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10 Unexpected Wallet-Friendly Destination Wedding Ideas

By U.S. News & World Report

For brides- and grooms-to-be, there are few aspects of the wedding-planning process as exciting as choosing where to walk down the aisle. Many people dream of planning a wedding in an exotic destination, a beachfront setting, a scenic mountaintop or a remote island, but dismiss the notion of going to a far-off retreat assuming such elaborate fetes are restricted to the rich and famous. Sure, destination weddings can be pricey, but with some legwork, you can land a dreamy location at an affordable price. Here are 10 under-the-radar places to plan a destination wedding that won’t break the bank.

[See: 10 Underrated Destination Wedding Spots Around the World.]

Blue Waters Antigua

Blue Waters Antigua offers an array of cost-effective wedding packages for the 2017 season, starting at $899. Couples can customize their wedding with special packages that include a dedicated wedding coordinator and cover the cost of a marriage license registration fee as well as accommodations. With the chance to enjoy well-planned ceremonies in a gazebo gazing over the Caribbean’s pristine waters and plenty of pampering with Champagne breakfasts and indulgent treatments at the Spa at Blue Waters, Blue Waters Antigua appeals to couples of all kinds. What’s more, honeymoon packages are also available, and include services such as a private sunset cruise with cocktails and canapes and a private chef’s dinner for two.

Renaissance Curacao Resort & Casino

Curacao’s tropical scenery offers a breathtaking backdrop for destination weddings. Whether the bride walks down the aisle on the resort’s Infinity Beach, elevated above the ocean, or with the sunset above the historic Rif Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, couples can count on celebrating in a picturesque and cultural-rich locale. Wedding packages at Renaissance Curacao Resort & Casino start at $2,165, and a la carte wedding services are available to personalize the day.

Fiddle Lake Farms

The endless mountains region of northeastern Pennsylvania has become an increasingly popular and affordable wedding destination. Located around 150 miles northwest of New York City, Fiddle Lake Farms is a historic farmhouse in Thompson, Pennsylvania overlooking Elk Mountain. The Farmhouse and nearby Lake House offer two lodging options for the bride and groom’s guests. Best of all, if you book the facility for multiple days prior to the wedding, Fiddle Lake Farms allows you to decorate and coordinate the details on the property grounds in advance.

Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort

At Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, not only can couples walk down the aisle in a unique venue inspired by the region’s local flora and fauna, they can also tailor their experience to their tastes and budget. Wedding packages start at $1,500, whether you and your better half are seeking an intimate elopement or an elegant celebration with close family and friends. With the package, couples have access to an on-site wedding coordinator, a romantic ceremony venue, in room amenities and more.

[See: 10 Romantic Getaways to Cross off Your Bucket List.]

The YMCA of the Rockies

At 8,698 feet, this outdoor chapel in Estes Park in the Colorado Rockies is one of the most popular wedding destinations in the state. The stunning views and altitude are breathtaking. When you’re not celebrating your nuptials, you can embrace the great outdoors with some snowshoeing and ice skating in winter and hiking and fly-fishing in the warmer months.

Casa Lucila

Casa Lucila, an intimate boutique in Mexico’s serene resort town of Mazatlán, offers a breathtaking backdrop with Pacific Ocean views. Located in the vibrant Centro Historico (historic downtown), the property sits within steps of vibrant art galleries, museums, restaurants and boutique shops. Originally built in 1823 as a mansion, the eight-room, family owned retreat features elaborate architectural details, along with a rooftop infinity pool ideal for an intimate ceremony and cocktail hour. Plus, Lucila’s Restaurant — located on the ground floor of the property — makes catering and reception arrangements a breeze. What’s more, wedding parties receive a 10 percent discount on guest rooms, and a full property buyout is available starting at $1,417 per night, which provides overnight accommodations for up to 18 guests.

New Orleans

There’s a reason New Orleans is often called the “Paris of the South.” Here, couples can exchange vows under centuries-old oak trees before tying the knot in a unique, history-filled venue. Take the Streetcar Charter Wedding package, where you can recite your vows in a streetcar with up to 52 guests for $1,000. For a more conventional aisle, check out lovely parks such as Jackson Square, Audubon Park and City Park that allow you to obtain a permit for a specific shelter and host the ceremony under the oaks (or in front of the St. Louis Cathedral), with a small reception within one of the pavilions.

South Fork Lodge

Imagine being surrounded by picturesque landscapes as you say your vows alongside a flowing river, overlooking mountain vistas or among uninterrupted views of lush green valleys? Couples can rent South Fork Lodge, a top fishing lodge in Idaho for $3,000. With the wedding rate, you can enjoy 20 rooms and the entire property for your wedding property. What’s more, the area features striking mountain views, providing an excellent backdrop for memorable wedding photos.

A North Dakota Ranch

With the rising popularity of country-chic weddings, North Dakota — home to one of the best national parks in the U.S., rolling plains, jaw-dropping sunsets and the iconic Badlands — offers a perfect backdrop for a rustic-chic barn wedding. And, surprisingly enough, tying the knot in North Dakota is relatively inexpensive. Take Black Leg Ranch, located near Bismarck, North Dakoka. Here, you can book the Two Night Weekend Destination Wedding package, which includes overnight accommodations for two nights for up to 32 guests, a wedding party bonfire, a rehearsal dinner, an on-site wedding coordinator and a reception in the Grand Lodge, Hitchin’ Post, Prairie Rose or the Copper Jewell Barn. And you can secure all of this for $8,900 for up to 300 guests.

[See: 8 Unconventional Honeymoon Ideas.]

Peter Island Resort & Spa

This 1,800-acre private island resort in the British Islands has a variety of idyllic wedding locations to choose from, including five pristine beaches, three luxury villas with superlative views, a beachfront restaurant and an upscale dining venue with stunning vistas overlooking the Caribbean Sea within steps of the resort’s harbor. Plus, you can secure excellent pricing. The You & Yours Wedding Package — a romantic beachside luxury private island wedding for two — starts at $1,500. Meanwhile, the Hibiscus Wedding Package — for a wedding of up to 20 family and friends — starts at $4,500.

More from U.S. News

4 Under-the-Radar Wedding Destinations in the Southwest

The Best Places to Honeymoon in 2015-16

8 Honeymoon Booking Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

10 Unexpected Wallet-Friendly Destination Wedding Ideas originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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