We’re sure you’ll be happy with wherever you say “I do,” but know you’ll have the experience of a lifetime when you do it with Karisma! For more information on a Karisma Chapel Wedding, click here and complete the form and one of our romance travel experts will be in touch with you right away.  

​El Dorado Royale
As one of our very favorite adults-only properties for destination weddings (and quite possibly one of our favorite vacation spots for personal travel!), El Dorado Royale hosts a fantastic pier wedding experience for couples who, well, love the ocean! Imagine an intimate setting on Jojo’s pier with views of the sea that stretch on for miles, all while in the comfort of the one’s you love. In addition to the stunning views, El Dorado Royale provides guests with a luxurious all-inclusive experience that caters to your adult guest’s every need. 

​Generations Riviera Maya
We are absolutely in love with the wedding pier at Generations Riviera Maya! This romantic all-inclusive property is a great resort for those couples who have guests with small children. Here, travelers will enjoy all kinds of gourmet cuisine, 24 hour room service, 5-star butler service, family activities, and the list goes on. And since it is just steps away from neighboring resort, El Dorado Royale, Generation’s adult guests can escape the sand castles and pool toys for a day or evening out and have a little fun of their own, all at no extra cost. The combination of family and adult fun make it a big reason couples choose Generations for their big day! 

Azul Beach Riviera Cancun
This just may be the perfect resort for wedding groups of all kinds. Azul Beach Riviera Cancun is family-friendly, but has areas of adult-only oasis tucked throughout the property. One entire building of rooms is for guests 18+, including the pool and swim-up bar right out front. Located only 30 minutes south of the Cancun airport, this stunning resort offers a little something for everyone, including gourmet dining, impeccable service and a variety of activities and entertainment. A pier wedding here will be unique and memorable and offer some amazing photo ops!

El Dorado Seaside Suites
South of Playa, isolated from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the world, lies the beautiful El Dorado Seaside Suites resort. Guests staying here can enjoy the lush and tropical quietness of The Palms section, or meander over to the vibrant and modern Infinity section. Stay at one, play at two, but one thing is for sure, the pier wedding ceremony location will be one to remember. 

The Fives Azul Beach
Tie the knot atop the waves at this lively and vibrant property! Picture 360-degree views of the breathtaking azuls of the Caribbean Sea, while savoring the local flavors of the region for your reception dinner. Need some additional entertainment after the wedding? Then, enjoy the upscale town’s live shows, trendy restaurants and bars. You’ll also have plenty of down-time for relaxing at the nearby white sand beach, or at the on-site spa, which will completely wash your cares away after the hustle and bustle of wedding planning. 

​Say “I Do!” with an incredible view at one of these stunning Pier Wedding experiences! For more details on a Karisma Pier Wedding package, click below to get started.

​Take your destination wedding to a whole new level with one of these incredible Sky Wedding settings. For more information on a Karisma Sky Wedding Package, contact the Romance Travel Group team at today!

One question we hear all too often is, “how much does a destination wedding cost?” While a traditional wedding can typically be around $32,000, we can plan the destination wedding of your dreams for nearly a quarter of the cost. How? Simple! Here’s a breakdown of what most couples spend:

The Resort – For 7-nights at an all-inclusive resort, expect to spend approximately $3,000 for the both of you. Now, most resorts charge between $150-$250 per person, per night, but that includes your room, your meals, your drinks, airport shuttles and taxes. Of course, you’ll probably want to bring a little extra cash for spending and  gratuities at your discretion. Also keep in mind, prices may vary depending on the time of year you book, as well as the resort you select. 

The Flights – For 2 round-trip flights, you’re looking at a total cost of around $1,000. This will also be dependent upon the airline you’re using, the time of year, and of course, your destination of choice. 

The Wedding Package – Most resort wedding packages can range between $0 and $5,000. You heard that! And although some properties offer some really great free wedding packages, most couples spend about $2,500 for additional customization, upgrades, etc. Packages typically include the ceremony location, bride’s bouquet, groom’s boutonniere, officiant, cake, chairs, and semi-private dinner for around 40 guests. 

So, for a grand total of about $7000, you and your fiancé can enjoy a week-long tropical wedding celebration! Now, that’s something we can get on board with!

For more information, check out this exclusive interview with our favorite romance travel expert, or click here to start planning your wedding today. We look forward to chatting with you!

We recently sat down with one of Romance Travel Group's top agents, Lisa Ruchti, to talk travel. With years of experience, a warm and welcoming personality and a tremendous understanding of customer service, Lisa's value and passion easily shine through. Here's what she had to say:

How did you get into the travel industry?
 
I went to travel school right out of High School as I loved geography and I wanted to travel and see the world.  I was very fortunate to get a job right out of school at a small “Mom and “Pop” agency. It was an incredible learning experience and the start to my career in the travel industry, which I enjoy very much!              
 
