Look at regional tourism bureaus, wedding associations and publications. If you do not find what you are looking for in this book or if you want more information on a destination I suggest that you go to the tourism bureau first either via phone or internet. In any case you should always go there first so get the most up-to-date resources and location ideas.

You can also search further in:

• Travel and bridal magazines such as Conde Nast Traveler, Modern Bride Connection (which is a regional version of Modern Bride) or National Geographic Traveler Magazine. Most wedding publications have a travel section that features fabulous honeymoon destinations and locations that can also host weddings.
• Modern Bride Honeymoons and Weddings Away by Geri Bain
• Romantic Wedding Destinations by Jackie Carrington
• Beyond Vegas by Lisa Tabb and Sam Silverstein
• The Most Romantic Resorts For Destination Weddings, Marriage Renewals, & Honeymoons by Paulette Cooper.
• Celebrity Weddings and Honeymoon Getaways by Elizabeth Borsting
• 100 Most Romantic Resorts of the World by Katharine D. Dyson
• Hotel Paradise by Kazuyoshi Miyoshi

The Internet

If you really cannot find what you are looking for in books and you really do love the hunt and want to surf, surf, surf, be my guest. Here are some of the sites we have found useful. They all provide a variety of information but I have organized them according to their focus. Destinations

• www.Geographia.com
• www.CondeNast.com
• www.NationalGeographic.com
• www.concierge.com
• www.condenet.comwww.epinions.com
• www.geographia.com
• www.insiders.com
• www.jaxfax.xom
• www.SpecialtyTravel.com

Locations

• www.elegantresorts.com
• www.Weddinglocations.com
• www.Askginka.com
• www.lhw.com.
• www.Vaanyc.com
• www.Smallluxuryhotelsoftheworld.com.
• www.Relaischateaux.fr
• www.Lacure.com.

General Info and Resources

• www.WeddingChannel.com.
• www.TheKnot.com.
• www.Weddingbells.com.
• www.ModernBride.com
• www.Brides.com
• www.BridalGuide.com
• www.ManhattanBride.com
• www.ElegantBride.com
• www.FourSeasonsHotels.com
• www.RitzCarltonHotels.com
• www.Rosewoodhotels.com
• www.travelocity.com
• www.travelteacher.com
• www.travelterrific.com
• www.tropicaltreasures.com
• www.turq.com
• www.wheretostay.com
• www.MarthaStewart.com
• www.Todaysbride.com
• www.Bridalclicks.com.
• www.Ultimateweddings.com.
• www.Weddinglinksgalore.com.
• www.Wednet.com.

Service Providers

• www.AFWPI.com
• www.Bridalassn.com

When you narrow down the locations you are interested in you will want to be sure to request their wedding packages and brochures so you can see all of their materials before signing on the dotted line. Make sure you are certain you understand what they are offering and what they are charging so you know exactly what you are getting into. Be sure to ask them if they will assist you in getting your marriage license and perhaps they can go over the steps with you. You might ask them for photos of all of the wedding locations and maybe some past weddings. You may also want to ask them for references of people who had recently gotten married there. Contact them and see what they thought and if there were any weak spots or things to look out for. This is free yet very valuable advice.

Do not contract your location until:

• Not until you have a chance to tour it in person.
• You know how you will get your marriage license and where,
• You have determined the best time of the year,
• You know that the travel expenses will not be too much for your guests, and
• You know you have the support of your family if that is important to you,

If you are worried that you might loose the location before you are able to take the planning trip you might ask them to reserve the date for you until you meet in person or you might have to put down a deposit. Try to put down as little as possible and make sure they give you a contract.