JoAnn Moore-Mountain and Meadows Wedding
Destination Weddings- 5 Most Asked Questions
JoAnn Moore, CWC from Mountains and Meadows Weddings is a very good friend of the Antlers at Vail. She wrote this article about destination weddings, we would love to share it with you! We hope this information helps you with your wedding plans.
” Couples are choosing Destination Weddings for the reason of wanting a spectacular location, but also a different location than their hometown, to minimize their guest list and to give their family and friends an adventure – not just a wedding. As a Certified Professional Wedding Consultant I am often asked:
1. Is it more expensive to have a destination wedding?
Destination weddings can help couples decrease their overall cost through a subsequent reduction in the guest list Up to two-thirds of their guests won’t be able to travel for various reasons. A lower guest count can reflect a decrease in cost. Destination resort areas such as the Colorado Mountains have an array of venues to choose from, including spectacular outside ceremony locations and beautiful banquet facilities for the reception. Having such a huge selection of venues means you can shop around for a location that fits both your vision and budget.
2. Should I hire local vendors or bring my vendors with me to a destination location?
Definitely hire local vendors. They are wise to the changes in weather and they know secret locations for both venues and photo opportunities. They have experience working with the other vendors in the area, making for a great team. Local vendors also save you money by requiring little or no travel or accommodation fees.
3. Outside ceremonies, do I really need a back up plan?
Yes you do! The Colorado weather is very unpredictable and can change within minutes. You need to be able to take care of your guests in the event of lightning; having a back up plan is a must. You will be glad you didn’t scramble at the last minute to make a decision of where to go. Your back up plan location should be easily accessible from the original ceremony site and be ready to walk into for as little of a delay in your ceremony time line as possible.
4. Colorado Marriage Licenses, what do I need to know?
It’s not difficult to obtain a marriage license in Colorado. You may obtain the license from most County offices in Colorado. You will both need to be present with photo identifications; both of you will need to sign the license. You must be at lease eighteen years of age and if either of you have been married previously, you will need to provide the county with a copy of the divorce decree with the date and county court the divorce was finalized. Any ordained minister, judge or rabbi may perform your ceremony. A couple may choose to solemnize their vows without an officiant, but no other person may perform the ceremony and sign the marriage license. Once the license is obtained, your marriage must occur within 30 days of issue. There is a fee which various from county to county ranging from $30 to $80. Following the wedding the license must be mailed back to the county where it was obtained to be recorded. A blood test is not required.
5. Should I hire a Wedding Planner?
Absolutely! You will appreciate a wedding planner familiar with the venues and their expertise in finding the best vendors for you and your budget. A local wedding planner is also experienced dealing with the Colorado weather and is someone who takes the stress off of you so that your special day runs smoothly, allowing you to enjoy every moment. Your wedding planner is your destination point person when you can’t be at your venues. Your wedding planner can assist you with your budget and negotiate fees with vendors and venues. Your wedding planner works behind the scenes as the team leader to give all vendors their timeline and troubleshoots any and all problems that may come up. Your wedding planner is the go to person that resolves any last minute changes and vendor issues. They oversee set up and break down of the venues, keep track of all your personal items you brought, pack up your gifts and cards and assist the guests with any thing they may need. Wedding Planners are detailed, multi-taskers, creative and resourceful. You absolutely will want the assistance of a professional Wedding Planner with any destination wedding!”
Contributor: JoAnn Moore, CWC
JoAnn Moore, CWC is the owner and founder of Mountains and Meadows Weddings based in Vail, Colorado. JoAnn’s 30 years in the Vail Valley gives her an unsurpassed knowledge of the local landscape which brings her clients a wide range of design options for either indoor or outdoor venues. JoAnn is currently the only Certified Professional Wedding Consultant in the state of Colorado, a member of ACPWC and ABC. To find out more about JoAnn and her work, visit www.mmvail.com.
