...advice!

MrsH86

Hello Everyone!

I'm kinda new here. I will try to tell my story as quickly as possible so I can get down to what I need to ask your opinions about!

I met the love of my life when I was 15. We parted ways after about a year of dating, but remained friends and kept in touch over the years. Fast forward about 11 years and I am divorced with 1 daughter (by another man). Recently, I reconnected with my first and only true love and we knew right away that we belong together. We have both always loved eachother, but the timing was never right. Until now! We are best friends, he treats me like a queen, and is amazing with my daughter. Our families are 100% supportive, and I truly feel like I am dreaming. My first wedding was a small family gathering, and it was nice. But this time around, we would like to elope! 

So this is where I really need some advice! I have been googling and searching, but I would love to hear advice from people who have eloped or know some information about eloping. 

I am not picky, but there are some ideas that I want to incorporate, because we plan to elope and have the honeymoon at the same time, and at the same location.

We both want something romantic, but I am not caught up in the details as far as decor or whether it is indoor or outdoor. I am really open to anything.

We both want to go somewhere tropical, and preferably somewhere with great fishing spots. We don't have a huge budget either, but we can spend a decent amount. Also, we voted against Mexico and Jamaica because we have been to those locations before. Those are the only details that I care about. So if any of you can help me locate a great place for a great price or have any cool ideas, please let me know!! Feel free to post links of anywhere you might suggest. Thank you!!

itzMS

<p>In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_ceremony-ideas_advice-2?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:10Discussion:a55c277b-b581-4279-bed7-693484b7e01cPost:05ee856e-e455-4ffd-8efc-095c14a5abaf">...advice!</a>:
[QUOTE]Hello Everyone! I'm kinda new here. I will try to tell my story as quickly as possible so I can get down to what I need to ask your opinions about! I met the love of my life when I was 15. We parted ways after about a year of dating, but remained friends and kept in touch over the years. Fast forward about 11 years and I am divorced with 1 daughter (by another man). Recently, I reconnected with my first and only true love and we knew right away that we belong together. We have both always loved eachother, but the timing was never right. Until now! We are best friends, he treats me like a queen, and is amazing with my daughter. Our families are 100% supportive, and I truly feel like I am dreaming. My first wedding was a small family gathering, and it was nice. But this time around, we would like to elope!  So this is where I really need some advice! I have been googling and searching, but I would love to hear advice from people who have eloped or know some information about eloping.  I am not picky, but there are some ideas that I want to incorporate, because we plan to elope and have the honeymoon at the same time, and at the same location. We both want something romantic, but I am not caught up in the details as far as decor or whether it is indoor or outdoor. I am really open to anything. We both want to go somewhere tropical, and preferably somewhere with great fishing spots. We don't have a huge budget either, but we can spend a decent amount. Also, we voted against Mexico and Jamaica because we have been to those locations before. Those are the only details that I care about. So if any of you can help me locate a great place for a great price or have any cool ideas, please let me know!! Feel free to post links of anywhere you might suggest. Thank you!!
Posted by SarahMichele26[/QUOTE]</p><p>By elope, I'm assuming you mean just you and your FI and no guests? If you're planning a destination wedding with guests, costs and other factors come into play so then my answers might change...

Assuming a true elopement...</p><p>Why not Hawaii? Seems like a logical choice being that it's part of the US and you wouldn't have to research any international marriage laws.</p>
<p>If you're set on another country, could you look into some of the all-inclusive resorts like Sandals or Couples?</p>

MrsH86

Sorry yes I left a few things out..

We want to plan our elopement ahead of time, but it will just be the 2 of us. About 5-6 nights. We plan to get our marriage license in TX and then have a ceremony somewhere else.

mcda04

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_ceremony-ideas_advice-2?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:10Discussion:a55c277b-b581-4279-bed7-693484b7e01cPost:e77ea234-6462-48bf-95da-8d3de09accc6">Re: ...advice!</a>:
[QUOTE]Sorry yes I left a few things out.. We want to plan our elopement ahead of time, but it will just be the 2 of us. About 5-6 nights. We plan to get our marriage license in TX and then have a ceremony somewhere else.
Posted by SarahMichele26[/QUOTE]

Hello, Congratulations on your engagement.

