However, there is still hope for the average earning couple to have a wedding that will be worthy of their unparalleled love for each other. One marvelous option that couples have is to go for a destination wedding, which contrary to popular belief, may actually cost less than a traditional wedding.

In the Philippines, destination weddings are usually associated with popular beach resorts in Boracay, Davao and Palawan or tasteful gardens and scenic hilltops and lakesides in other plush locations.  Lately, however, many couples, including celebrity couples, have discovered the charm and appeal of Batangas as an ideal wedding destination and are now looking at Batangas from a totally new perspective.

Batangas boasts of a wide array of choices for beach wedding venues, including the Blue Coral Beach Resort and La Luz Beach Resort which are both in Laiya, Canyon Woods in Laurel, La Virginia Resort & Hotel in Mataasnakahoy, and Club Punta Fuego in Nasugbu, to name a few. For church weddings, the Transfiguration Chapel of Caleruega on a scenic hilltop in Nasugbu and the 18^th century San Sebastian Cathedral in Lipa easily come to mind. For those who prefer a garden destination wedding, Villa Cristina Hotel Resort in Balayan, the White House Garden Villas in Tanauan and the Barcelona Garden Resort in Rosario have much to offer.

Primarily, the allure of Batangas lies in its ability to provide a romantic venue for the most intimate of celebrations through a vibrant  backdrop of pristine beaches, white sand and blue waters, magnificent mountains, dreamy gardenscapes and antique churches.

Take note, however, that a dream wedding in Batangas is not only the romantic choice. It is absolutely the practical choice as well. Since there is no lack of wedding suppliers in the area, Batangas is a one-stop shop for all of a couple’s wedding needs, making it very convenient to secure provisions and services for the much-awaited day.

Another major advantage of having a wedding in Batangas is its distance from the capital. Batangas, 92 kilometers away, seems to be the perfect distance that is far enough to exude the romantic ambience of a rustic getaway yet, at the same time, near enough to allow the couple to personally oversee their wedding arrangements as often as they need to. This distance is also guest-friendly and permits more guests to attend the wedding without having to make overnight arrangements as the trip home can be covered in less than two hours.

In terms of costs, services and products needed can come out at lower costs for as long as these are obtained from the area.  A couple will surely get more value for their money especially since they do not have to spend for a honeymoon elsewhere. Why go anywhere else when they can have their wedding and their honeymoon in a single location in the paradise of Batangas?

For the Active Body

For starters, one will never run out of photo opportunities at La Virginia.  The surrounding amenities of nature itself supply the backdrop for wonderful picture moments.  Add the fascinating array of caged animals, statues, and structures around the resort and everything is set.  After taking a bunch of souvenir photos, a game of basketball or badminton will get the pulse racing.  If games do not provide you with challenge enough, then take a step further and try La Virginia’s newest attraction – Zipline rides.  The 200-meter long ride not only excites the guests with the thrill of the height but treats them as well to an exceptional view of the resort and the surrounding wonders of nature.  After much fun and frolic, most guests are set for a rendezvous with the fabulous rooms of La Virginia Resort.

For the Restful Mind

Aside from the wonderful hotel rooms, La Virginia offers a number of themed guest houses and cottages that provide the privacy and comforts of home.  These are ideal for couples, families, and groups depending on the budget and amenities.  Hotel room rates range from 3,500 to 4,500php ($77-100) while the houses cost 2,500 to 28,000php ($55-622) per day.  If privacy is an utmost priority, the Pagoda House is right on target.  It can accommodate twenty to thirty-five persons with its amenities which include a pool for the service of the Pagoda House guests exclusively.  Huts may be rented as well for  guests on a day trip to La Virginia.  These provide either a wonderful view of Taal Lake or convenient proximity to the pools.  These huts cost around 500-4,000php ($11-88) depending on its capacity and like the houses, some of these huts are beautifully themed as well.  Whatever accommodation guests would prefer guarantees a unique experience for everyone with the amenities that each dwelling offers.

Of course, what is a holiday without water?  In La Virginia, take your pick from their three equally splendid pools which include a breathtaking infinity pool.

