If you want a second mortgage on French property itself it might be possible to deal with a French branch of your British Bank and this is worth looking into. A euro mortgage with a French bank will always be for euro cost of property, so you avoid exchange rate risk on mortgage amount, but monthly repayments though same in euros may seem more or less expensive as euro exchange rate moves against pound.

French mortgages are not that different to UK mortgages; they are usually of repayment type with a term of between 5 and 20 years. As in UK, fixed rate and variable rate options exist and redemption penalties will sometimes apply. A larger deposit will often secure a more attractive interest rate but minimum deposit is 20%. Arrangement fees of around 2% are also normal on French mortgages.

French financial services legislation dictates that life insurance to cover mortgage is taken out and also that a mortgage offer once made, must be accepted no earlier than 10 days and no later than 30 days after offer has been made.

This article only provides a general appreciation of how French property can be financed and it is not advice. Guidance should be sought from a specialist who is qualified to advise on best method of financing in your specific circumstances.

· 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.