My Co-Worker eloped in the Bahamas and his pictures are amazing. They married a few feet from the beach; it just looks like paradise. It was just the two of them and one of their close friends as witnesses. (Not sure if it's eloping since they brought a friend each)

I'll ask him for the resort name and send it to you, they took care of EVERYTHING. The marriage license, decor. They only had cake and punch though but I still loved the idea.

GoodLuckBear14

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_ceremony-ideas_advice-2?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:10Discussion:a55c277b-b581-4279-bed7-693484b7e01cPost:e77ea234-6462-48bf-95da-8d3de09accc6">Re: ...advice!</a>:
[QUOTE]Sorry yes I left a few things out.. We want to plan our elopement ahead of time, but it will just be the 2 of us. About 5-6 nights. We plan to get our marriage license in TX and then have a ceremony somewhere else.
Posted by SarahMichele26[/QUOTE]

You have to get your marriage license in the state where you marry.  Figure out where you want to get married and then call the county clerk's office there to find out what you need to do.

GoodLuckBear14

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_ceremony-ideas_advice-2?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:10Discussion:a55c277b-b581-4279-bed7-693484b7e01cPost:f588d2fd-6397-4416-b25f-28cff9c72c60">Re: ...advice!</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: ...advice! : This, except you actually have to get the marriage license in the COUNTY you are getting married in (assuming you're in the US), not even just the state.  You can't just get a marriage license in Texas, then take it somewhere else to get married.  
Posted by StageManager14[/QUOTE]

This is usually true but not always.  It is always safest to just get it in the county where you are going to marry though.  OP - I cannot stress enough to get the information you need from the Clerk's office, including the time frame in which the license is valid.  Do not try to research this on your own on the internet.  Even if the Clerk's office has the information on-line, CALL to confirm it and call again before you leave.  You don't want to get there just to find out that you are missing a document.

mcda04

Here's the link to the resort in the Bahamas.

http://www.breezes.com/weddings-honeymoons/dream-weddings/wedding-themes/tropical

My friend said they were able to get their marriage licenses in the Bahamas with their passports and Id cards the day before.

MrsH86

Thank you all so much for your advice!! We are really ok with getting hitched at the courthouse if it makes things easier, and then just having a ceremony with vows at the destination. We just want it to be as easy and stress free as possible. We just want to have some fun on a beach, have some drinks, go fishing, and take some gorgeous photos that we can cherish!

MrsH86

That place looks AMAZING and affordable! Thank you!!!

MrsH86

Thank all of you for telling me so much information. I am not so much worried about the legal aspects as I am looking for a romantic place to have the ceremony & honeymoon. We may end up getting legally married in TX and then just have a 'ceremony' when we reach our destination. So mostly I am looking for a good place for just him & I to say our vows and have amazing photos. So I am just wondering if anyone out there had a small ceremony without a wedding party or eloped and how you made it work for you! 

itzMS

<div align="left">In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_ceremony-ideas_advice-2?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:10Discussion:a55c277b-b581-4279-bed7-693484b7e01cPost:4b9e11cf-50ee-4cb5-a127-9c3710bbe28a">Re: ...advice!</a>:
[QUOTE]Thank all of you for telling me so much information. I am not so much worried about the legal aspects as I am looking for a romantic place to have the ceremony & honeymoon. We may end up getting legally married in TX and then just have a 'ceremony' when we reach our destination. So mostly I am looking for a good place for just him & I to say our vows and have amazing photos. So I am just wondering if anyone out there had a small ceremony without a wedding party or eloped and how you made it work for you! 
Posted by SarahMichele26[/QUOTE]

I guess I don't really get it. When you get married at the courthouse in Texas, you'll say vows and you'll be legally married.
What you're looking to do is essentially a vow renewal on your honeymoon which I find to be a bit silly. Many officiants won't do a ceremony just to do a ceremony...their job is to legally marry people. In some other countries, "vow renewals" may not even exist so to speak.

