Prince William and Kate in their official engagement portrait. (Handout)

I don’t consider myself a Royal watcher or even a “fan” of the Royal family, but, like many twenty-something women, Prince William has a special place in my heart.

I was only 13-years-old when Princess Diana died and William was, likely reluctantly, given prominent placement on supermarket tabloids and televisions throughout the funeral and investigation into his mother’s death.

I dreamt I would be there beside him one day, assuming he would pluck me from my ordinary existence and make me his new princess. While the prince-marries-the-commoner scenario is indeed playing out, it isn’t with me.

William announced his engagement in November to Kate Middleton, a former classmate of William’s and a daughter of self-made millionaires not from blue blood.

While the couple has said their wedding will take place on April 29, 2011 at Westminster Abby, VisitEngland, the tourism organization of England, “knows there are so many other beautiful, unique spots around the English countryside.”

In a press release, VisitEngland suggests these 10 alternative wedding locations for Kate and William.

HMS Belfast: Located in the middle of London, VisitEngland suggests the HMS Belfast to reflect William’s military heritage. The ship ”can accommodate 350 guests with plenty of space on the quarterdeck for speeches and dancing and splendid views of Tower Bridge and the London skyline.”

Eden Project: Offering eco-friendly weddings with locally sourced menus, the Eden Project is a great option for a green wedding. “Happy couples can choose from a ceremony among the lush foliage at the very top of the Rainforest Biome or in the gallery overlooking the grounds,” says VisitEngland.

Brighton Pavilion: Built by George IV, this pavilion would make a good place for William to connect with his ancestors. “Weddings take place in the Red Drawing Room, while photos can be taken outside in the beautiful Regency gardens.”

Fleece Inn: Could there be anything more English than a wedding in a pub? “For those choosing to keep it simple, the Fleece Inn - a 15th century inn in Cotswolds is the perfect choice,” says VisitEngland. “The ceremony takes place in a cosy 16th century thatched barn, with the centuries-old joys of a traditional English pub for the reception.”

Holy Island: Located in Northumberland, this is a perfect destination for a fairytale wedding. “The fairytale castle of Lindisfarne would make a dream backdrop for any ceremony, steeped in history and once owned by Sir Edward Lutyens.”

Highclere Castle: This Kent castle offers over-the-top grandeur for couples, with “the options of either a marquee in the grounds, or a ceremony inside the house – with a spectacularly dramatic staircase for the bride to sweep down.”

Denbies Vineyard: Every wedding needs great wine, so what better place for Wills and Kate to wed than a vineyard? Located “in the heart of the beautiful Surrey hills, can arrange weddings surrounded by 265 acres of vines, with pre-reception drinks held in the atmospheric candlelit cellars,” says VisitEngland.

Pendennis Castle: This castle, “steeped in royal history,” was built in the 1540s on the order of Henry VIII. “The circular fort is a spectacular wedding location, set high on a headland with panoramic views across the sea and several different room options, holding up to 160 people.”

Dungeness Lighthouse: With panoramic views of the sea, this Kent lighthouse is a romantic and very unique wedding venue, “with space for thirty people at bridge level and just ten in the gallery,” says VisitEngland.

Wisley: The Surrey-based location of the Royal Horticultural Society’s gardens is an idyllic locations for English nuptials. “Wedding guests can enjoy a private tour of the garden and an evening reception in the Conservatory.”

Read the Meandering Musings blog at blogs.canoe.ca/travel