In Search Of The Perfect AisleDecisions, decisions. Everyengaged couple is faced with lotsof them, and now the risingpopularity of destinationweddings has added anotherbiggie: Where to get married?These days, nearly 20 percent ofAmerican couples choose to wedin a place that neither they northeir families have ever lived.

San Diego couples chose to wedat one of the coastal resorts inLaguna Beach. Of these, Montageis a popular choice - in partbecause they guarantee that nomore than one wedding will takeplace per day. Here, Jaime Pufferand her staff" never say no" to abride's idea. They have beenknown to recarpet, change the

Unlike elopement, friends andfamily are encouraged to attend.

According to many experts,a destination wedding:· gives the bride's family and thegroom's family a chance to connectaway from either's home base· is often more intimate becausefewer guests attend· is often less expensive becauseof fewer guests, and, in the caseof a foreign location, an exchangerate that favors our dollar

Of course, not every wedding willbe in an overseas location. Many

chandeliers, and engage skywriters upon request. One bride,renowned for her love of HostessTwinkies, asked that these beserved as a late-night snack -the staff happily complied.(www.montagelagunabeach.com)

Puffer cautions brides to avoidgetting too many opinions and tojust do what they want. "It's gotto be all about them:'

Susan Breslow, author ofDestination Weddings forDummies, adds her advice aboutbeach weddings: "Hope for the

best - a sunny day, a gentlebreeze - but prepare for theworst by also reserving indoorspace nearby:'

Breslow also cautions, "Beforeyou settle on a place, find out ifyou can have a legal weddingperformed there. If it turns outthat you can't - France, forinstance, has a 40-day residencyrequirement - you can get themarriage license at home andhold a symbolic ceremony at thedestination."

That would be the case inFrench Polynesia, which requiresa 30-day residency. However, youcould go to Huahine, my favoriteisland, and enjoy a symbolicTahitian wedding ceremony on thebeach at Te Tiare Beach Resort.Dressed in traditional pareos andadorned with flowers, the brideand groom are serenaded withchants and songs of Polynesia.My advice: reserve one of thedeep overwater bungalows forthe best sunset views.(www.tetiarebeachresort.com)

You can easily get legally marriedin Australia, especially if you lO"

The Padfl cean provides a breathtaking backdrop

for weddings at Montage Laguna Beach

"OJ start your planning with a call toKleon Howe at Get HitchedDown Under in San Diego. Heand his team of planners canarrange your wedding at theSydney Opera House, in acolonial home on the Sydneywaterfront, or in the RoyalBotanic Gardens. They can alsomake arrangements for weddingsin Victoria or Tasmania. And "noworries" about the requirements.They know them all. By the way,at press time, US$l ~ A$1.40.(www.gethitcheddownunder.com)

For an exotic atmospherewithout leaving the country,Hawaii is a sure bet. Onebeautiful spot is Turtle BayResort on the North Shore ofOahu. A la carte weddings canbe arranged, but many couplesopt for a wedding package thatstarts with private limousineservice from the Honoluluairport. En route to the NorthShore, the driver stops to obtainthe marriage license, and fromthere you enjoy an hour-longcoastal drive around Oahu'swindward side. Fresh leis awaityour arrival at Turtle Bay.Thepackage also includes lodgingin a luxurious beach cottage, aday of pampering at Spa Luana,and flowers, a lei, an officiant,and a photographer for theoceanfront ceremony.(www.turtlebayresort.com)

Destinations don't get muchbetter that this. For more ideason exotic weddings please visitwww.ranchandcoast.com.