· Sebasco Harbor Resort in Maine is a wonderful spot for a wedding, with all of its activities and giant field stone fireplaces and sea views in big natural wood cottages that could hold extended family.

· Sterling Ridge Inn and Cabins in Vermont would also be a fun wedding spot; log cabins are beautiful, and in such a wonderful pastoral setting on edge of woods and a view of Green Mountains.

· The Summer House Inns & Cottages off of Massachusetts would be a fancy, but ever-memorable island event or escape (think rose-covered seaside cottages), Turning Point Inn in Berkshires adds delicious food to mix, and oh -

· The Inn at Sunrise Point on coast of Maine has a cottage that literally sits right over sea and is filled with sounds of waves. And there are so many more!

NORM:

What should people know about celebrating a wedding in New England states from point of view of requirements, etc?

Bethany:

Each state has its own requirements, and it's best to get in touch with a city/town clerk in state you're considering getting married in. Typically you need to be 18 or have a court order. And usually you need to apply for your license at least a month ahead of your big day (and you'll need to have decided on your married name at that time). Some states require blood tests; some have waiting periods, and more. In some states anyone can apply for a license allowing them to officiate a marriage on a particular date. I had my brother officiate my wedding in Massachusetts, for instance. Massachusetts is currently only state that legally allows same sex marriage.

NORM:

How far in advance should a couple prepare themselves for their honeymoon, romantic getaway or wedding in New England states?

Bethany:

New England is such a beautiful region, and places tend to fill up early, especially those on coast in summer and those in mountains in winter. If you want to be beachside (lake or ocean), in short summer season, reserve your accommodations as close to beginning of calendar year as you can. Some families reserve same cabin for same week every year, and make their next year's reservation as they are checking out, so you have some serious competition. If you are looking for a romantic getaway during rest of year, or more inland, give it a few months if you can. If you are looking to book a wedding site, you may need one to two years of notice- especially if you're reserving a weekend somewhere for a large party.

NORM:

What resources are available on Internet pertaining to romantic getaways, weddings and honeymoon vacations in New England states?

Bethany:

As oldest colonized part of country, New England is well developed, and that includes tourism facilities and their websites. There are endless websites about New England getaways. If you were planning a wedding, I'd recommend visiting some of sites with regional message boards to get local resources for whatever you need for your event (like Boston area online community on www.theknot.com.) Just remember, while doing web searches for cottages in New England that once upon a time upper class of Gilded Age built "cottages" in Rhode Island and Massachusetts that we would typically refer to as mansions today. Also, cabins referred to as "camps" in New England tend to be built more with fishing and hunting in mind than romance.

NORM:

Is there anything else you wish to tell our readers that we have not covered?

Bethany:

I would absolutely love to hear what you think of my book, and where else you feel I should have included. My email address is in About Author section. Now stop procrastinating; go make those Valentines Day reservations!

Thanks Bethany

Norm Goldman is the editor of a travel site, sketchandtravel.com and a book reviewing site, bookpleasures.

Norm and his artist wife Lily, combine their talents in melding words with art focusing on romantic destinations.

You can read more about this unique husband and wife team at www.sketchandtravel.com.

NORM:

Could you give our readers an idea of costs involved if travel originates from USA or Canada and how accessible is it to fly to South Pacific?

David:

One-month roundtrip airfares from Los Angeles or Vancouver to Tahiti, Rarotonga, or Fiji start around US$1,250 in low season, provided you book at least 14 days in advance and are willing to accept a 35 percent cancellation fee. If you fly on shorter notice during high season (December to February), you'll pay around US$2,000. The weekend travel sections of major newspapers carry ads for discounted fares, and websites sometimes sell tickets for considerably less than prices quoted by airline agents over phone. For example, I recently flew from Vancouver to American Samoa for US$700 roundtrip on an Internet special. Such offers are routinely announced in newsletter of South Pacific Tourism Organization, available at SOUTH PACIFIC TOURISM ORGANIZATION.

NORM:

If you had to choose 6 unequalled venues in South Pacific for a romantic getaway, honeymoon or wedding destination, what would they be and why?

David:

My first choice would be:

Tahiti and its neighbours Moorea and Bora Bora.

The soaring green peaks and brilliant reefs of these islands are unsurpassed, and "exotic" French atmosphere combines well with charm of Polynesia.

Fiji is a very close second for its stunning variety and friendliness.

Then there's Rarotonga in Cook Islands.

This is long a favorite holiday destination for New Zealanders. Rarotonga is small enough to explore in a week, and facilities are excellent.

My fourth choice is Easter Island. Although for those into hiking or archaeology, it should come first. Travel agents often book three-night stopovers on Easter Island, but only highlights can be seen during such a short stay.

Finally, I should mention Vanuatu for those looking for something really different. This little known Melanesian country offers a colorful mix of scuba diving, tribal culture, active volcanoes, and South Pacific's most beautiful capital city, Port Vila.

NORM:

What resources are available on Internet pertaining to weddings and honeymoon vacations in South Pacific?

David:

Obtaining independent information on weddings and honeymoons isn't easy as resort and tour company websites only promote their own products. That said, HONEYMOON FIJI and HONEYMOON VANUATU are worth a look, and TRAVEL MAXIA is useful in that it covers entire South Pacific. It's also well worth perusing official tourism websites of island visitors bureaus, all of which are linked to SOUTH PACIFIC.ORG

NORM:

Is there anything else you would like to add that we have not covered pertaining to South Pacific?

David:

The South Pacific should be recognized as a straightforward, trouble- free destination. None of countries included in my book require visas of North Americans, Europeans, Australians, New Zealanders, or Japanese. Obstacles like erratic pricing, corrupt officials, violent crime, and security glitches are generally absent here. This sprawling region is best characterised by its amazing variety, with many distinct cultures, cuisines, histories, and environments to experience and enjoy. At US$24.95, Moon Handbooks South Pacific has potential to save vacationers hundreds of dollars, while assisting them in making best choices. It's all in there.

Thanks David for accepting our invitation to be interviewed.

Norm Goldman is the editor of sketchandtravel.com bookpleasures.com.

Norm and his wife Lily are a unique husband and wife team who meld art with words focusing on romantic destinations.