1. LA BELLA ITALIA: ITALY Why? Think romance, culture, sunshine, good food, hospitality . . . but not recent images of scary Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes . . . and you get the picture of why up to 800 Irish couples marry in Italy every year.

When? Late spring and early autumn are best in Italy.

High tourist season of July and August can be too hot and busy.

Most popular spots: Rome and Venice for their dreamy churches and old-style romance; Tuscany for hilltop villas and vineyards; the Amalfi coast for its stunning scenery and picture-perfect backdrop.

Highs: Either DIY or through a wedding planner, Italian law and red-tape is not as bad as it is in other countries, which makes Italy an easy getaway option.

Lows: Because so many Irish people are doing it there now, you need to watch out for the identikit conveyor-belt effect. Also, weddings have become a big business now in Italy so don't expect to save any money by doing it Italian style.

A typical package: Irish-based business The Wedding Planner has a sample 'wed and villa' package near Orvieto, Tuscany in an agriturismo residence. From 75 per guest. For more see www. theweddingplanner. ie.

Other contacts: www. gettingmarriedinitaly. com www. simplyweddingscompany. co. uk www. italianweddings. com www. topflight. ie

2. ISLAND LIFE: MAURITIUS Why? For barefoot luxury, pure indulgence and weddingmooners who like to be pampered, Mauritius ticks all the boxes. The island, which is a speck in the Indian Ocean, just north of the Tropic of Capricorn, has fast become one of the most popular wedding castaway destinations due to its glitz and glamour, beach and reef, and the fact that they have very straightforward legal requirements.

It also scores highly on affordability.

When? Climate all year round is sub-tropical, making it a year-round wedding destination, although May to November are most recommended.

Most popular spots: With new resorts popping up all the time in Malaysia, each one offering its own individual wedding packages, you will be spoiled for choice. For something new and different, Pangkur Laut Resort is one gaining attention at the moment. Set on its own private island amidst rainforest, it is a true jungle hideaway where small and larger weddings can be accommodated (www. pangkorlaut. com).

Highs: With its crystal clear waters, personal butlers, frangipani baths and poolside cocktails, Mauritius is a five-star location yet with very cost-effective wedding packages. Also, unlike in some spots (the Caribbean, for instance) you can request to be the only wedding on the day.

Lows: The high level of tourism and lack of anything much else going on might be off-putting.

A typical package: For 10 nights in low season, Escape 2 is offering a deal of 4,048 which includes flights and accommodation and wedding at the popular Legends Resort. Call 01 8085464, email info@escape2. ie or visit www. escape2. ie.

Other contacts:

www. malaysiatrulyasia. co. uk

3. DALMATIAN DIAMOND: DUBROVNIK Why? Dubrovnik, also known as the Pearl of the Adriatic, is fast becoming one the most popular new wedding destinations for Irish brides. With over 1,000 islands peppering its coastline, the country is particularly alluring for couples who enjoy sailing and water sports.

When? Aim for summer when the tourist season is at its height, and when guests can avail of direct Aer Lingus flights.

Most popular spots: In Dubrovnik, both the Hotel Excelsior (www. hotel-excelsior. hr) and the Grand Villa Argentina (www. gva. hr), with their private beaches and spectacular views, are two of the most luxurious wedding spots suitable for smaller weddings of fewer than 30.

Highs: For a slightly edgy and dishevelled old-glamour high, Croatia is well-rated. This wedding destination also weighs in on affordability and access.

Lows: Service is sometimes not 100%. Wine can be very expensive and is not good.

A typical package: All-in weddings for 110 people with Croatia Tours start at 8,000 and go up to 14,000. This includes service at St Blaise's church in the old town, a champagne reception at Sponsa Palace nearby and a four-course meal at the five-star Dubrovnik Palace. Talk to Niall Glynn at Croatia Tours (he was married there himself last year) . . . call 01 8780800, email niall@croatiatours. ie or visit www. croatiatours. ie.

Other contacts:

Concorde Travel, 47 Capel Street, Dublin 1; 01 8727066 The Croatian tourist board at www. croatia. hr

4. ISLAND 'I DO': CYPRUS Why? As the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, Cyprus is a shoo-in when it comes to weddings. Add lush forests and quaint mountain villages and you have a recipe for the perfect marriage.

When? Cyprus gets over 300 days of sunshine a year, so it's an all-year-round destination. Best times for flights are May to October.

Most popular spots: For religious weddings there are over 15 non-Greek Orthodox churches around the island, including Catholic and Anglican churches in Paphos, Limassol, Larnaka and Agia Napa. Alternatively, couples can get married at a local civil office, in a set location such as a traditional mountain village, or in a picturesque chapel at a hotel.

The Anassa resort in Polis, an hour's drive from Paphos, for instance, is a stunning venue specialising in weddings and with a church on in its grounds.

Highs: Guaranteed weather and lots of choice in hotels and venues.

Lows: It can be expensive and it's a long way to travel for some (four-and-a-half hours ex Dublin). There is also the currency difference to consider.

A typical package: A basic wedding package in a five-star hotel in Cyprus would cost about 3,200, including flights for two and one week's accommodation and spa treatments. There are also more inexpensive reception options, eg a service and reception on a catamaran which would cost about 1,000 and includes two hours sailing into the sunset, service, flowers, open bar and food for 20 people.

Other contacts:

Gerry McMahon Travel 01 2052004 John Cassidy Travel 01 8735000 Sunway Holidays 01 2886828 Cyprus Tourism Organisation 01 6629269 or cyprusinfo@eircom. net www. visitcyprus. org. cy

5. OH VIENNA: AUSTRIA Why? For those of you who have always dreamed of a fairytale wedding, complete with royal palace and snow, horsedrawn carriage and a ballroom for 500 people, Austria has it all.

