Your Guide to Getting Married Abroad

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If you’re hoping to leave your local village church in the rear-view mirror and take your love elsewhere by getting married abroad, we’ve got everything you need to know about planning a destination wedding right here.

From the hottest destination wedding locations to legalities and costs, we’ll talk you through all you need to know before booking your sunshine ceremony.

TLDR: What You Need to Know About Getting Married Abroad 

Thinking about a destination wedding? Here's the short answer:

How much does a destination wedding cost? Your destination wedding costs will depend heavily on where you go, how many guests you invite and what you're covering for them. A smaller guest list can make getting married abroad more affordable than the average UK wedding, but flights, accommodation, multi-day events and supplier travel can quickly add up.

Is it legally complicated? It depends entirely on the country. Some destinations have relatively straightforward processes, while others have residency requirements, translation requirements or additional paperwork. Always check the rules for your specific destination before booking.

When should you start planning? Ideally, start your destination wedding planning around 18 months before your wedding, particularly if you're inviting guests who need time to budget and book travel.

Where are the best destinations? Italy, Greece, Cyprus and Malta are popular for their relatively easy access from the UK, while the Caribbean, Maldives, Seychelles and Mauritius are ideal for couples planning a longer celebration or honeymoon.

Do you have to legally marry abroad? No. Many couples choose to complete the legal ceremony in the UK before travelling abroad for a symbolic ceremony and celebration.
The most important rule? Before you fall in love with a venue, make sure you understand the local marriage laws, likely paperwork and total budget.

• Where to Get Married Abroad
• Destination Wedding Comparison Table
• How Much Does it Cost to Get Married Abroad?
• Destination Wedding Planning Timeline
• How to Get Married Overseas: Dos & Don’ts
• The Legal Requirements of Getting Married Abroad
• Should You Legally Marry in the UK First?
• Wedding Abroad FAQs

Where to Get Married Abroad

When it comes to choosing where to get married abroad, the world is – quite literally – your oyster.

Some of the most popular destinations include Italy, with its excellent wine, sublime cuisine, fascinating small villages, fabulous climate and short flight time (Tuscany is just two hours, while Naples – which serves the Amalfi Coast – is under three), while a wedding in the Caribbean is perfect for those who want a relaxed celebration with white-sand beaches and lush scenery.

Other good places to get married abroad include the Maldives, Seychelles or Mauritius in the Indian Ocean (hello, turquoise sea!), as well as Las Vegas or New York in the US, while Ibiza and Cyprus are both great options for short flight times.

But before you book those flights, below are some of the things you’ll need to consider:

Cost of Travel & Accommodation

Ultimately the biggest consideration when it comes to choosing where you’ll get married is whether or not you feel it’s affordable for both you and your guests. If guests are being expected to pay for their own flights and accommodation, our top tip would be to send out your save-the-dates a year in advance, so they have time to plan and shop for the best travel deals.

"This is where a wedding planner can really help – finding a suitable venue within your budget using their knowledge of the local area," says Dulcie Butterfly, planner and founder of Lake Garda Weddings By Dulcie Butterfly. "If there are guests that you know you would love to have there, think about how much they would be prepared to pay.

"It's also important to choose an area where there is a range of accommodation types that work for varying budgets," she adds. 

Duration of Trip

How much time will you and your guests spend at your destination? If you’re planning a far-flung destination like the Seychelles or Maldives, and potentially staying put for your honeymoon, you might want to think about entertaining guests for at least five days to make the lengthy travel and expense worthwhile.

Elsewhere, if a wedding weekend is more your vibe, consider hotspots in Europe. Some of the best destinations to get married abroad include Tuscany, Ibiza, Lake Garda, Lake Como, Provence or the gorgeous Greek islands.

Level of Difficulty

From language barriers to legalities, be sure that your chosen destination doesn’t make wedding planning a nightmare.

Many places make it easy to tie the knot there; they may only have one- or two-day residency requirements, if any, while others (such as France) require you to have a longer residency and fill in complicated paperwork, so it may be that you settle for a symbolic blessing after a legal ceremony in the UK instead.

It can also be helpful to have someone within your wedding planning network who is familiar with the area, whether that’s the wedding coordinator at your venue, a friend or family member, or someone else who can advise you.

Destination Weddings Comparison Table 

The exact cost and legal process will vary depending on your venue, guest list and individual circumstances, but this table can help you compare some of the most popular options at the beginning of your search.

