Destination Weddings - A Free Guide for UK Couples Planning on Getting Married Abroad

Are you dreaming of a destination wedding abroad? Whether it’s an intimate beach ceremony or a grand celebration in a historic villa, saying "I do" abroad can add a unique charm to your special day. But with so many options, and having organised my own destination wedding and vow renewal, I know first hand how overwhelming it can be to know where to begin. So here’s my guide with top hints and tips for planning a destination wedding abroad.

Before you get swept up in the details, take a moment with your partner to discuss what truly matters to you both for your wedding day. Some considerations could be:
Guests: Will you invite a large group or keep it intimate? Think about how easy or challenging it will be for your guests to travel and any date considerations that may need to be made to accommodate families with school-age children.

Location Atmosphere: Are you thinking indoors or outdoors? Do you envision a beach, a castle, or a lush vineyard? Think about the kind of setting that feels meaningful to you both.

Budget Considerations: Destination weddings can vary in cost based on location and the number of guests, but in general they can be more cost-effective than a UK wedding. Set an initial budget, factoring in essentials such as travel and accommodation.

Weather Preferences: Are you looking for the perfect sunny day weather or are you thinking more of a winter wedding, careful consideration will needed for certain countries at certain times of the year (monsoon season, scorching summer heat, hurricanes etc.).

Ultimately all of the above considerations will make it easier to choose a destination and narrow down your perfect venue.

When choosing a destination wedding, the type of ceremony you want is a very important consideration:

Religious Ceremony: If you dream of a traditional religious wedding, many destinations offer specific venues for religious weddings, and others can tailor the venue to fit your requirements. However, not all religious ceremonies are legally recognised in all destinations, and not all venues are licenced for religious marriages.

Civil Ceremony: A civil wedding abroad legally binds couples and often takes place in government-approved venues, like town halls, gardens, or heritage sites. Civil ceremonies are popular for their straightforward, legally recognised status and can be combined with celebratory receptions at stunning venues. It is important though to thoroughly check the destination’s legal requirements, as some countries have residency rules or documentation needs.

Symbolic Ceremony: Symbolic weddings are popular for UK couples seeking a unique and intimate experience abroad without the legal formalities. This type of ceremony allows for personalisation and flexibility, often taking place on scenic beaches, lush vineyards, or historical landmarks. Since it holds no legal status, couples typically complete their civil ceremony in the UK beforehand, then enjoy a heartfelt, personalised ceremony with loved ones in their chosen destination.

Same-Sex Weddings: Many British couples travel to destinations where same-sex marriages are legally recognised to celebrate their union openly and beautifully. Countries such as Spain, France, Malta, Portugal, Greece, Costa Rica, Mexico and Vegas welcome same-sex weddings, allowing couples to tie the knot at scenic or urban destinations. These weddings vary in style, from intimate elopements to grand celebrations, and allow for full legal recognition.

Renewal of Vows: Renewing vows abroad is an enchanting way for couples to reaffirm their love, often choosing destinations tied to their journey together or dream locales. These ceremonies, symbolic rather than legal, allow couples to relive or reimagine their wedding day. From an intimate beach ceremony to lavish villa parties, vow renewals are an increasingly popular option for celebrating milestone anniversaries or overcoming life’s challenges as a couple.

Choosing the location and timing for your destination wedding is often the most challenging. Here are some factors to consider:

Seasonal Weather: Popular destinations like the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Southeast Asia have distinct high and low seasons. Look into average temperatures and rainfall to find the ideal season for your dream destination.

Travel Costs and Convenience: Consider locations with convenient flights and a variety of accommodations to suit the style and budgets of your guests. Destinations in Europe are often more accessible for UK guests than farther locations

Off-Peak Advantages: Consider planning your wedding during an off-peak season, as many venues and tour operators offer lower prices and the atmosphere is often more relaxed and less crowded.

Once the big decisions are made, it’s then time to dig into the details that will make your wedding unique and special.

Décor & Theme: Most wedding packages include bridal flowers, photography, wedding ceremonies, wedding cakes, hair and make-up and catering, However, many enhancements can be added to make your day even more special and unique. For example, beachside weddings may feature natural, coastal elements, while a wedding in a historic Italian villa might have a classic, elegant theme.

Plan a Few Group Activities: It’s a great idea to organise activities around the wedding date—think welcome dinners, wine tours, or beach trips. These group events add a holiday vibe allow guests to bond and really can enhance your wedding experience.

Legalities: Each country has unique marriage laws and requirements, so careful consideration will be required as some destinations are difficult for British passport holders to get married in. It can seem a bit daunting right now, but don’t worry, am always on hand to advise documentation needed and when to obtain it to ensure everything is to get married abroad. Please note if you are NOT a British passport holder you must seek advice from your Embassy concerning documentation, and permission to marry.

Residency Requirements: Some destinations have minimum stay requirements and will require completion and submission of supporting documentation, but don’t worry help and advice will be given along the way.

Documentation: Commonly required documents include passports, birth certificates, and proof of eligibility to marry. Some countries may also require documents to be translated or notarised.

For peace of mind, many couples choose to do the legal paperwork at home and focus on a symbolic or commitment ceremony at their preferred destination and venue.

Next steps: A destination wedding offers a unique and beautiful way to begin your life together, but planning one requires careful thought and attention to detail. This is where I can really help, together with the in-resort wedding planner we can create a day that feels effortless, memorable, and unique to you.

For more information or to start planning your dream destination wedding, please do get in touch.