When? For atmosphere, winter weddings are most popular. However, the Alps bursting to life in spring would also make a wonderful backdrop.

Most popular spots: The city of Vienna is rich in culture and history and scattered with the most incredible period buildings.

From the world-famous Schoenbrun Palace, where you can marry in the private chapel of the former Emperor Sisi, to the top of the city's giant C19 ferris wheel, there is something to suit all tastes.

Highs: Whether it's in a ski chalet, an art nouveau conservatory or a tearoom filled with the sounds of a string quartet, Austria is as cinematic as they come.

Lows: Lack of sunshine.

A typical package: Viennese wedding packages start at 1,500 at www. viennaweddings. co. uk.

6. KISS ME QUICK: LAS VEGAS Why? With 'I dos' including Elvis and Priscilla, Bruce and Demi . . . and not forgetting Britney and what's-his-name . . .

Las Vegas has been the celebrity eloping capital of America for many years.

When? New year's eve and Valentine's Day are the most popular days for Vegas weddings but the best time weather-wise is April to June.

Most popular spots: The 24-hour 'Little White Chapel', with an Elvis lookalike officiating, is legendary as is the Venetian hotel (weddings@venetian. com), which models itself on a mini Venice . . . gondolas, canals and palaces included.

Highs: Ideal for DIY couples who want to organise their own day . . . weddings can be organised for as little as 200.

Lows: Funny or tacky? What would your grandchildren think?

Other contacts:

Joe Walsh Travel 01 8722555 Thomas Cook 01 6771363 mylasvegaswedding. com www. visitlasvegas. com

7. GAME ON: SOUTH AFRICA Why? The rainbow nation of South Africa . . . always a winner with honeymooners . . . is now fast becoming a big destination for wedding mooners too. Think beautiful climate, wonderful food and a welcoming atmosphere.

When? All year round, although January to March is most popular.

Most popular spots: Singita Private Game Reserve, adjacent to the Kruger National Park in South Africa, is one of the most revered game lodges in the world and is fast becoming a popular spot for an exclusive safari wedding.

Highs: Sunshine, quality food and wine, fabulous scenery and no jetlag with a mere two-hour time difference.

Lows: The 12-hour flight, the cost of getting there and ethical considerations.

A typical package: Seven nights on safari in the Rhino Post Safari Lodge in Kruger including flights, transfers, etc from 2,149 per person travelling with Slattery Travel. Call 1890 200 525 (from NI call 0800 515 900), email southafrica@slatterys. com or visit www. slatterys. com.

Other contacts:

www. southafrica. net www. singita. com

8. INTO THE BLUE: THE CARIBBEAN Why? Think hammocks and flip-flops, stunning sunsets and palm-fringed beaches and you get the picture.

When? Most islands are beautiful all year round and especially at Christmas. Avoid hurricane season, which is September and October.

Most popular spots: From getting married underwater in St Lucia or on night cruises off the coast of Miami, to doing it barefoot on the pink sands of Bermuda or salsa dancing in Cuba, the Caribbean has a lot to offer adventure- and sun-seeking wedding-mooners.

Highs: Generally not an expensive wedding option . . . and remarkably easy to organise.

Lows: Pick your location wisely to avoid droves of other honeymooning couples and conveyor-belt weddings.

Some venues do up to 15 weddings in a day.

A typical package: With Classic Resorts (01 8745000) you can organise your wedding at a location such as Dominican Republic, St Lucia, Barbados or Antigua for between 4,200 and 5,000 all-inclusive. E-travel (01 4652000) is offering seven-night Royal Caribbean wedding cruises in the Bahamas and Barbados starting from 3,000 for two, all-inclusive.

9. VIVE LA FRANCE Why? From fairytale chateaux to gite retreats, ocean coastline to mountain-top villages, France has a wealth of locations to pick from.

When? May to September are the best times for weather, but for city marriages it's best to avoid high summer.

Most popular spots: Paris for old-world charm, the south for glamour, Provence and the Alps for rustic romance.

Highs: Ease of access from Ireland and the quality of what's on offer . . . including excellent accommodation, food and wine.

Lows: Very stringent marriage laws add up to a lot of red tape. For instance, you have to be a resident for 40 days to get married legally in the country, although couples often get around this by having a civil ceremony at home first.

A typical package: An all-in wedding package in a 14thcentury chateau in the Dordogne with everything from flowers, photographs, food and wine included costs about 5,000 in low season. Call wedding planner Rose Haddon on 0044 151 342 3533.

10. SPAIN, MAJORCA, MALTA ETC Why? There are a few reasons why Spain is becoming such a popular destination for Irish nearly-weds: the food, the wine, the prices, the churches, the weather and the fact that you can get married so easily if you are Catholic. There is also the fact that the Spanish are great fun and similar in party mentality to the Irish.

When? February to May or September and October.

Avoid July and August.

Most popular spots: Marbella and Malaga and along the Costa Blanca.

Highs: It's relatively cheap and you don't have to have residency for Catholic weddings.

Lows: It can be too hot in high season.

A typical package: Irish-based wedding planner Rosemarie Meleady specialises in organising weddings in small luxury hotels and mountain villas in the Valencia region of Spain. Prices are from 10,000 and include everything from catering to accommodation, wine and photography, as well as a firework display, for 100 guests.

Call 053 9138198, email rosie@theweddingplanner. ie or visit www. theweddingplanner. ie.

Other contacts:

Alma Perez, Spanish Tourist Office, 0044-207-317-2024 or alma. perez@tourspain. es www. marbellamarriages. com For Malta see www. visitmalta. com