Destination: Italy

• Typical Budget Level: £££
• Best Season: May-June and September-October
• Legal Complexity for UK Couples: Moderate - paperwork and local processes vary by location
• Ideal Guest Size: 20-80

Destination: Greece

• Typical Budget Level: ££-£££
• Best Season: May-June and September
• Legal Complexity for UK Couples: Moderate – check local requirements carefully
• Ideal Guest Size: 20-60

Destination: Cyprus

• Typical Budget Level: ££
• Best Season: April-June and September-October
• Legal Complexity for UK Couples: Generally manageable, but documentation requirements apply
• Ideal Guest Size: 20-80

Destination: Malta

• Typical Budget Level: ££
• Best Season: April-June and September-October
• Legal Complexity for UK Couples: Moderate
• Ideal Guest Size: 20-60

Destination: France

• Typical Budget Level: £££
• Best Season: May-June and September
• Legal Complexity for UK Couples: More complex for many non-resident couples
• Ideal Guest Size: 20-80

Destination: Spain

• Typical Budget Level: £££
• Best Season: May-June and September-October
• Legal Complexity for UK Couples: Can be complex, particularly for non-residents
• Ideal Guest Size: 20-60

Destination: Caribbean

• Typical Budget Level: ££££
• Best Season: Varies by island, but generally outside hurricane season
• Legal Complexity for UK Couples: Varies significantly by island
• Ideal Guest Size: 10-50

Destination: Maldives or Seychelles

• Typical Budget Level: ££££
• Best Season: Varies by destination
• Legal Complexity for UK Couples: Often better suited to symbolic ceremonies depending on your plans
• Ideal Guest Size: 2-30

Destination: Las Vegas

• Typical Budget Level: ££-£££
• Best Season: March-May and September-November
• Legal Complexity for UK Couples: Relatively straightforward, subject to local requirements
• Ideal Guest Size: 2-50

A note on budgets: These are broad planning ranges rather than fixed prices. Your final destination wedding costs will depend on the venue, guest numbers, accommodation, flights, suppliers and whether you're hosting additional events.

How Much Does it Cost to Get Married Abroad?

Are destination weddings cheaper? With the average cost of a UK wedding now £23,250, getting married abroad could well save you money, though it’s worth noting that it’s often not a like-for-like comparison. For example, the average UK wedding has 89 guests – far more than the number for destination weddings, and often guests have to fork out more in order to attend.

Whether or not a destination wedding is cheaper will depend on a variety of factors:

Where: Where in the world you choose to get married will have a huge impact on the cost of getting married abroad. Popular destinations such as Italy, Greece and parts of France tend to cost more than lesser-known wedding destinations, such as Malta.

When: Peak wedding season in the UK is different in other parts of the world, so look into when weddings are most popular in your chosen destination.

What you’re paying for: When planning a wedding abroad, consider the costs you’ll be covering and what your guests will need to pay for. Will you be paying for everyone’s accommodation? Will you cover flights? Are you planning on providing food and entertainment for a weekend or longer, or will it just be on the wedding day?

The level of financial support you are offering guests will undoubtedly impact how much it costs to get married abroad.

Guest list size: As with weddings in the UK, as your wedding guest list grows, so does the spend. If you’re planning on a wedding abroad with just a small number of people, or with guests who will be paying for their own accommodation and travel, it’s likely that it’ll be cheaper to get married abroad.

Duration: It’s becoming more common for couples to plan a wedding weekend abroad, or even a wedding week before staying on for their honeymoon. This is a really lovely way to celebrate overseas and makes the trip worthwhile for your guests. However, adding on elements like a wedding-eve cocktail party or (much-needed) morning-after brunch, not to mention round-the-clock activities, does add up.

Suppliers: Where will your vendors be coming from? If you have your heart set on a hair and make-up artist or photographer from the UK, you will need to factor in travel and accommodation costs for them, too.

“These costs will vary from supplier to supplier and may increase if they need to bring additional team members,” says destination wedding videographer Gaetano Di Giacomo, who frequently covers weddings in both the UK and Italy.

“Some suppliers will include these expenses in their wedding packages, providing couples with a final, all-inclusive price, while others may list them separately. It’s crucial to ask them up front to avoid any unexpected costs later on,” he adds.

Destination Wedding Packages

Some wedding places abroad will offer dedicated all-inclusive wedding packages that include everything from the food, drink and table linen to pre- and post-wedding couples’ spa treatments and guest rooms. Some will even include preparation of the marriage documents and assign you your own wedding planner to liaise with before you arrive.

And while these can be excellent value if you’re less bothered about the finer details of your day, if you’re someone who wants to personalise every aspect, these offerings can feel restricted.  

Destination Wedding Planning Timeline: 18 Months to Wedding Day

One of the biggest questions couples have is exactly how to get married abroad without missing an important deadline. This step-by-step timeline will help you stay organised.

