Europe

Many brides dream of a European wedding, but think it's an ocean beyond their reach. However, with expert assistance, a wedding in Italy, Austria, Greece or Spain becomes possible even for inexperienced travelers without linguistic skills. Lisa Habicht, president of Grand Luxe International of Allendale, New Jersey, noted that the three hottest locations for European weddings are all in Italy-Venice, Rome and Florence. Habicht has also arranged marriages at Lake Cuomo and at Porto Fino, her own personal favorite.

In France, only religious ceremonies are permitted. Expenses compare to those of an American destination wedding. In Italy, two separate ceremonies are needed, one religious, one civil. Couples may have their civil ceremony at home and then have a spiritual exchange of vows in any setting they choose. "While civil ceremonies take place at the town hall, it's not exactly a shabby choice," Habicht said. "These locations are romantic, historic and just beautiful."

In Rome, a Catholic couple, neither of whom have married previously, may have their wedding at the Vatican. In Venice, a special golden wedding gondola covered in flowers with red velvet seats may take the couple from the ceremony to the reception. Their guests may follow in their own gondolas. The gondolieri wear white and gold uniforms. Or, if the couple choose to have a blessing in the palazzo, then they may walk in a procession to the reception.

While spring through fall are ideal in Italy, winter is perfect for Vienna and Salzburg, Austria. Couples snuggle beneath fur blankets as they ride in a golden carriage drawn by one or two beautiful white horses decked in bells. "The pace moves somewhat slower there," Habicht noted. "People love to see brides. They clap and call out blessings. Winter weddings can be very beautiful using darker colors and velvets. The atmosphere is full of warmth and richness. It is really something out of the ordinary."

Habricht also highly recommends Santorini, a Greek island for very small wedding parties. "The entire atmosphere is different from any other place in the world," she noted. "It feels secluded, there is the romance of the beaches and the full moon. It is a paradise, an ideal place for a union.

"The number one rule is that my couples want an adventure, not a cookie-cutter wedding. Parties range from two to 120 people, typically 20 to 40 people. Over half of all couples are first marriages. Some have never been to Europe before. They are fulfilling a fantasy. About half move on to a different European location for their honeymoon. I take away the worry and stress by arranging the documentation, the travel, the personalized reception, the appropriate settings and the amenities. "All vows are in English and priests speak English. Hotels have English-speaking staff. I'm not just bringing couples to a city, I know the right places to bring them." Habicht advises that European weddings requires at least three months of planning time.

photography by Jasper-Sky