It's common for weddings to end with a relaxing getaway, but what if they started with one too? That's the idea behind destination weddings, which combine a vacation with the vows, and you don't always have to travel far to enjoy the benefits of being away from from it all while saying "I do."

Take Nacogdoches, for example. The oldest town in Texas is brimming with historical charm and only three or so hours from Dallas, most of that a bucolic drive through national forests. Once there, you and your wedding party can practically take over the town, enjoying the locally owned restaurants and shops, historic town square, and multitude of outdoor activities.

But for your home base, The Fredonia Hotel should be No. 1 on your list. This midcentury modern boutique hotel is where the big city meets East Texas, with everything you need to pull off the big day of your dreams.

A recent renovation to the tune of $18 million means that the hotel features all the luxe amenities and modern conveniences you could ever need, surrounded by original features that speak to the property's fascinating past.

There are four ballrooms from which to choose, with the largest able to accommodate up to 1,000 guests. Projectors, video screens, ceiling-mounted speakers, and wireless microphones are all available to really get the party started, with trained staff on hand to help keep everything running smoothly.

The event staff is also available in advance to help plan and coordinate everything down to the smallest detail, including the full catering service that's able to make your culinary dreams come true.

Of course, group rates will make it easy to have your nearest and dearest by your side. Guests can relax in any of the hotel's 100 stylish rooms, lounge by the kidney-shaped pool, or catch up at the two restaurants and bar. Revel in azalea season in the spring, when an explosion of color blooms throughout the town and the weather is wedding-album perfect.

You can fill out a request for proposal here, or learn more about The Fredonia Hotel by visiting its website. It might be the easiest part of planning your wedding, and definitely the most fun.