As with all the above mentioned treats, La Virginia is the go-to venue for destination weddings.  The possibilities for the ceremony set-up are endless with a wide selection of areas for specific themes.  From the traditional covered venues, to the ethnic ambience of the Ifugao houses, or an Asian-inspired ceremony with The Buddha view deck, La Virginia can endow every couple with lavish settings.  In addition, each venue may have guests from the intimate number of 20 to a staggering 1,500.  Budget can also be negotiated as La Virginia has venues for as low as 500 to 40,000php ($11-888).

Indeed special occasions are of great importance to anyone.  Whether the occasion is a well-deserved vacation, a family reunion or a romantic wedding, affairs to remember should be held in nothing short of paradise, and La Virginia is precisely up to the task.

Photo by afregil114

Add a destination wedding to the picture and the cost multiplies exponentially…or not.  If you care to read on, you will find that destination weddings need not cost more or need not even cost as much as traditional weddings.

1. Choose a convenient destination.

Destination weddings need not entail plane rides or overnight hotel bookings.  Think of your and your guests’ convenience.  If you live in Manila, for example, the ideal venue for your destination wedding would be Batangas which is only a 2-hour drive away.  Through the right choice of venue, you can immediately cut down on fare and accommodation costs.

2.  Avail of wedding packages offered at your destination.

Destination resorts usually offer wedding packages for the convenience of the couple.  As a rule, these packages come out cheaper than if you were to pay for products or services from individual providers.

3.  Remember to ask about group discount offerings.

Most service providers such as hotels, beauty salons, and restaurants offer or agree to provide group discount rates for large groups.  Ask about this option if it was not raised during your inquiry.  These service providers would rather earn a little less than usual than lose the business to their competitor.

4.  Plan as early as possible.

You save a lot when you make reservations, place orders, secure services early enough to enable the service provider to have the luxury of not rushing their job, thereby providing less room for error and do-overs, which are unnecessary expenses.

5.  Consider getting married during off-season.

Almost everything will come out cheaper if your wedding is off-season, from hotel rates to cost of flowers.  It is much easier to request discounts from suppliers when business is down.  It will also be less crowded at your venue, adding an extra touch of intimacy and exclusivity to your special day.

6.  Keep a short guest list.

Consider only the most important family members and closest friends when filling out your guest list.  This will not only keep costs at a minimum but will also keep the celebration personal and intimate.

7.  Print your own invitations.

With the available technology and resources, it is easy to make your own invitations with your personal embellishments, foregoing the need to go to and recompense a printer.

8.  Keep your souvenirs simple.

You may scout the area for possible tokens to give your guests.  Local merchandise or food products are typically inexpensive and appreciated by the guests as opportunities to learn more about the local culture.

9.  Ask some friends and guests to take photos or videos of the ceremony.

Your friends can help compile your wedding album and save you from the costly services of a photographer / videographer.

10. Have your honeymoon at your destination wedding venue.

Enjoy two major events of your life for the price of one.  Book yourselves a few extra days to spend together after all the guests and family members have gone home.

With all these tips, surely, your dream destination wedding is not that far away.  For all you know, it may even be just a two-hour drive to the dreamy, romantic province of Batangas.

Photo by chauromano 

Caleruega Batangas

Just an hour and a half drive from Manila, Caleruega in Nasugbu, Batangas is really accessible. Though it is often mistaken that is it located in Tagaytay, Calaruega is really located in Nasugbu, Batangas. It may seem very far if you would think that it is part of Batangas but it is not. Just a few minutes away from Tagaytay, one can reach the sanctified place of Caleruega church. So to make things clear, here is a step by step instruction on how to get to Caleruega by car or via public transport.

