When most Americans think of an island, the first thing they think of is the Hawaiian Islands. Without a doubt, Hawaii is a fabulous place to celebrate your wedding. But did you know that there are wonderful and romantic islands in the continental United States and Canada that are just as romantic for your wedding and can be a little closer to home? Here are a few you may want to consider:
Top 5 Romantic Islands for Weddings in the Continental US and Canada
1. Catalina Island – California
Located 42 kilometers off the coast of Los Angeles, Santa Catalina Island is and will always be “the island of romance.” Although Catalina Island was hit by a wildfire in 2007, the city of Avalon was intact and remains one of the most romantic places in Southern California to celebrate your wedding, just the two of you or with friends and family.
Catalina Island abounds with excellent venues to celebrate your wedding. If you want a larger ceremony, you may want to choose some of the more formal venues like the Descanso Beach Club or the Catalina Country Club. For a small, intimate ceremony, you can hire an officiant to perform a wedding at locations like Buena Vista Point on Mt. Ada overlooking the ocean, beach, or Wrigley Botanical Gardens. Of course, you will have to obtain a permit for the public areas.
2. Sanibel Island – Florida
Located off the coast of southwest Florida and about 30 minutes from Fort Myers, Sanibel Island is known worldwide for its white sand beaches, which provide visitors with a wealth of seashells from the Gulf of Mexico. Sanibel Island is a place to get away from the skyscrapers of other beach resort communities and just relax.
For a beach wedding, visit Casa Ybel Resort’s Thistle Lodge, which has hosted weddings for over 100 years. You can choose to host your wedding at one of the resort’s many locations, such as a secluded white sand beach, the lakeside gazebo, or the grand Thistle Lodge. Call them at 866-748-8958 for more information.
3. Mount Desert Island – Maine
What’s so special about Mount Desert Island in Maine? The beaches, views, and Acadia National Park are just a few of the reasons why you should consider Mount Desert Island. Another reason is the number of “Best of” lists Mount Desert Island is on year after year.
Bar Harbor is the most popular city on the island, and Frenchman Bay is a coveted location for many weddings. If you want to get away from the crowds of Bar Harbor, you may want to consider the town of Southwest Harbor, on the island and 20 minutes from Bar Harbor.
You can even have your wedding in Acadia National Park, which also tops many “Best of” lists. You will have to pay a $ 50 permit application fee and there are certain restrictions. For more information, you can visit the National Park Service site at nps.gov and find information about Acadia National Park.
4. Cape Breton – Nova Scotia
If you are outside of Canada or the northeastern United States, you may not be familiar with Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. But apparently enough people have visited this beautiful destination to have voted it one of the “Best Islands in North America” in the 2006 Reader’s Choice Awards for Conde ‘Naste Traveler magazine. In 2006, Travel + Leisure ranked Cape Breton Island as the number one island in the Continental US and Canada.
If you both like outdoor activities, Cape Breton Island is the ideal place for your wedding and honeymoon. There you will find the world famous Cabot Trail, considered by some to be one of the most beautiful scenic destinations in the world.
For a small wedding between you or up to 18 guests, visit Castle Moffett, overlooking the Bras d’Or lakes. Castle Moffett has earned AAA Five Star and Four Diamond ratings from the Canadian national team. Call them toll free at 888-756-9070 for more information.
5. Vancouver Island – Vancouver
Vancouver Island has also been featured on the 2006 Travel + Leisure and Conde ‘Naste Traveler lists. Known as “Canada’s paradise in the Pacific,” Vancouver Island is known for its beauty: gardens in bloom throughout the year. year, lush rainforests, beaches, rocky shores. as well as the “essentially British” city of Victoria, with its high tea, double-decker buses and horse-drawn carriages. Without a doubt, a wedding here will provide couples with a wide range of experiences.