Wedding Gazette

Destination Weddings Next Door

By Phyllis Cambria

Want a destination wedding? Can't afford to travel? Relax. There are dozens of choices for nearby getaways that will suit almost any budget.

Check out the striking splendors of your state park. Call your state's parks and recreation department to find out about likely spots, or make a couple of short excursions to the parks in your area.

If you live in the country, consider a wedding in your state's largest city, or vice versa. Check out major metropolitan hotels or bed and breakfasts in the country. Farms or ranches add a new meaning to bridal path. Find yourself a small town that prides itself on being frozen in time in the early 20th century for a Victorian wedding, or amble over to an artist colony for a picture perfect party.

Want inspiration for finding a lovely locale? Go to a card shop or someplace that sells postcards of tourist attractions. Scope out the spots that are featured. Generally postcards are of some of the more colorful or attractive areas in your region. Libraries also are a great place to study your state.

Need other ideas? Don't overlook places like vineyards, museums, aquariums, zoos, or botanical gardens for a lovely setting. Many state universities have historical buildings that would be exquisite. What are your state's natural wonders? Think about how fabulous a forest in the fall might be or a wedding on a waterway. Is there a mountain retreat you find romantic?

Look up! Consider a city skyscraper as the site for a sky-top ceremony. Or a hot air balloon ride at sunset. Charter a private plane or small jet for a truly heavenly service.

Contact your state department of tourism or convention and visitor's bureau for site suggestions. In fact, if you live near another state, call their state's tourism offices as well.

Remember, a slight change of your state's scenery may be all you need to turn your wedding from unexciting to unforgettable.