Getting to Caleruega Batangas by car:

• If you are from the southern or central part of Manila, take the South Luzon Express Way
• Drive straight ahead through Aguinaldo highway in Cavite
• After you have reached Silang, turn right
• Follow the road sign to Tagaytay
• Once you have reached Tagaytay market, make a right turn to Tagaytay Rotonda
• From there, take the main road towards Nasugbu, Batangas
• Turn left on Everest Golf Club and Resort
• Then turn right once you see the Caleruega church sign
• Follow the road until you see a wall and guardhouse, that is the entrance to Caleruega church

• If you are from Alabang or Zapote though, take the South Super Highway
• Then turn right to Sta. Rosa exit
• Proceed to Tagaytay market and turn right towards Tagaytay Rotonda
• Take the main road to Nasugbu, Batangas and drive straight ahead
• Make a left turn once you see Everest Golf Club and Resort
• Then turn right at the Caleruega church sign
• There is a two-kilometer rough road leading to the entrance of Caleruega church

Getting to Caleruega Batangas via public transport:

• Board an Er John or Almark bus bound for Nasugbu, Batangas in EDSA Rotonda or Pasay
• Once you see the Everest Golf Club and Resort, get off
• Then rent a tricycle to take you to Caleruega church
• You can also take the two-kilometer hike to get to Caleruega’s entrance

There are also other tourist destinations near the sacred place.

Tagaytay

Tagaytay is one of the well-known tourist destinations near Caleruega. Picnic Grove and People’s Park in the Sky are just some of the tourist spots visitors can check out when they are at Caleruega.

Taal Lake and Talisay Beach Resorts

The Taal Lake in Talisay, Batangas is also a magnificent place to travel around. Boat rides and horseback riding are just some of the amusing transportation means guests can do to reach the Taal Volcano’s crater. There are also resorts that crowd the Taal Lake where people can stay at.

Nasugbu, Batangas Beach Resorts

There are also beach resorts that surround the whole province of Batangas that visitors can explore. Nasugbu, Batangas beach resorts are the nearest and best beach resorts that is easy to get to by tourists who want an extended vacation.

Golf Courses

Aside from spiritual and agricultural activities, visitors who want a luxurious weekend getaway can play golf and other sports at golf courses near Caleruega is a great place to visit. Everest Golf Club and Resort is the nearest golf course and resort at the place. There is also Splendido Golf course in Taal.

Caleruega Batangas is really a place worth checking out. Aside from the spiritual benefits guests receive, visitors can also obtain relaxation from the place’s spectacular environment.

Photo from jardek

Beach Wedding Philippines

It’s really a wonderful experience getting married in one of the remarkable beach resorts in the Philippines. Not only because of the breathtaking scenery but because of the reasons such as follows:

Great scenery

If a bridal couple wants to have a striking wedding ceremony, it’s best to start with a magnificent venue. Simple plans and themes about the beach wedding can become astounding because of the charm the place provides. That’s where beach resorts in the Philippines come in.

Philippines beach resorts are a great place for beach weddings because of the place’s ambiance and surroundings. Couples will surely love the outcome of the venue design whatever theme they would choose because the natural beauty of the place will compliment the arrangements.

Sumptuous Food

Bridal couples have a wide range of cuisines and dishes to choose from because Filipino chefs and culinary teams are more than capable of serving mouth-watering foods. They are very familiar with foreign cuisines and can serve delectable dishes just like how countries of the cuisines’ origins serve them. Couples can also choose to have native cuisines served in the wedding reception so they can experience and savor the flavors of Filipino cuisine.

Picture-perfect Moments

Newlyweds can also immortalize the moments of their beach wedding ceremony through magnificent photographs without worrying about the outcome and effect of the said pictures. Because of the stunning and awe-inspiring view of the beach resorts in the Philippines, photographers won’t have any troubles in taking fantastic photos of the bride and groom as well as other guests and family members.

Bridal couples, family members and guests can pose in different spots of beach resorts because the whole place is flawless and dramatic.

Weddingmoon

Bridal couples can also celebrate their honeymoon in the country’s wonderful beach resorts where they have exchanged their vows. Weddingmoon packages are available in most beach resorts in the Philippines.

Beach wedding in the Philippines enables couples to save more money because the honeymoon can also take place at the beach resort. Newlyweds don’t have to go far for their honeymoon so they can spend the money intended for the honeymoon location for other more important or enjoyable things.

Suppliers

There are hundreds and hundreds of wedding suppliers in the Philippines who can cater to every bridal couple’s taste and request. Aside from the advantage of having a supplier near the wedding venue, foreigners can also save a lot because wedding suppliers in the Philippines offer affordable yet satisfactory packages and services.