Pick the place that you and your FI want to go for a honeymoon and arrange with the resort or hotel to hire a professional photographer to take some formal "amazing" photos of the two of you on the beach or wherever.</div>

MrsH86

Ok Ladies, maybe I need to rephrase what I asking.....

I am looking for a GOOD LOCATION to honeymoon where a ceremony or vows might be possible at the same location.

If anyone out there has eloped, had a small wedding, or a destination wedding, I would love to know a location of where you had your ceremony because I am mostly looking for a location that would be fitting for just the 2 of us (meaning, not some giant venue that is meant for alot of guests).

When I said we could make it legal in TX, it is because I would want to make it easier for him and I to make things legal, and if it is,  then that is what we will do. For me, the point in not having a big wedding with family is because I do not want to deal with all aspects of a more traditional wedding.  If we get married at the courthouse and then decide to 'renew vows' or whatever then thats what we will do. If we choose to get married at the place we travel to, thats great too. Whatever is CHEAPER, EASIER, and LESS HECTIC...

I hope someone out there understands where I am coming from...

AdeleDazeem

I don't totally understand what you're trying to do here.  If you want to elope, then elope.  Go somewhere you can legally marry and do it.  If you want to go to courthouse and get married there then have a nice vacation, then do that.  But, saying vows at the destination is ...pointless?

Anyway, we married at The Reefs in Bermuda.  www.thereefs.com The coordinator there did everything, including fulfilling the requirements of marriage, which are very simple.  We had to announce our marriage in the three big newspapers there and provide some background information.  They have no residency requirement.  We signed our license during the ceremony and are legally married everywhere.  They have some nice packages for couples just looking to get married - check it out.  (EDIT: I also have pictures in my married bio, link in siggy)

Mexico has CRAZY restrictions on wedding ceremonies so I wouldn't look there.

Honestly, I'd go away and get married.  Follow the rules and be married when you have your ceremony.  Skip the whole Texas courthouse thing completely.

GoodLuckBear14

It's really not a big deal to legally marry in a state other than where you live.  I did it.  A lot of people do it.  It isn't any more difficult than getting married in Texas.  You just have to make sure you have everything that you need.  Mexico may be more difficult.

We all understand what you are asking.  You want to elope where you would like to also honeymoon.  You are making this more complicated than it needs to be.

MrsH86

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_ceremony-ideas_advice-2?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:10Discussion:a55c277b-b581-4279-bed7-693484b7e01cPost:b8503799-bc17-4cf6-bfb9-5509aa458945">Re: ...advice!</a>:
[QUOTE]I don't totally understand what you're trying to do here.  If you want to elope, then elope.  Go somewhere you can legally marry and do it.  If you want to go to courthouse and get married there then have a nice vacation, then do that.  But, saying vows at the destination is ...pointless? Anyway, we married at The Reefs in Bermuda.  <a href="http://www.thereefs.com" rel="nofollow">www.thereefs.com</a> The coordinator there did everything, including fulfilling the requirements of marriage, which are very simple.  We had to announce our marriage in the three big newspapers there and provide some background information.  They have no residency requirement.  We signed our license during the ceremony and are legally married everywhere.  They have some nice packages for couples just looking to get married - check it out.  (EDIT: I also have pictures in my married bio, link in siggy) Mexico has CRAZY restrictions on wedding ceremonies so I wouldn't look there. Honestly, I'd go away and get married.  Follow the rules and be married when you have your ceremony.  Skip the whole Texas courthouse thing completely.
Posted by Joy2611[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>Thank you! That location looks great and your pics are beautiful!

