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More couples are tying the knot in far-flung places

Destination weddings are a growing trend, but bring with them a whole new set of wedding etiquette rules. WeddingWire trend expert Anne Chertoff has this advice for couples planning to tie the knot away from home.

Should the bride and groom offer to pay for guests to attend?

Generally, no, but a couple should try to get a room block at one or more hotels with a discounted rate for their guests. There may be someone that the couple really wants at the wedding who needs financial help, in which case the couple can offer to pick up some of their travel costs.

Should a couple expect wedding gifts as well?

It’s up to the couple if they want to spread the word that a “guest’s presence is present enough” but not having a registry at all may actually stress out anyone who wants to get a gift but doesn’t know what the couple wants or needs. A charity registry is also appropriate for a destination wedding.

Are all destination weddings legally binding in the States?

If a couple gets married legally in another country, that marriage is considered legit in the US. It is very important that a couple getting married abroad learns what the marriage license laws are in that country. Some require residency requirements of a few days, and some at least a month. In that case, a couple may want to get married in a civil ceremony in their hometown with or without friends and family present so that they are already legally married and don’t need to worry about foreign marriage license laws.

Are there additional issues for samesex marriages?

Countries that don’t allow gay marriage by law will not allow a same-sex marriage to take place legally, meaning you can have a ceremony and reception but your wedding won’t be recognized. In this situation, a couple should also legally wed at home first, in a civil ceremony.