No Religion Boundaries

Whether a bridal couple is Catholic, Muslim or Buddhist, they can expect to have the wedding of their dreams. Even though most of the residents are Catholic, Philippines is a country of various religions so couples can exchange their vows the way their religion and their choosing merits. Filipinos are very understanding and respectful of other people’s religions so bridal couples can look forward to a proper wedding ceremony.

Hospitality

Filipinos are very hospitable; the reason why so many couples from all over the world opt to get married in the Philippines. Because of the Filipino’s way of accommodating guests, bridal couples will surely enjoy the whole experience of getting married and spending the first days of your life as a married couple.

They can look forward to amiable services provided by the beach resort personnel. Other guests on the chosen beach resort are also very friendly so newlyweds will feel at home in their temporary paradise.

Beach wedding Philippines is really becoming well-known because of its benefits and satisfaction they give to their customers. Beach wedding in the Philippines is truly a once in a lifetime experience.

Photo from jundiana2003

If you want to have a lovely and memorable wedding, beaches in Batangas for weddings are absolutely what you are looking for. With several beach resorts to choose from, you will surely find a place that suites your taste, needs and budget. Location and proximity from the city is also not a problem. There are numerous famous beach resorts all over the province of Batangas. Every municipality in Batangas boasts beach resorts that will make visitors come back for more fun and rejuvenating vacation.

Beaches in Batangas for Weddings

Take a look at the list of these beach resorts and see if you would find your dream wedding destination:

Dive Solana in Anilao

Indulge in the beauty of the place while taking advantage of the facilities and amenities the beach resort offers. There are available packages for special events which include group events, company conferences and of course, beach weddings.

There are several suites and cottages that scatter the extensive hilly coastal peninsula of Dive Solana beach resort. So couples who wish to stay after their holy matrimony will have a wonderful time with the stylish and sophisticated suites and cottages that also provide breathtaking views of the whole resort and the sea. Buffet meals and light snack are also available upon the stay of the guests at the resort.

There are also sports activities that newlyweds can enjoy on their honeymoon such as island hopping, scuba diving and free kayaking. Massage services are also rendered so newlyweds will not only have a euphoric honeymoon but a relaxing one as well.

Kabayan Beach Resort in San Juan

With loads of facilities and amenities available at Kabayan beach resort, couples will certainly love the place. Aside from reception halls, gardens and aviary, the resort also has a chapel where couples can have their wedding ceremony. Kabayan beach resort is one of the beaches in Batangas for weddings that are entirely a place rendering clients with complete necessities for such occasions.

With the resort’s two hundred and eight luxurious rooms, couples can have a lot of choices when it comes to accommodation. There are three types of suites that offer comfortable spot and amiable services. There is balcony in every suite that overlooks the view of the sea and a mini-refreshment bar, so couples can stay in their rooms and relax while beholding the beauty and splendor of the place.

Coral Beach Resort in Lian

This is a place of complete facilities and amenities when it comes to beach weddings. From the spa, salon, restaurant and bar to the suites and cottages, couples will have all they need to have a wonderful beach wedding.

The spa and salon can pamper and dress up the bride as well as the groom before the big day. The restaurant and bar can cater to the wedding’s feast while the resort’s reception hall and floating raft can accommodate the event. A stand-by generator can also make the merriment possible even if there is power interruption in the area.

There is also a transportation service for couples who wish to be fetched to and from the airport or Manila. Excursion to nearby tourist spots is also available for guests.

White Castle Beach Resort in Calatagan

White Castle beach resort in Calatagan is also a perfect place for beach weddings. The twenty-room/suite resort possesses native spirit which is perfect for foreigners who wish to experience an exotic beach wedding. The in-house restaurant at the resort offers native and international cuisines so newlywed’s guests have a lot of choices of food. There is also a cocktail bar at the beach where guests can take a sip of their favorite alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks while witnessing the majestic sunset.

There are also pampering services available at the resort so couples can enjoy the rejuvenating services before and after the wedding.

