Getting married locally is not the best option for all couples. Sometimes, it can really pay to have an exotic wedding location. Although not all of your guests will be financially able to attend, if you choose a location outside of the United States that you love, you can already be there, ready for your honeymoon. There are both advantages and disadvantages to choosing wedding locations outside of the United States, but for some couples it makes a lot of sense. If you are considering a wedding in a foreign location, consider some of the following destinations. There are some of the most popular wedding locations outside of the United States.

Mexico

Mexico is by far one of the most popular wedding destinations in the world. There are many reasons which contribute to this distinction. The sheer variety of beautiful and tropical locations is certainly a reason why couples choose to have their wedding in Mexico. In places like Cabo, you can find all-inclusive resorts with white sand beaches, palm trees and beautiful blue water. The coastal regions in Mexico have the same look and feel as a Caribbean island. In many cases, you can also find that a Mexican option is affordable, which means that more people can afford to fly to your wedding and you can afford to stay on your honeymoon much longer.

The Bahamas

Many couples also choose the Bahamas for their destination wedding. This is one of the most popular tourist locations in the Caribbean, and it is attractive for many brides and grooms because it is only a very short flight from Florida. While in the Bahamas, you can choose an island resort in Nassau, Freeport, or one of the other major cities in this country. You can also opt for more privacy by having your wedding on one of the smaller islands. A tropical paradise, the Bahamas is home to a variety of exotic birds, fish and mammals. As an added bonus, many cruises leave from the Bahamas, so you can enjoy a cruise as part of your honeymoon after the wedding is over.

Fiji

If you want a great tropical choice without going to the Caribbean, why not consider Fiji? Fiji is an extremely popular destination for weddings because it is more secluded from families and tourists than most of the islands in the Caribbean. Most travel agents have special wedding packages to help your guests get to Fiji, but if you choose this destination, be forewarned that the flights will typically be more expensive. The farther away your wedding, the fewer people who will be able to afford the trip to see you get married. Fiji is a distant and exotic wedding location, but one worth the trip.

Europe

Although Europe might not immediately spring to mind when you are considering wedding destinations, this is a great choice and less expensive than you may think. There are a number of romantic locations in Europe, including numerous castles which host weddings. You can also consider visiting the home country of your ancestors - many people in the United States have roots in Europe. Remember, Europe's weather is not always sunny and warm, so plan your wedding for a date when the weather is right for you and your guests.

Of course, you do not have to plan you wedding in an exotic location outside of the United States. Right here in the U.S., you can choose a number of options that are beautiful but still allow you to stay in this country. For example, many couples love picking options in Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, or Aspen. You can even choose to get married at Niagara Falls, so you can have a wedding that includes time in two countries, as well as a beautiful landscape.

Your wedding location should be one of the first things you pick when you are planning to get married. If you want to have a destination wedding somewhere far from home, make sure that you friends and family know well in advance. If you only give them a few months to plan, chances are that they will not be able to come, but if you give them a year to plan their trip, many will take vacation time and enjoy your wedding and a small vacation afterwards. If you plan far in advance, you can also help your wedding party financially by saving money to pay for room and board at least and, if you can, the plan tickets. Destination weddings, especially those outside of the United States, can be very expensive, but with a lot of planning, they can help you make memories that will last forever.