</div>

AdeleDazeem

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_ceremony-ideas_advice-2?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:10Discussion:a55c277b-b581-4279-bed7-693484b7e01cPost:dece5335-7c0e-46ae-a784-6c236cdeddda">Re: ...advice!</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: ...advice! : Thank you! That location looks great and your pics are beautiful!
Posted by SarahMichele26[/QUOTE]

Thanks!!  I seriously can't recommend them enough.  They are WONDERFUL.

They are using some of our wedding pics to advertise their wedding packages.  I think that's kinda awesome :-)

Good luck!!

itzMS

<div align="left">In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_ceremony-ideas_advice-2?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:10Discussion:a55c277b-b581-4279-bed7-693484b7e01cPost:84335d85-bf43-4d21-94fb-20a10bdfd216">Re: ...advice!</a>:
[QUOTE]Ok Ladies, maybe I need to rephrase what I asking..... I am looking for a GOOD LOCATION to honeymoon where a ceremony or vows might be possible at the same location. If anyone out there has eloped, had a small wedding, or a destination wedding, I would love to know a location of where you had your ceremony because I am mostly looking for a location that would be fitting for just the 2 of us (meaning, not some giant venue that is meant for alot of guests). When I said we could make it legal in TX, it is because I would want to make it easier for him and I to make things legal, and if it is,  then that is what we will do. For me, the point in not having a big wedding with family is because I do not want to deal with all aspects of a more traditional wedding.  If we get married at the courthouse and then decide to 'renew vows' or whatever then thats what we will do. If we choose to get married at the place we travel to, thats great too. <strong>Whatever is CHEAPER, EASIER, and LESS HECTIC</strong>... I hope someone out there understands where I am coming from...
Posted by SarahMichele26[/QUOTE]

Generally speaking, if you are a US citizen, getting married somewhere in the US is going to be easier than a foreign country.

That being said, you should talk to your FI to determine the dream location for your honeymoon. Our opinions here shouldn't really matter.

However I will second Joy in saying that Bermuda is absolutely fabulous!
</div>

mcda04

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_ceremony-ideas_advice-2?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:10Discussion:a55c277b-b581-4279-bed7-693484b7e01cPost:84335d85-bf43-4d21-94fb-20a10bdfd216">Re: ...advice!</a>:
[QUOTE]Ok Ladies, maybe I need to rephrase what I asking..... I am looking for a GOOD LOCATION to honeymoon where a ceremony or vows might be possible at the same location. If anyone out there has eloped, had a small wedding, or a destination wedding, I would love to know a location of where you had your ceremony because I am mostly looking for a location that would be fitting for just the 2 of us (meaning, not some giant venue that is meant for alot of guests). When I said we could make it legal in TX, it is because I would want to make it easier for him and I to make things legal, and if it is,  then that is what we will do. For me, the point in not having a big wedding with family is because I do not want to deal with all aspects of a more traditional wedding.  If we get married at the courthouse and then decide to 'renew vows' or whatever then thats what we will do. If we choose to get married at the place we travel to, thats great too. Whatever is CHEAPER, EASIER, and LESS HECTIC... I hope someone out there understands where I am coming from...
Posted by SarahMichele26[/QUOTE]

Don't get married in Texas and have a vow renewal days later. It really doesn't make sense.

Pick a location FIRST. Then, find out the marriage requirements for that country, Eloping / DW's are really not that uncommon and it should be fairly easy to marry ANYWHERE.

Barbiiieee

My dad married my step mom in Hawaii in a sort of elopement (it was just them and my siblings and step siblings). It was amazing. 

