The eighth annual Weddings & Honeymoons Report by American Express Travel says that themed celebrity weddings once considered unusual in Las Vegas and Florida have now become commonplace.

Instead couples looking for an "out of the ordinary" experience are opting for tailor-made marriages in more remote areas, featuring a diverse cast of characters ranging from Buddhist monks, exotically dressed elephants, native village choirs and traditional dancers and drummers.

As a result demand for wedding destinations is spreading further afield, according to the agency.

Brendan Walsh, Amex Travel senior vice president Brendan Walsh said: "When you consider that a UK wedding is now thought to cost in the region of �15,000-�16,000, it's not surprising that one in 10 couples decide to marry abroad.

"Given that our offices report an average spend of around �5,000 on an overseas marriage, couples may well feel that they can afford to splash out on memorable extras.�

"In that context, off-the-peg wedding experiences aren't enough for many people. Today's couples seem to be looking for a much more personalised wedding experience.�Our offices have been called on to organise wedding packages with ceremonies performed by Buddhist monks or which take place in a rainforest."

Amex says that couples on a strict budget are more likely to choose US destinations or Mexico, made attractive by a combination of low cost flights and all-inclusive deals.��

Although the survey shows that the vast majority of weddings abroad are celebrated in long haul destinations, the agency reports a significant number closer to home, where Cyprus remains the clear favourite for the seventh year running.

"Moderate pricing, reliable weather, short flights and easy wedding regulations have helped to make Cyprus the enduring favourite for short haul weddings," said Walsh.�"The fact that English is so widely spoken makes it easy to sort out wedding arrangements."

AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVEL WEDDINGS AND HONEYMOONS LEAGUE 2005 (Figures in brackets relate to last year's placings).

WEDDINGS��������������������������������������������������� HONEYMOONS

1.���BARBADOS (2)���������������������������������� 1.����MALDIVES (2)

2.���CYPRUS (3)���������������������������������������2.�������� MAURITIUS (1)

3.��MAURITIUS (4)������������������������������������3.�������� BARBADOS (4)

4.��ST. LUCIA (1)������������������������������������ 4.�������� THAILAND (-)

5.��LAS VEGAS (5)���������������������������������� 5.�������� ST. LUCIA (3)

6.� JAMAICA (7)�������������������������������������� 6.�������� CYPRUS (6)

7.��MEXICO (-)���������������������������������������� 7.�������� SEYCHELLES (5)

8.��ANTIGUA (6)����������������������������������������8.�������� DUBAI (-)

9.��FLORIDA (8)��������������������������������������� 9.�������� MEXICO (-)

10.�MALDIVES (9)����������������������������������� 10.������ AUSTRALIA (-)

Report by Phil Davies�

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