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Mr & Mrs Aldred

Those agents who sell thousands of wedding packages each year are recognised experts in their market. But where do the agents themselves choose to get married? Travel Weekly spoke to four newlywed retailers about their big day.

Trailfinders first and business-class consultant Tim Aldred, 29, married in Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens, last December

For better, for worse? “We chose the gardens because that’s where we met in 2001, when backpacking. The best part of the wedding was having the backdrop of Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The ease and simplicity of it all was also a selling point – it only took me a few e-mails to organise. The venue is outdoors, so the only thing that could have spoilt the day was the weather, but it was 34C and sunny.”

Who’s next down the aisle? “I would recommend it to people who don’t want a big wedding or a lot of stress. It would also suit those who want to do something a bit different to the Caribbean, for example, which is so popular.”

For richer, for poorer? Kuoni offers weddings in the Royal Botanic Gardens from £1,098 per couple. The price includes fees and licence, wedding co-ordinator and sparkling wine toasts. A week at the three-star Corus Hotel in Sydney costs £1,248 with Kuoni, including flights and transfers.

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Felixstowe Travelcare branch manager Lisa Gooding, 27, entered a Travel Weekly competition in conjunction with Columbia Beach Resort, Pissouri Bay, Cyprus, and Cyprair Holidays, and won a wedding in the hotel’s chapel

For better, for worse? “The best part of the package was the lack of worry. From what people have told me about getting married in the UK, there seems to be so much to tie up for the day to go smoothly. But everything was done for me. The only thing we had to organise was the wedding licence. The hotel’s laid-back atmosphere relaxed us completely. The only bit I had trouble with was directions to the town hall.”

Who’s next down the aisle? “This would suit young people on a budget or those marrying for the second time. For those with family far away, it can cost them as much to travel to a UK venue as it does to fly to Cyprus. It’s not too far for children either. The nice part was we didn’t just have the one day with our families; we could see them throughout the week we were there.”

For richer, for poorer? Flights with Cyprus Airways start at £119 return to Paphos or Larnaca, excluding taxes.

A junior suite at the five-star Columbia Beach Resort leads in at £230 per night on a bed-and-breakfast basis. A dedicated staff member at the resort can make all arrangements for weddings in the All Saints chapel in the grounds. Alternatively, the product can be booked through Planet Holidays from £1,075 per person twin-share for two weeks, including flights and transfers. Additional wedding costs include a £150 administration fee, a £203 licence fee, payment to the priest of at least £261, as well as extra costs for items such as flowers and photography.

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Hays Travel homeworker Clare Vest, 31, tied the knot in Goa last December

For better, for worse? “We went to Goa the year before our wedding and decided to go back because the people are so friendly and because of the long Mobor Beach in Cavelossim, which was practically deserted. We had the ceremony on that beach. I would recommend agents book the wedding with a reputable operator. You have to go to a court to get permission to marry in Goa. The process took three hours to complete – relatively quick for India – and was well-organised. However, it would take much longer if organised independently.”

Who’s next down the aisle? “This wedding would suit someone who appreciates deserted beach locations and is looking for a peaceful resort. In some resorts, it feels like the weddings are on a conveyor belt; here it was very different.”

For richer, for poorer? Travelpack organises wedding packages in Goa from £425 per couple, including legal fees, the ceremony, flowers, cake, and a local wedding organiser.

Photographers and elephant greetings are available at an extra cost. The five-star Leela Goa hotel at Mobor Beach leads in at £817 for seven nights per person twin-share with Travelpack. Most ceremonies take place in North of Goa, so those couples wanting to marry in South Goa should take note of additional booking expenses.

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Edinburgh-based First Choice Holiday Hypermarket worldwide department manager Shirley Jack-Thomson, 34, got hitched at Beaches Varadero in Cuba, in February

For better, for worse? “The main selling point for this wedding was the location. We got married in a gazebo in the hotel grounds, but you could also marry on the beach. Everything is organised for you, which means it is stress-free. On our second day, we met the wedding co-ordinator to go through details, such as the colour of the flowers. It was my husband’s second marriage and he had to get divorce papers translated into Spanish before we went. That’s something agents should warn clients about.”

Who’s next down the aisle? “It’s got wide appeal. There were six other people getting married when we were there. There were two older couples and another celebrated their silver wedding by renewing their vows.”

For richer, for poorer? Wedding packages at Beaches Varadero lead in at £235 per couple through First Choice, including a room upgrade subject to availability, a special dinner for the wedding party, ceremony and cake. Registrar fees are not included. Prices lead in at £1,109 for 14 nights at the four-star Beaches Varadero per person twin-share, with all-inclusive accommodation, flights and transfers.

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