Destination Wedding In Philippines: Planning The Perfect Island Ceremony

Planning a destination wedding in the Philippines can be overwhelming, but it's a great option for couples with family in the country, or those looking for an exotic and unique experience. The first decision you should make is the theme and locale, whether that's a beach wedding, a garden wedding, or a religious ceremony. If you're travelling to the Philippines to plan your wedding, it's a good idea to hire an event planner to help with the many moving pieces.

Choosing a theme and locale

When planning a destination wedding in the Philippines, the first decision you should make is the theme and locale. This will help you to decide on the type of wedding you want, whether that's a beach wedding, a garden wedding, or a religious ceremony. If you're having a religious ceremony, be aware that there may be certain requirements you need to meet. For example, if you're having a Catholic wedding, you may need to get a document from your embassy stating that you are both currently unmarried.

If you have family in the Philippines, a destination wedding can be a great way to share your special day with them. Even if you don't have family there, the Philippines is a great choice for a destination wedding as it's close enough to be less expensive than flying to other destinations, but it still offers an exotic and unique experience.

When choosing a locale, you might want to consider a place that holds a special meaning for you. For example, Guam resident Boots Lambrecht celebrated her wedding in Antipolo, the city in the province of Rizal where she grew up.

To make the planning process easier, it's a good idea to hire an event planner, especially if you're unable to travel back and forth to the Philippines often. A good wedding coordinator can take care of the many moving pieces involved in planning a wedding abroad and ensure that your special day runs smoothly.

Catholic ceremony requirements

If you're planning a Catholic ceremony in the Philippines, there are certain requirements you'll need to meet

Boots Lambrecht, who had her wedding in the Philippines, says:

> You should decide what type of wedding you prefer — a beach wedding, a garden wedding, Catholic or what religion you are, because there are certain requirements for a Catholic ceremony.

If you're a foreign national, you may be required to get a document from your embassy stating that you are not currently married. This was the case for the Lambrechts, who are both US citizens. They had to schedule an appointment with the embassy, but there were no available appointments before their wedding date.

To avoid this kind of stress, Lambrecht recommends hiring an event planner. She says:

> If you’re working full-time and have to go to the Philippines, it would be really helpful if you had a good wedding coordinator.

Hiring an event planner

Planning a destination wedding can be overwhelming, so hiring an event planner can be a good idea. Guam resident Boots Lambrecht, who had her wedding in the Philippines, says that she wishes she had hired a better planner. She recommends shopping around to find someone who can take the load off your shoulders, especially if you're unable to travel back and forth often.

The first decision you should make is the theme and locale. For example, you might want a beach wedding, a garden wedding, or a Catholic ceremony. If you choose a Catholic wedding, there are certain requirements you will need to meet. For example, Lambrecht, who is a US citizen, had to get a document from the US embassy stating that she was not already married.

If you are travelling to the Philippines for your wedding, it is a good idea to hire an event planner who is based there. This will save you from having to travel back and forth too often. You should also consider your budget, as hiring an event planner can be expensive.

When choosing an event planner, it is important to find someone who is experienced and reputable. You should ask for references and read reviews from past clients. It is also important to find someone who understands your vision for the wedding and who you feel comfortable working with.

Overall, hiring an event planner can be a great way to reduce stress and ensure that your destination wedding in the Philippines goes smoothly.

Planning travel to the Philippines

First, decide on the theme and locale of your wedding. Do you envision a beach wedding, a garden wedding, or a religious ceremony? The Philippines offers a variety of stunning locations to choose from. If you opt for a religious ceremony, be aware of any specific requirements. For example, if you're planning a Catholic wedding, you may need to obtain certain documents from your embassy, as was the case for a US couple who got married in the Philippines.

Consider your guest list and whether you have family members in the Philippines. A destination wedding can be an excellent opportunity to gather loved ones in a unique setting. The Philippines is also a convenient location for those travelling from nearby countries, such as Guam, offering an exotic experience without the high costs of travelling to more distant destinations.

To ease the planning process, consider hiring an event planner or wedding coordinator, especially if you're unable to make frequent trips to the Philippines. They can help manage the various logistics involved in planning a wedding abroad and ensure that your special day runs smoothly.

Remember to give yourself ample time for planning and be prepared for unexpected challenges. By staying organised and seeking help when needed, you can create a destination wedding in the Philippines that will leave lasting memories for you and your guests.

Sharing the day with family

Planning a destination wedding in the Philippines can be overwhelming, but it's a great way to share your special day with family. The first decision you should make is the theme and locale. You should decide what type of wedding you prefer – a beach wedding, a garden wedding, a Catholic wedding, or another religious ceremony. If you're having a Catholic wedding, there are certain requirements you'll need to meet. For example, Guam resident Boots Lambrecht, who had a Catholic wedding in the Philippines, had to get a document from the US embassy stating that she and her husband were not already married. They also had to schedule an appointment with the embassy.

If you have a lot of family members in the Philippines, a destination wedding can be an appealing option. For those without family there, the Philippines is close enough to Guam to be less expensive than flying to the mainland or Europe, but it still creates an exotic and unique experience.

To make the planning process easier, consider hiring an event planner. Lambrecht, who travelled to the Philippines four times during the eight-month planning period, says she regrets not hiring a better planner. She recommends shopping around to find someone who can take the load off your shoulders, especially if you're unable to travel back and forth often.

Frequently asked questions