Marriages made in heaven

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21 APRIL 2004
When it comes to choosing a romantic environment in which to tie the knot, celebs often have the edge, opting for beach-side ceremonies under tropical skies. Friends actor Matt LeBlanc, supermodel Cindy Crawford and Natalie Imbruglia are just a few of the stars who have chosen to celebrate their special day in exotic climes.

Fantastic locations are no longer the exclusive province of the rich and famous, though. These days many travel firms include special departments which sort out the red tape, button-holes and bubbly, with the honeymoon thrown in as well. In fact exchanging your vows and rings on a sun-drenched island could be a cost-effective alternative to an expensive UK wedding.

Sri Lanka
Although its coastal areas were ravaged by the December 2004 tsunami, Sri Lanka offers a rich landscape of tea plantations, haunting ancient cities, wildlife and dense jungle in its picturesque interior. And the country has made it clear it is keen to welcome back visitors.

The island is now back to functioning normally, and certainly few locations can be more romantic than this teardrop-shaped jewel in the Indian Ocean.

Icing on the cake: Depending on which hotel and wedding package you choose, you can have a herbal massage, go away by elephant, in a boat or vintage car, and have your own personalised firework display.
Essentials: You must be 21 years or over to marry and spend seven nights at the hotel, with the wedding conducted after four days.

St Lucia
With its film-set beauty, St Lucia not surprisingly has been dubbed the on-the- beach wedding Mecca of the Caribbean. The scenery is outstanding – with towering volcanoes and lush rainforests – and with hotels bristling with activities there’s more than enough to occupy you on your honeymoon.

Icing on the cake: You can have a day’s catamaran cruise around the Grenadines, candlelit dinner on your wedding night and breakfast in bed the morning after, or even a steel band to play The Wedding March, depending on your choice of hotel, wedding ceremony and reception.
Essentials: You must be 18 years or over to marry and spend a minimum of seven nights in your hotel – after three working days it will be possible to marry.