Destination Weddings – a Date with Destiny
‘Overseas Weddings to Die For’
When your parents have waited decades for your wedding day, you’d think that eloping is simply out of the question. However, destination weddings are now more popular then ever and here are two of the most romantic overseas weddings a bride and groom could wish for.
Mokoia Island, New Zealand: A Traditional Maori Wedding
Situated in the very centre of Lake Rotorua, Mokoia Island is the setting of the greatest love story in Maori history. It is where tribal chieftainness, Hinemoa, fell in love with an illegitimate young man named Tutanekai and in defiance of her tribe, overcame all their attempts to keep them separated, and united with him in eternal love.
Trace the steps of the famed lovers whilst also declaring your undying love at this amazing overseas location. Upon arrival, you will be embraced and welcomed onto the sacred land by the descendents of Hinemoa and Tutanekai. Te Powhiri (a traditional song and dance) will then be performed followed by the Hongi (the touching of the nose), a tribal gesture symbolising friendship and goodwill between the two parties. A Maori priest will conduct the wedding ceremony and after his blessing, the formalities will come to a close to make way for a night of celebration and Hangi feasting (food cooked underground in earthen ovens).
The sacred locations, its passionate history, and the infusion of the Polynesian Maori culture into a contemporary ceremony result in a breathtakingly romantic and spiritual wedding like no other. Visit the Maori Weddings website for more details.
The Austrian Alps: Fairytale Weddings
Snow capped mountains, horse-drawn sleighs, houses lit by candlelight and the smell of warm gingerbread in the air - Austria in winter is truly a magical place to elope to. Weddings and Honeymoons Abroad offer wedding packages to the gorgeous Valley Resort in Austria’s glorious and wild Kotschach Valley. Aside from luxurious accommodation with romantic four poster bed, packages can include a personal wedding coordinator, beauty and hairdresser appointments for the bride and groom, bouquet and boutonniere amd limousine transport to a scenic waterfall location for photographs.