Second wedding destinations: romantic locations for your second wedding.

Imagine exchanging vows on a picturesque Caribbean island. You're caressed by soft breezes as palm trees sway overhead and sweet floral fragrances perfume the air. Following the ceremony a sumptuous buffet will be laid out and music supplied by a local ensemble. And when your wedding is over, you can just stay put, because this is also the place where you'll be spending your honeymoon. There are all sorts of amazing second wedding destinations to choose from.

Is it any wonder that the destination wedding is gaining in popularity? And if you're getting remarried and want to create a wedding very different from your first, a destination wedding may have additional appeal for you.

Second wedding destinations come in all shapes and sizes, some traditional, some nontraditional. Would you like to recite your vows on the site of a cherished family cabin overlooking a lake? Perhaps your taste and pocketbook point to a five-star resort in Tahiti ? Hundreds of people every year elect to tie the knot at Disney World. Others find nothing as romantic as a hotel in Quebec built completely from ice. At least one couple chose to formalize their union underwater, complete with scuba gear.

A typical scenario includes the wedding couple and perhaps 20 of their closest friends and relatives over a four-day weekend.

The etiquette of destination weddings generally requires that invited guests pay for airfare and sometimes for accommodations. However, if you can afford it, by all means pick up the tab for your guests' lodging.

Destination weddings are becoming increasingly popular for a lot of reasons. Among couples who are having second marriage ceremonies, there is the desire to spend less time planning the occasion and more time enjoying it. In an effort to capitalize on this trend, more countries have relaxed their non-resident wedding requirements. There are many second wedding destinations to choose from. More resorts have created value-rich packages. Depending on the type of destination you choose, it's possible to realize considerable savings over a traditional event.

Things you should think about when planning second wedding destinations.

We have a lot of useful tips for planning a second wedding. There's a lot to think about, especially if the wedding will be somewhere other than where you live. If you opt for a destination wedding, you can hire a consultant to handle all the arrangements. This specialist will also save you considerable time by coordinating your guests' travel arrangements, including booking their accommodations and air transportation and coordinating their payments. If you decide to coordinate the event yourself, create a planning notebook to organize the details and help you stay on schedule. Many second wedding destinations and resorts now have on-site specialists devoted to helping with wedding arrangements, which should make your job much easier.

With a destination wedding it's especially important to begin planning well in advance. Remember, you're asking your guests for a commitment of several days, not just one afternoon or evening. Once you've decided whom to invite, send a "save the date" card to your guests so they can work this into their schedules.

Here are some basics to think about early on when planning second wedding destinations:

First, your destination should be a place that both you and your future spouse will enjoy. If you love warm weather and he's a golf fanatic, a resort with its own golf course might be just the place.
Determine if the marriage requirements of the region are too restrictive to make this a practical destination. You can consult a travel agent who specializes in booking destination weddings or do your own research.
If you have young children, inquire about on-site activities for the kids. A resort with family activities is probably a better idea than a destination like Venice. See blending families before, during and after your second wedding.
Consider your budget. Because they typically involve fewer guests, destination weddings are frequently less expensive than traditional weddings, but more remote locations and luxurious accommodations do add up.
Unless you intend to pay for your guests, make sure they can afford the cost. If you plan a large wedding at a luxury hotel, try to provide an option of less expensive accommodations nearby. Make sure to ask about group discounts, which are widely available.
Consider the travel requirements. Some destinations require changing planes or multiple modes of transportation. Not only does this add to the cost of the trip, but it can be physically demanding for elderly or disabled guests.
If you're going somewhere exotic or far from home, you should probably limit the guest list to 20 people, but certainly no more than 50. Large numbers make it difficult to manage activities and keep track of your guests' comings and goings.
Choose your season wisely. Understand the climate before you make your plans to avoid hurricanes, blizzards and other extreme weather conditions.
If you're wearing a formal wedding gown, make sure it suits the climate where you plan to be married. Get the name of a local tailor and dry cleaner for last-minute touch-ups and alterations. Find out about etiquette for a second wedding dress.
Pack carefully! If you're traveling to the South Pacific, you don't want to forget anything important, like your wedding rings. Choose the perfect rings.

Second wedding destinations outside the U.S. -- special requirements.

If you plan to have your second wedding in another country, be sure to leave plenty of time. Go over all your legal details early. Take processing time into account, and build in a little extra leeway for slip-ups such as documents getting lost. Here are some general tips:

For help in securing your marriage license and proper paperwork, contact the consulate, the tourism bureau or the U.S. embassy of the country where you plan to marry.
Have explicit explanations of residential requirements.
Ask for a list of the medical tests, proof of divorce and the number of witnesses required. If you plan to have a religious ceremony, research these requirements.
Allow two extra weeks beyond the expected time to process paperwork.

Special wedding destinations inside the U.S. -- what you need to know.

Each state and county has its own set of marriage standards and requirements. Be sure you know them well in advance of your wedding and ask for approximate processing times and deadlines. How to proceed:

Contact the marriage license bureau of the country in which you are marrying and ask about birth certificates, proofs of divorce and health tests.
Some states require you to apply for your marriage license 24 or 48 hours in advance. Make sure you're in the local county in time for the deadline.

Someplace hot, someplace cold, someplace romantic, someplace bold.

Hawaii is the number one choice of second wedding destinations , and for good reason. The islands boast near-perfect weather year round, lush tropical gardens and pristine beaches. Diversions are as varied as visiting Pearl Harbor, hiking up to a volcano or riding in a helicopter. Many resorts offer all-inclusive packages and feature a wide range of amenities, including multiple restaurants, health spas, golf courses and water sports. Getting a Hawaiian marriage license requires only valid identification and a $50 fee.

How about second wedding destinations that sparkle like a diamond? If you don't mind the cold temperatures, you could have a winter wonderland wedding in Quebec 's Ice Hotel. After exchanging vows in the majestic Ice Chapel, you can depart in a dog sled, share a candle-lit dinner and then enjoy a cozy evening in the 007 Suite-a replica of the room depicted in a recent James Bond movie. Contact the US Embassy in Quebec City for information on remarriages in the Province of Quebec .

With its ancient buildings, winding canals and shimmering light, Venice offers one of the world's most romantic backdrops for a wedding. You might choose an 11th-century palazzo, a hotel on the Grand Canal or one of the city's many cathedrals for your remarriage ceremony. You can even get married in a gondola! Be advised that you'll need to plan well in advance to get all the necessary documents and make appointments with the proper authorities. Strict rules apply to religious ceremonies. For information on the legal requirements for marriage, visit http://travel.state.gov/italy_marriage.html .

Are you and your future spouse adventurers who believe traditions are made to be broken? Second wedding destinations include the ocean floor. Would you consider a wedding under the sea? There's a fellow in St. Croix who has married more than 700 couples and recently performed his first wedding for Scuba enthusiasts. If you're not white gown and tuxedo types, if you'd like your guests to include brilliantly colored fish and the décor to feature coral reefs, this may be the ideal destination for you. Incidentally, your wedding consultants will be the operators of dive shops. And legal requirements will come from the jurisdiction of the closest town.

There are an unlimited number of wonderful second wedding destinations, so start dreaming and then start planning.

Get more ideas and helpful advice for planning your second wedding.

Before you exchange rings, make sure you know how to make a brilliant choice.