Are there any occasions more romantic in life than weddings on the beach? If you happen to be one of those lucky people who lives near a beautiful beach, you have a fantastic opportunity to have a wedding on a budget. But you can still make it a grand event. In any event, it’s an event your friends and family will always remember.

Destination weddings often take place on the beaches of lovely tropical islands. You can enjoy gorgeous and very romantic settings in places such as Barbados, Bahamas, Hawaii, St. Lucia, and the Cayman Islands.

But you don’t necessarily have to go to the islands to enjoy beautiful beaches. You can stage your dream destination wedding in a country that is famous for its gorgeous coastlines.

Weddings on the beach are lovely in the Mediterranean countries. After the ceremony, you can celebrate your union with a reception catered in the traditional Greek or Spanish way. Then you have the breathtaking locations in Australia and New Zealand, where miles of coastline await you. For that matter, don’t rule out the United States, Canada, or Mexico!

You can combine the modern with the traditional when you have your wedding ceremony on the beach. You could have a religious or secular ceremony in the traditional way, but dress in comfortable, semi-formal garb.

Many brides choose much simpler gowns for their beach weddings, and grooms often wear nice khaki pants or shorts with floral shirts. Some brides and bridesmaids take it even further by wearing floral skirts with bikini tops. Beach parties tend to be casual sit-down affairs. Instead of being stiff and formal, the receptions are livened up with a luau or a fire pit or both!

Do you want a beach wedding close to home, or do you want a destination wedding? Before you decide, keep in mind that you’ll need to make travel arrangements and accommodations for your guests. It’s part and parcel to weddings on the beach. If you book a bunch of rooms at a hotel nearby, you can often get reduced rates. Get a good travel agent if you plan on a destination beach wedding, so you can find out about airfare prices for friends and relatives.

Want to get married somewhere unique? Visit Destination Wedding Locations and get insider tips from Weddings in Italy to Weddings in San Diego and everywhere in between.

- Candace Smith