You've committed to spending the rest of your lives together and are busily making plans for your future. It's time to get hitched! When deciding how you wish to celebrate one of life's biggest milestones, destination weddings can be the best option for so many reasons.

Surprisingly affordable, with added benefits

It's not unusual for couples to spend upwards of $25,000 for a wedding close to home. Yet the average cost of a destination wedding can be less than $5,000 for the bride and groom. Sharing the costs with friends and family is just one of the many advantages.

Depending on where you choose, you can have a destination wedding pretty much year-round instead of planning it around those good weather months. That means much, if not all of the festivities can happen in the fresh outdoors, and not just for one or two days, but a week or more. And no guest list is too big or too small - it's all up to you.

Plenty of options to suit you and your wedding party

Whether it's aboard a luxury cruise ship, on a sun-drenched beach in Mexico or the Caribbean, in a charming cathedral or castle in Europe and beyond, an infinite range of choices are available.

Many resorts and destinations offer a variety of wedding packages depending on how elaborate your plans are, with a range of options all designed to work within your budget. Some also offer ethnic, interfaith and same-sex marriage packages.

Luxury - and value - abounds

When it comes to surrounding yourself in spectacular beauty and being pampered with privileges, put Transat Holidays' Luxury Collection at the top of your destination wedding list.

These magnificent resorts have attentive, welcoming staff, all the latest amenities, stunning beachfront locations, and comfortable, attractive accommodations - and all offering exceptional value.

For even more luxury and comfort, try the Luxury Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado Don Pablo Collection. Located in Samana, Dominican Republic, this 5-star property spoils you with waiter service at the pool and beach, unlimited à la carte dinners, scuba diving lessons and more. Transat Holiday's Luxury Collection hosts many more 5-star resorts in Mexico and the Carribean as well, offering a variety of luxurious amenities and exclusive privileges.

Plus, for a limited time, you'll also earn 2X AIR MILES^® reward miles when you book one of Transat Holidays Luxury Collection properties with Marlin Travel.*

What to look for when choosing a destination wedding provider

Think of a destination wedding specialist as the elite of wedding planners - they not only help with all the arrangements for the wedding itself, but also coordinate all the travel, accommodations and any special requirements you and your guests may have.

That's why it's essential you choose not only a reputable travel professional, but also one who specializes in destination weddings. Someone with the credentials and experience to ensure your special day - and your entire trip - is nothing short of spectacular from start to finish.

With over 25 years experience, Marlin Travel has helped thousands of brides realize the destination wedding of their dreams, offering maximum flexibility and customization in the planning process.

Eager to get going on your dream wedding abroad?

If you're ready to say "I do" with that special someone, and want an equally special experience you'll cherish for the rest of your lives, start planning your dream destination wedding here.

*Offer is valid on new, Transat Holidays vacation packages only including airfare and accommodations at a Luxury Collection property booked between August 1 - September 5, 2014 for departures up to April 30, 2015. Not applicable on land only bookings. Bonus offer cannot be combined with any other promotional offer except supplier Early Booking Bonuses. Offer applies to the base reward miles earned on qualifying purchase. Limit of one Bonus offer per room booked. Refer to the Transat Holidays 2014-2015 Sun Collection brochure for a list of Luxury Collection properties. Other conditions may apply. Full offer details are available from your Marlin Travel Professional. Offer code: MTLC142X. Base reward mile offer is 1/$35 on vacation packages, cruise fares and charter flights. Not applicable on scheduled airline or rail tickets, hotel and car reservations paid locally, taxes, service fees, non-commissionable items, foreign exchange and insurance. Other conditions may apply. Marlin Travel is a division of Transat Distribution Canada Inc. ON Reg. #50015084. BC Reg. #23567. Head Office: 191 The West Mall, Suite 700, Etobicoke, ON, M9C 5K8. ^®™ Trademarks of AIR MILES International Trading B.V. Used under license by LoyaltyOne, Co. and Transat Distribution Canada Inc.

This is a sponsored post. The content is paid for by our advertising partners. Learn more about Marlin Travel at www.marlintravel.ca