What type of travel do you most love to plan?
 
As a young adult, the beauty of the sea and the sand ignited my passion for traveling to Mexico and the Caribbean! Frequently traveling over the past 30 years to the resort areas of Mexico and to many of the Caribbean Islands has given me knowledge and expertise of these popular vacation destinations.  I decided to share my knowledge, expertise and passion by specializing in tropical All-Inclusive resort vacations.  I love helping my clients plan amazing destination weddings and honeymoons along with fun and fabulous vacations for families, couples and groups.        
 
What sets you apart from all the other agents and websites?
 
I very much enjoy speaking with my clients and developing a personal relationship with them.   I take pride in the service I provide with attention to detail, excellent communication and prompt response times to ensure the best client experience and vacation possible.  I treat each trip or vacation as if it were my own and therefore have very happy and satisfied clients!   
 
Can you describe something “over & above” that you’ve done for a client?
 
When I have clients traveling, I make it a point to check emails and voicemails frequently.  I do my best to offer assistance and guidance as I am able if a client has questions, concerns or situations that arise while traveling.    
 
What does a referral mean to you?
 
A referral from a client is a huge compliment as it means that they were very happy with their destination wedding, honeymoon or vacation that I planned and were satisfied with the services that I provided.   A referral is a sign of trust that I will take care of their family and friends as well.  I welcome all referrals and appreciate them very much!   
 
What does your ideal client look like?
 
An ideal client is someone who takes the time to communicate their “wish list” to me for their destination wedding, honeymoon or vacation.  They trust in my expertise to recommend destinations and/or resorts that best fit their budget guidelines and provide them with the vacation experience that they are looking for.   
 
What is one thing you wish travelers would know or understand?
 
When traveling, especially out of the country, travelers should keep an open mind as most likely things are not going to be the same as they are at home.  Try to embrace the differences of the destination you are visiting and immerse yourself in the culture.  Get to know the people, try to learn a few words of their language and enjoy the local cuisine!   There may be hiccups along the way as you travel but try to understand this does come with traveling and if you go with the flow and try not to let things upset you, you will have a much more enjoyable experience!  Walk along the beach, play in the ocean, enjoy that sunset and make memories to last a lifetime!    
 
What’s on your travel bucket list?
 
These are the destinations at the top of my very long bucket list!
 
Tahiti and Bora Bora
Italy and Greece
Australia
Thailand
Peru-Machu Pichu  
Belize
Banff and Lake Louise, British Columbia Canada
Boston MA
South Africa
 
Lisa can be reached at Lisa@RomanceTravelGroup.com or 320-656-0152. Have you had the pleasure of working with Lisa on a vacation? Please let her a fabulous review!

1. Oahu Honeymoon
Known as the “Heart of ,” Oahu is home to the capital of Honolulu and legendary surf towns, like Haleiwa. Curious what you’ll do? We like to recommend a couple’s surfing lesson on Waikiki Beach, or a drive along Pali Highway for spectacular views of the Windward Coast. A visit to the Valley of the Temples, or the Honolulu Museum of Art is also a popular option.
 
2. Maui Honeymoon
From its famous exotic beaches, to the peak of Haleakala, Maui uncovers a wealth of experiences for honeymooners. Watch the sunrise at the top of Haleakala Crater, or patrol the gorgeous Kihei Coastline. Interested in exploring some more natural beauty? Then you’ll want add a hike to one of East Maui’s waterfalls to your list.
 
3. Big Island Honeymoon
At the Big Island, couples rarely run out of fun things to do! Fill your days with volcanos, coffee farms, and views of marvelous landscapes with the one you love. You might even want to check out Flumin’ Kohala –a hand-drilled channel, where kayaking is quite popular.
 
4. Kauai Honeymoon
This “Garden Isle” is home to some of the most dramatic views of the South Pacific. Most honeymooners enjoy taking a walk to Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park, while others enjoy savoring over intimate dinners at Kauai’s most romantic restaurants. There’s also a number of island spas that are suitable for just about anyone.
 
5. Molokai Honeymoon
Molokai stays true to its island roots and is filled with rustic charm and undeniable beauty. We love to suggest a romantic bed and breakfast experience to honeymooners on the island’s West end, as well as shopping in the quaint villages of
 
6. Lanai Honeymoon
Lanai offers the perfect combination of peace and luxury and rugged terrain. Many of the island’s visitors make their way over to Hulopoe Bay’s marine sanctuary to check out the tropical fish, or hike to Sweetheart Rock –and nothing says romance quite like a sunset at  
 
It’s never too early to start planning your Hawaii Honeymoon! Have additional questions, or curious where to start? Click here to get in touch with our Hawaii Expert!

​SITTING IN THE HEART OF THE SUGARY SANDS OF ONE OF WORLD'S TOP 10 BEACHES, EL DORADO MAROMA EXUDES ROMANCE AND INTIMACY.