QueerFemme

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_ceremony-ideas_advice-2?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:10Discussion:a55c277b-b581-4279-bed7-693484b7e01cPost:05ee856e-e455-4ffd-8efc-095c14a5abaf">...advice!</a>:
[QUOTE]Hello Everyone! I'm kinda new here. I will try to tell my story as quickly as possible so I can get down to what I need to ask your opinions about! I met the love of my life when I was 15. We parted ways after about a year of dating, but remained friends and kept in touch over the years. Fast forward about 11 years and I am divorced with 1 daughter (by another man). Recently, I reconnected with my first and only true love and we knew right away that we belong together. We have both always loved eachother, but the timing was never right. Until now! We are best friends, he treats me like a queen, and is amazing with my daughter. Our families are 100% supportive, and I truly feel like I am dreaming. My first wedding was a small family gathering, and it was nice. But this time around, we would like to elope!  So this is where I really need some advice! I have been googling and searching, but I would love to hear advice from people who have eloped or know some information about eloping.  I am not picky, but there are some ideas that I want to incorporate, because we plan to elope and have the honeymoon at the same time, and at the same location. We both want something romantic, but I am not caught up in the details as far as decor or whether it is indoor or outdoor. I am really open to anything. We both want to go somewhere tropical, and preferably somewhere with great fishing spots. We don't have a huge budget either, but we can spend a decent amount. Also, we voted against Mexico and Jamaica because we have been to those locations before. Those are the only details that I care about. So if any of you can help me locate a great place for a great price or have any cool ideas, please let me know!! Feel free to post links of anywhere you might suggest. Thank you!!
Posted by SarahMichele26[/QUOTE]


If you are on a tighter budget, consider staying in the states.  Places like San Diego, La Jolla, parts of Florida, or even consider Puerto Rico. 

Barbiiieee

Also, I get what OP is saying about getting her license in Texas if it is easier. A marriage license is twice as expensive in the Bahamas as it is in Texas. Plus, what do you do if you need a copy in the future? It wouldn't be quite as easy as just driving down to your local courthouse. 

I mean, I agree people shouldn't be having a courthouse marriage one day and throwing a "wedding" a few months later and lie to their guests, but this would be between her and her FI. To me, there is a difference between legal vows and spiritual vows anyway... I mean, I'm chosing to do them all together, but I don't really see the big deal.

AdeleDazeem

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_ceremony-ideas_advice-2?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:10Discussion:a55c277b-b581-4279-bed7-693484b7e01cPost:713965a5-1755-457d-b9ba-78328c2646ac">Re: ...advice!</a>:
[QUOTE]Also, I get what OP is saying about getting her license in Texas if it is easier. A marriage license is twice as expensive in the Bahamas as it is in Texas. Plus, what do you do if you need a copy in the future?
Posted by Barbiiieee[/QUOTE]

I contact the government in Bermuda who has us on file and sends us a new one.

The cost of the marriage license was included in the destination wedding cost of our venue so if the OP wants to do vows and whatnot, she's already paying for the service of meeting the requirements AND the license.  It seems silly to pay for those things because you want the ceremony but already be married.

::shrug::  It was really not a big deal.

s-aries8990

My only question to OP: what about your daughter? Are you going to involve her in the ceremony? I suggest a mini DW and by mini I mean the number of people (you & FI, DD, and parents/close relatives who can watch DD for you).

I know I would be upset if my mother got married without me there, regardless of my age.

MrsH86

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_ceremony-ideas_advice-2?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:10Discussion:a55c277b-b581-4279-bed7-693484b7e01cPost:713965a5-1755-457d-b9ba-78328c2646ac">Re: ...advice!</a>:
[QUOTE]Also, I get what OP is saying about getting her license in Texas if it is easier. A marriage license is twice as expensive in the Bahamas as it is in Texas. Plus, what do you do if you need a copy in the future? It wouldn't be quite as easy as just driving down to your local courthouse.  I mean, I agree people shouldn't be having a courthouse marriage one day and throwing a "wedding" a few months later and lie to their guests, but this would be between her and her FI. To me, there is a difference between legal vows and spiritual vows anyway... I mean, I'm chosing to do them all together, but I don't really see the big deal.
Posted by Barbiiieee[/QUOTE]