With their grand facilities, amiable services and serene ambiance, Batangas beach resorts have what what couples are looking for in a dream beach wedding.  There are a lot of other beach resorts in Batangas that offer weddings.  Look around this site for more information.

Photo from jundiana2003

Aside from the natural beauty of the place, one will surely appreciate the facilities and amenities the beach resort provides. Visitors will have a lot of fun activities to keep them occupied in their stay.

Here are some of the magnificent facilities and amenities accessible in Aquatic obeah resort that visitors will surely love.

Simona Spa and Outdoor Jacuzzi

Pampering and invigorating services are rendered by the resort’s spa for clients who want to be rejuvenated. Massages, facial treatments and foot pampering are only a few examples of services one can enjoy at Simona Spa.

An outdoor Jacuzzi is also available in the resort, adding to the soothing ambiance of the place.

Game Room and Basketball Court

Aquatico beach resort has a game room as well as basketball court making sports and game activities suc as volleyball, basketball and air hockey a great diversion for guests.

Kiddie Pool and Children’s Playroom

Parents never have to worry about their child’s safety while having a great time at the resort. With lifeguards always on duty, parents are sure their kids are safe at the resort’s kiddie pool and playroom.

Infinity-edge Pool

Aquatico Beach Resort's Infinity Pool

The first of its kind in Laiya. The infinity-edge pool offers great pleasure from its warm crystal clear water and marvelous view of the sea. Guests will surely love the feeling of being in a vast sea while being safe inside the pool.

Meeting Room

Aside from the rooms and villas available at the place, a meeting room is also accessible for groups of people who wish to use the venue for gatherings and activities such as seminars, workshops and teambuilding.

Restaurant

The resort also has a restaurant called Oceano. Though it’s the only restaurant in the resort, the bistro can accommodate up to a hundred diners at a time so people don’t have to wait to be able to eat. The restaurant’s culinary team can also comply with guests’ food requests depending on the availability of the ingredients.

They are serving scrumptious Filipino, Asian and Mediterranean cuisines so customers have a wide range of delectable dishes to eat.

Floating Bar

The resort also has a floating bar, namely Acua, in the middle of its infinity pool. They are serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages so visitors, drinkers or non-drinkers, can enjoy hanging out at the place while witnessing at the majestic sunset at the beachfront.

The floating bar opens at nine in the morning and closes at twelve midnight so guests have an extended time for merriment and acquaintances.

Aside from the facilities mentioned above, events are also accommodated in the resort. One can reserve for a venue and packages for events such as follows:

• Weddings
• Corporate events
• Photo shoots
• Anniversaries
• Reunions and more

Other services are also rendered by Aquatico beach resort to make visitors’ stay more enjoyable. Kayaking and boat pedaling are examples of available water sports in the resort. There is also wi-fi access inside the premises of the resort so guests can connect with their loved ones and friends in the city as well.

The accommodation is also superb. The rooms and villas are fashionable and functional at the same time. Visitors will surely have a splendid stay at the resort with the rooms’ comfy queen size beds and bathroom with tub. There are also complimentary water bottles, tea and coffee for guests staying at the suites as well as daily buffet breakfast.

There are twenty one rooms in total that can accommodate up to seventy guests. There are eight types of rooms that guests can choose from:

• Alta Vista
• Casa de Playa
• Estancia
• Infiniti
• Family Suite
• Infinity (poolside)
• Terraza
• Vista de Laya

Aquatico beach resort is located in Laiya, San Juan, Batangas. The three-hour drive from Manila is quite worthwhile because of the sanctuary’s breathtaking view. So come and visit Aquatico beach resort and experience the luxury and indulgence it offers.

Photo from rexquisite

Caleruega Church

Two slopes of hills make up the whole compound of Caleruega church. The famous Transfiguration chapel is perched on top of the first hill. The main reception hall, which is great for wedding receptions and big-group events are located there along with the comfortable rooms for visitors who want to make an overnight stay. Separate dorms for male and female tenants are also located in this area. The main garden, lettuce farm and worm farms can also be found at the first slope. There is also an open ground surrounded by trees where people can sit under the shades and reminisce about their blessings.

