Today, more and more couples are foregoing the traditional formal wedding and opting for a casual, intimate ceremony held in their dream location.

These destination weddings may involve only the couple or the bride and groom may choose to invite family and friends. Here are some key reasons why destination weddings are a growing trend.

Honeymoon resorts and cruise lines have made it easier and very appealing to hold a wedding ceremony onsite. Many have full-time wedding coordinators on staff who are familiar with that country’s marriage license requirements. Most also offer wedding packages that take care of all your ceremony needs.

If you’re not getting married at a resort, your Young’s/American Express Certified Destination Wedding Specialist will assist you with the planning of your special day.

The affordability of a destination wedding has many couples choosing to hold their ceremonies at a dream location. For instance, a couple can fly to an all-inclusive resort in Jamaica, hold their wedding ceremony, and enjoy a weeklong honeymoon for approximately $3700.00. Compare that to your average traditional ceremony including 150 guest and honeymoon which can cost upwards of $20,000.00. To ease the financial burden, many couples opt to travel to a destination where they can marry, have a honeymoon and still have finances left over to start their new lives.