<div>
</div><div><div>THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!! I am talking about being on a beach, and looking into my mans eyes, and saying the words that I want to say to him! I am NOT talking about legal stuff, I am talking about just having a magical, romantic moment alone and being able to tell eachother how we feel... in a very simple ceremony... or I guess some people think I mean ceremony to mean LEGAL terms but I simply mean ceremony in the sense that it will be a special moment for him and I. </div><div>
</div><div>
</div></div>

MrsH86

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_ceremony-ideas_advice-2?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:10Discussion:a55c277b-b581-4279-bed7-693484b7e01cPost:47c80103-bce0-47b6-863c-998a15a5453b">Re: ...advice!</a>:
[QUOTE]My only question to OP: what about your daughter? Are you going to involve her in the ceremony? I suggest a mini DW and by mini I mean the number of people (you & FI, DD, and parents/close relatives who can watch DD for you). I know I would be upset if my mother got married without me there, regardless of my age.
Posted by sydaries[/QUOTE]

<div>
</div><div>
</div><div><div>My daughter is only 3. We will be having our 'ceremony' on our honeymoon and celebrating with family when we get back, so no she will not be attending, but she will celebrate with the rest of the family when we return. You dont have to agree with me. That part of it was never up for debate. She has a loving father who is in the picture 100% and she is about to have a step-father who is also 100% involved as well. We have all 3 discussed this matter and agreed she will not attend our 'elopement.' </div></div><div>
</div>

MrsH86

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_ceremony-ideas_advice-2?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:10Discussion:a55c277b-b581-4279-bed7-693484b7e01cPost:a498c24b-a8f5-4779-be09-99df5e383cdd">Re: ...advice!</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to ...advice! : If you are on a tighter budget, consider staying in the states.  Places like San Diego, La Jolla, parts of Florida, or even consider Puerto Rico. 
Posted by cmgilpin[/QUOTE]

<div>
</div><div>great ideas! yes we are definitely open to lots of other destinations!</div>

OliveOilsMom

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_ceremony-ideas_advice-2?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:10Discussion:a55c277b-b581-4279-bed7-693484b7e01cPost:5187d048-abc6-403b-8c8b-e05c1183653f">Re: ...advice!</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: ...advice! : THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!! I am talking about being on a beach, and looking into my mans eyes, and saying the words that I want to say to him!<strong> I am NOT talking about legal stuff</strong>, I am talking about just having a magical, romantic moment alone and being able to tell eachother how we feel... in a very simple ceremony... or I guess some people think I mean ceremony to mean LEGAL terms but I simply mean ceremony in the sense that it will be a special moment for him and I. 
Posted by SarahMichele26[/QUOTE]

I think what you may not be understanding is that you will be saying vows to each other in a courthouse wedding in TX.  Most states require some sort of ceremony to complete the marriage license process.  I think Colorado seems to be the only state that people have mentioned on these boards where you don't need witnesses or anything else to complete the marriage process.  So anything after your ceremony in TX, will just be a vow renewal. 

aquari0216

In Response to Re: ...advice!:[QUOTE]In Response to Re: ...advice!:In Response to Re: ...advice! : You have to get your marriage license in the state where you marry.nbsp; Figure out where you want to get married and then call the county clerk's office there to find out what you need to do.Posted by GoodLuckBear14This, except you actually have to get the marriage license in the COUNTY you are getting married in assuming you're in the US, not even just the state. nbsp;You can't just get a marriage license in Texas, then take it somewhere else to get married. nbsp; Posted by StageManager14[/QUOTE]... You do not... My SIL got her license in Illinois and took it and got married in Morocco...

LizzyRB

I went to St Thomas a few years ago and the place we stayed had this little balcony/patio thing that was right on the water. GORGEOUS!!! And St. Thomas is U.S. still. I always thought it was the place I would get married if I were to do it away from home. Here is the resort's link

http://www.sugarbayresortandspa.com/