The second hill nestles a second chapel, also called by visitors as the Open Chapel, because of its structure. The chapel is literally open with only three stained glasses and several aslant stone pillars. There is also a vast green field at the second slope which is great place for meditation and relaxation.

Aside from the wonderful features of the scenery, the Spanish-style Transfiguration chapel also makes the venue more complaisant. Devotees who are inclined in praying for long periods of time are more encouraged to stay longer inside the chapel and have more peaceful time for prayers because of the tranquil feeling the structural design stimulates.

Magnificent receptions halls such as Veritas Hall, Catalina Hall, Tomasino Hall, Tuktok Hall and Gazekubo are great venues for wedding receptions, liturgy workshops and group activities. There is also a roof deck called Plaza de Aza that accommodates celebrations and events. Leadership seminars, skills trainings and art and music workshops are only a few examples of group activities that are mostly held in the said reception halls.

There are also hermitage cottages in Caleruega church that individuals who want to retreat can stay at. The two cottages named Pahingalayan and Fra Angelico have complete home facilities so one who wants a more profound recollection can stay longer. There are also meals and snack available upon a guest’s stay.

Occupancy cottages are also available for individuals, families and groups of friends who want a longer vacation. Spending a night or two at the cottages is not a problem for groups of people because the cabins are equipped with multiple beds. Meals and snacks are also available so guests can savor the beauty of the whole place without being bothered by cooking or by looking for stores to find food.

Kampo Arriba is also a perfect place for more adventurous people who want to spend the night at Caleruega church. It is a camping site where visitors who want to sleep amidst the breathtaking surroundings can settle. They just have to bring their own tents and food.

With these facilities and amenities that accommodate various activities and celebrations, Caleruega is not just a place for sacred occasions. It is also a place for invigorating and inspiring vacation.

Located in Nasugbu, Batangas, Caleruega church is just an hour and a half drive from Manila. With its accessibility, people who want to behold the awe-inspiring scenery can easily go there and experience a different kind of holiday.

Photo from rjbare

Here are some of the reasons that stopped you from continue dreaming about your dream beach wedding:

• Cost

Getting married is expensive as it is.  Having a beach wedding will be very expensive especially if you have to fly to reach your wedding destination.

• Logistics

You know that it’s going to be a nightmare to plan for a wedding in the beach.  How can you plan your wedding effectively if the venue is far?  How can you talk to suppliers in the area?  Are there even suppliers in the area or do you have to fly them out?  Again, added cost.

• Lack of options

If you’re in the Philippines, you thought that you need to fly out to either Boracay or Palawan to have a wedding.  You feel that there are no other options.  Sure, there are beaches that you can drive to.  But they’re not exactly what you have in mind since they’re not designed for beach weddings.

With these reasons, you forgot about your dream to have a beach wedding.  But fortunately, you stumbled upon this website.  You can start dreaming again because your dream beach wedding can now be a reality.

Batangas Beach Wedding

You’re familiar with Batangas.  You know that it’s very near Manila.  You’re familiar with kapeng barako, balisong and lomi.  You’re familiar with its relatively cooler climate.  But did you know that it’s a great option for a beach wedding?  If not, now you know.

Here are some of the best reasons why it’s a good idea to have a beach wedding in Batangas:

• It’s very near Manila.

Batangas as a province is only an hour or so away from Manila.  Sure, you need to drive for about an hour or two more to arrive at the beaches.  But still, a three hour drive is much better than an hour drive in traffic to go to the airport, a couple of hours wait for your flight, an hour flight, and an hour more to reach your destination.  Since it’s very inexpensive, it solves the issue of logistics and cost.

• There are a lot of great choices.

San Juan beaches are the most popular for beach weddings.  But there are a lot of other Batangas beach resorts that are great options as well.  Yes, you’re not limited to Boracay or Palawan anymore.

• There are a lot of great wedding suppliers in the area.

You don’t need to bring your suppliers since there are a lot of wedding suppliers in Batangas.  That can help you save a lot of money.

Awaken your dream of having a beach wedding.  Talk to your partner about it.  Explore the possibility and check out the different beaches in the area.  Better yet, have a weekend “wedding planning/vacation trip”.  You’ll be glad that you did.

Photo from purploony