More destination weddings. More looks at Saint Lucia. And, here’s a thought, even group honeymoons.

Canadian travel agents and advisors say the interest in romance travel remains as strong as ever, and that destination weddings show no signs of slowing down.

But they also say there are trends out there that agents should be aware of. And great opportunities, as well.

“The idea of destination weddings is definitely not dying,” said Ottawa-based Cindy Almond, owner of Romance and Foodie Travel. “Every year more and more people are asking about it.”

Almond, a member with The Travel Agent Next Door, said many folks come to her asking about exotic locations for a destination wedding, such as The Maldives. But the price tag sometimes scares them away, which means they opt instead for more traditional but still wonderful spots, such as Jamaica, Mexico, Cuba and the Dominican Republic.

“I also just did my first large group wedding trip to Saint Lucia last month,” she said. “That’s a destination that Canadians are asking about. And Hawaii is always popular.”

Another popular spot for destination wedding inquiries is Thailand. Tickets can be expensive, and it’s a long way from Canada. But Almond said if you buy well in advance you can save money on a ticket, and that costs for luxurious properties in Thailand or Vietnam are much less than what a couple might pay in other parts of the world.

“I was in Vietnam and stayed at a luxury boutique hotel with a beautiful pool and a nice restaurant and I think it was $50 CAD. It might have even been $48. I was shocked. I think Vietnam and Thailand definitely have affordable stays and activities. And Bali does, too. It can be expensive, but some properties are quite reasonable.”

Almond said all-inclusive resorts are great for destination weddings as a couple can tell their guests what to expect in terms of cost.

They’re not for everyone, but she also said she’s booked a couple of group honeymoon packages lately.

“People like to make their memories and share them with a group,” she said.

Another option for agents to pursue is trips where couples renew their wedding vows.

“I don’t think a lot of people think about it,” Almond said. “I had a couple going away for their 25th anniversary to Hawaii and at the last minute I asked them about renewing their vows. The husband said it was the best part of the trip. I think that could be more popular if agents think to ask their clients about it.”

Almond said couples who are travelling when they’re pregnant or soon after the birth of a baby still worry about the Zika virus.

“The Bahamas are quite popular these days because it’s an area that seems to be Zika-free.”

Wendy Davis of Zebrano Travel in Toronto, who does only luxury travel, said babymoons are hugely popular these days.

“One of my most unique babymoon trips was at Miraval in Tucson, Arizona. They have a wonderful spa, and the husband and wife went. They had special gifts for them, and they took photos of the baby in their ‘onesie.’”

“The best properties are ones that offer unique amenities and personalize their service. But our job is to make sure they know about our clients and that they do those special things.”

Davis said bachelorette and bachelor getaways prior to weddings are a huge market.

“Colombia has become big for that. Nashville is very popular, as is New Orleans. Those are good for long weekends.”

Davis said another trend is for couples to delay their honeymoon until well after the wedding.

“You don’t see people flying out the next day as much, when they’re tired and haven’t slept and they’re stressed. Now they often wait six months, when they’re far more calm.”

If you have a June wedding, a shoulder season trip to Europe in, say, September or October also could save serious money.

For destination weddings, it’s important that agents or advisors know what their clients are getting into, Davis warned.

“We have to let them know what the options are. If you hire a wedding planner in Canada, you probably need a planner to help with your destination wedding, too. You want someone to know about transfers and who’s coming in when and what activities there are and what’s included and what’s not and what time the sunset will be and what the Plan B is if the weather isn’t good.”

Major properties that host destination weddings have people on site who specialize in these things, Davis said.

“The St. Regis Bora Bora has chapels, and you can borrow or rent a wedding dress. They have photographers, musicians, all of those things.”

Working closely with clients can pay off for a travel agent, she said.

“Millennials, especially, are quite loyal. When they find someone they trust they’ll be loyal to them if they can afford it. But they want to be part of the process.”