination wedding abroad assuming that you’ll be able to make it legally binding in the destination. Don’t let this pigeonhole you into only a handful of options.
 
  • Benefits of a legal/civil marriage:
 
The moment you say “I Do” in front of your friends and family is the real deal. You won’t have to decide which day to celebrate your anniversary.
In my book, it’s kind of cool to say you were legally married in “Mexico”
 
 

A Symbolic Ceremony:
Symbolic destination wedding in Mexico
Symbolic Destination Wedding-photo Jonathan Borba
Second, let’s discuss the mystery of the symbolic wedding and what you need to know.
Essentially, a symbolic wedding looks and sounds just like a civil wedding, it just isn’t legally binding. It is like a commitment ceremony or a renewal of vows.
 
  • Avoiding Extra Hoops to Jump Through:
The purpose of choosing a symbolic destination wedding would be to avoid the legal requirements to get married in another country. Maybe due to the hassle, or possibly due to the cost.
 
  • Can Ensure Everyone Can Celebrate:
Sometimes, couples will have certain family members who won’t be able to travel with them, so they choose to get married in the States before heading to their destination so that those family members can be a part of the union.
 
  • You Will Need Proof You Are Married:
No matter your reason, with a symbolic destination wedding you will want to get married before heading to the destination because the country you are heading to will want a copy of your marriage records. To them, your ceremony is like a vow renewal, and they want to ensure you are legally married before officiating your ceremony. Make sense?
 
  • Benefits of a symbolic wedding ceremony:
1. Less expensive
2. Not as much paperwork
3. No residency requirements
4. No translation of documents
 5. Ceremony can be officiated by a family member or friend

Destination Wedding in Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic Destination Wedding - Photo Junior Cruz
In the end, each couple should do what it feels is right for them. Unless you absolutely need to have a legal ceremony for your destination wedding, such as in some Catholic weddings, there is no wrong answer here. The most important thing to remember about your destination wedding ceremony, is to do what will make you and your soon to be spouse most happy. A destination wedding is supposed to be a celebration of your love, so make it as hassle free & wonderful as possible.
 
If you are in the midst of planning your destination wedding and feel like you’re stuckand not getting very far, I encourage you to schedule a free 60-minute discovery  session with me! I would be honored to help your figure out everything you need for an amazing destination wedding! (Legal or Symbolic)
schedule your free discovery session
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    Rossana Taylor

    Bilingual English -Spanish Travel Agent

    View my profile on LinkedIn

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​California Seller of Travel Registration Number: 2089491-50. Registration as a seller of travel in California does not constitute the state's approval.
Agent is not a participant in the Travel Consumer Restitution Fund. Florida Seller of Travel Reference Number ST37113. Iowa Seller of Travel Reference Number 960.
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