The moment you arrive, you quickly realize this is no ordinary resort. Voted number 4 Best Resort in the World by Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, El Dorado Maroma is in a league of its own when it comes to adults-only getaways. Sitting in the heart of the sugary sands of one of the Top 10 Beaches in the World, El Dorado Maroma exudes romance and intimacy. And that’s just one part of all the magic that awaits you.

​EL DORADO MAROMA GOURMET INCLUSIVE DINING
No matter what type of dining experience you’re craving, you’re never far from something truly exceptional at El Dorado Maroma. As part of the Karisma Gourmet Inclusive® Experience, no two restaurants are alike, but each is extraordinary in its very own way.

​EL DORADO MAROMA ACTIVITIES
Some people come to sit on a beach and soak up the sun. Others want to squeeze the most out of every minute. El Dorado Maroma, by Karisma is the perfect place for both. You'll find watersports. Yoga and dance classes. Interactive cooking lessons and tequila tastings. Volleyball. And a world of available excursions right next door at Marina Maroma, including swimming with dolphins, horseback riding, ATVs, deep sea fishing and more.

BEACH VOLLEYBALL
Head down to the beach for a friendly game of beach volleyball. Perfect your serve in the soft sand while working up a sweat. Then take a plunge in the ocean to cool off.

COOKING CLASSES
Join a world-class international chef and wine expert as they explain various preparation methods and culinary techniques, and walk away with exclusive recipes and pairings to amaze and impress your friends back home.

MAROMA ADVENTURES
Discover a world of excursions right next door at Marina Maroma. Hop on a jet ski or try parasailing and enjoy unparalleled views from the sky. Discover the beauty of Mayan nature on a camel safari tour or on a thrilling ATV tour. There’s ocean safari tours, wave runner tours, scuba diving tours, and much more.

KAYAKING
Paddle out past the sandbar and float along with current as you look back at the stunning landscape. Explore every inch of the coastline. From the reef to the deeper, dark turquoise waters.

PADDLEBOARD
With a quick learning curve, just about anyone can enjoy a relaxing, full body workout on the water in no time. It's the most fun you can have standing up.

YOGA
Find your nirvana, as an accredited Yogi helps to bring you to balance. This stretching-yoga combination class starts your day in the perfect state of Om.

Are you getting married in Mexico or the Caribbean? One thing you’ll have to consider is what kind of wedding ceremony are you interested in. Not all destination are equal here. Be sure to choose what is right for you. Read on to learn more.

What’s the difference?

First thing’s first. What exactly is the difference between a legal wedding ceremony and a symbolic wedding ceremony?

A legal ceremony is when you follow the laws of the destination and receive a marriage license from them. A legal ceremony is recognized in the US as a legal marriage. A legal ceremony typically requires more paperwork, a judge, additional fees, and occasional blood tests. You will need to present your legal paperwork to your license bureau when you get home so they can file the marriage license for you.

A symbolic ceremony has no legal bearing and makes up approximately 80% of destination weddings. Typically, the bride and groom will go to their local clergy or courthouse, file the license and legally marry before they leave on their wedding trip. They are already legally married when they travel, making for a smooth and easy destination wedding. The best part about this is guests will never know the difference! The legal and symbolic ceremony is the same, just minus the license.

What are my destination’s ceremony requirements?

Mexico – A legal ceremony must be performed by a judge. A blood test is required. The blood test is for STD’s and if the test is positive, a marriage license will not be granted. A symbolic ceremony has no legal bearing and is performed by a non-denominational minister, wedding coordinator, family friend or relative. The bride and groom will receive a symbolic marriage certificate without a legal license.

Dominican Republic – If you decide to wed here, go for a symbolic ceremony. For a legal wedding, all paperwork must be notarized and translated into Spanish, which will typically add an additional $500-1000 to your wedding costs. Only the judge can legally marry you, so you’re at the mercy of his schedule. Symbolic is definitely the way to go in the Dominican Republic.  

Jamaica – Ceremonies performed by a minister are legally recognized in Jamaica. Jamaica is one of the easiest countries to be legally married in.

Bahamas – Same as Jamaica, ceremonies performed by a minister hold legal meaning in the Bahamas. If the ceremony is civil, the minister will make no mention of God. Symbolic weddings are also a popular option here.

Aruba – The civil ceremony performed by a judge at City Hall are the only legally recognized wedding ceremonies in Aruba. If a religious ceremony is requested, it will be performed by a non-denominational minister, with no legal binding.

Costa Rica – Same as Aruba, Costa Rica offers legal ceremonies if they are performed by a judge. Religious ceremonies or vow renewals will hold no legal bearing, as they are considered symbolic.
​
Is your ceremony destination not on our list? Then feel free to contact the destination wedding specialists at hello@romancetravelgroup.com for further information and guidance!