What you need to know to get married In Puerto Rico...

What can be more romantic than exchanging vows on a white sandy beach at sunset while small waves lap in the background and your family and friends look on in their favorite beach attire? If this sounds like your dream come true, then Puerto Rico is for you.

Another big draw is the convenience. Not only is it a short plane ride but no passports are required. Also, currency exchanges are not needed to come here since the entire island uses U.S. dollars. This is because Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the United States therefore the currency is the same as are the travel rules.

With miles of beaches to hold your special day, you will experience a moment that will last a lifetime. If you are more traditional in nature, Puerto Rico has one of the highest densities of churches in the world. Many are of Christian orientation, but welcome faiths from all over the world. If you would like to leave the arrangements to someone else, the island boasts an array of high quality hotels that are more than happy to create the wedding of your dreams. For a more personal touch a wedding planner on the island will work with you on a one to one basis. If you have any questions, I'm here to help.

Like most states and countries, Puerto Rico has a few guidelines to follow in order to get married. Proper I.D., birth certificate and blood test within tens days of the marriage are required. When arriving on the island you will want to go to the Department of Health to receive the initial marriage license papers, visit a physician to verify your tests and than to the Marriage License Bureau. Some of these items can be done before by contacting the Health Bureau. For those who are trying to save money, the Judicial Center offers free marriage ceremonies so they can put their money towards a festive celebration after. The choices on what to do are endless. A private beach picnic, a beautiful dinner or a night bouncing around from place to place are just a few.

Wedding attire can be as simple as a bikini and swim trunks or as extravagant as a Vera Wang original. Some brides choose to purchase a simple slip dress on the island. Others spend the time and money traveling to have a local sew up their dream dress. Here again, whatever your heart's desire, the magic of the island grants you. There are no limits.

As the sun sets, you and your new partner head off to start a magnificent life together, while Puerto Rico provides the setting for a romantic memory that will never fade.