18 Months Before: Choose Your Destination and Budget

• Set your overall wedding budget
• Discuss your ideal guest list size
• Research destinations, weather and travel times
• Compare legal requirements before committing to a venue
• Decide whether you want a legal ceremony abroad or a symbolic ceremony
• Start researching wedding planners and venues

15 to 16 Months Before: Book the Big Things

• Secure your venue and wedding date
• Book a destination wedding planner, if you're using one
• Reserve key accommodation or negotiate room blocks
• Research flights and travel options
• Begin booking priority suppliers, such as photographers and videographers
• Send save-the-dates, particularly if guests will need to travel internationally

12 to 14 Months Before: Start Your Legal Research

• Check the legal requirements for getting married abroad in your chosen country
• Find out exactly which documents you'll need
• Check whether documents require translation or legalisation
• Confirm residency requirements
• Decide whether you need a Certificate of No Impediment, affirmation or other proof that you're free to marry
• Start planning your wedding website or guest information pack

9 to 12 Months Before: Finalise Your Core Suppliers

• Book remaining key suppliers
• Confirm ceremony and reception plans
• Arrange transport for guests, if required
• Start researching travel insurance and wedding insurance
• Share accommodation recommendations with guests
• Begin planning any welcome events or post-wedding celebrations

6 to 9 Months Before: Confirm the Details

• Send invitations
• Finalise your ceremony format
• Check passport validity for yourselves and remind guests to do the same
• Confirm any document deadlines with local authorities
• Arrange translations, apostilles or other document legalisation where required
• Start planning your wedding-day timeline

3 to 6 Months Before: Get Organised

• Confirm guest numbers
• Finalise menus and décor
• Confirm transport arrangements
• Check all legal paperwork has been submitted correctly
• Confirm supplier arrival and travel plans
• Create your overseas wedding checklist for packing and last-minute jobs

1 Month Before: Final Checks

• Confirm final guest numbers with your venue
• Reconfirm supplier timings
• Check you have all original legal documents required for the ceremony
• Prepare emergency contact details
• Share a final itinerary with guests
• Check your passports, travel documents and insurance

Wedding Week: Arrive Early and Enjoy It

• Arrive with enough time to deal with any travel or paperwork issues
• Attend any required appointments
• Have a final venue walkthrough
• Confirm your wet-weather plan
• Enjoy time with your guests before the big day

How to Get Married Overseas: Dos & Don’ts

Getting married abroad can be tricky to plan if you don’t know where to begin – but these vital tips will help get you started!

DO: Plan in advance

Even if you’re planning on eloping as a twosome, you’ll still need plenty of time to plan to get married abroad. We would suggest making enquiries around 12 months prior to your planned wedding date, in view of having the location booked at least 10 months before. This leaves you time to finalise all the logistics.

This is also helpful when it comes to researching and booking the right vendors. “You want the process to be smooth and low stress, and the easiest way to do that is to start early,” agrees Gae. “Ensure all your vendors are introduced and in touch with one another ahead of the wedding, too. This fosters a seamless collaboration and helps them avoid any logistical mishaps on the day.”

DO: Keep your guests updated

Do your research before you book to ensure the journey is an easy one for your guests – are there regular flights to your planned destination? How easy is the onward journey from the airport? All this information – along with plenty of notice – will be hugely appreciated by your loved ones.

DO: Understand the cultural differences

When researching destination wedding locations, note that different countries around the world have different customs and traditions – and being aware of these ahead of your wedding is wise. That’s not to say you shouldn’t be able to make your day your own, but it can be helpful to understand how they would usually plan wedding celebrations with regards to timings and formats.

If you’re working with a local or in-house wedding planner, they should be able to advise on this.

DO: Note the exchange rate

After all, you wouldn’t go on holiday without understanding this, and the same applies to weddings abroad. Remember to factor in things like international transfer fees – and have a contingency plan for potential currency fluctuations, as this could impact your final budget.              

DO: Prioritise your guests’ experience

Weddings abroad aren’t just about the couple – it’s super important to think about your guests’ experience as they’re paying so much money to be there. “Plan and provide clear information about their options,” says Gae. “Block bookings or group rates can make things easier and more affordable for everyone.”

Alongside clear and efficient travel and accommodation information, work with your venue or wedding planner to put together a useful guide to the local area.

Your guests will also undoubtedly thank you for a thoughtful bag of easy-to-forget essentials placed in their room on arrival – think flip-flops, sun cream and mosquito spray. If you’re tying the knot in a hotel resort, you could even give them beach bags subtly printed with your very own wedding motif – that way, they can spot each other as they wander around and mingle before the big event.

DO: Take out wedding insurance 

"It'll give you peace of mind for any unforeseen circumstances such as illness," explains Dulcie. "It's not expensive in the scheme of things and is something I always recommend to my clients." 

DON'T: Bet on good weather

For many, the promise of guaranteed sunshine is the biggest allure of a destination wedding – but never assume it’s a given. As you would do when planning a wedding in the UK, if you’re having an outdoor wedding, find out what the wet-weather plan is, should it rain.

This is also where experienced vendors will come in handy. “An expert will be able to adapt to every situation – even in a location that’s unknown to them,” confirms Gae. “Be flexible and trust your vendors to handle these situations professionally.”

DON'T: Underestimate your luggage needs

You will have a huge amount to take with you, so we highly recommend making a detailed packing list well ahead of time so you can work out how many suitcases you will need. Avoid flying out the day before the wedding in case anything goes missing – where possible, give yourselves a few days at the destination to solve any issues, or simply relax before the big event.

The Legal Requirements of Getting Married Abroad

Hefty amounts of paperwork are the last thing you want to be doing amidst all the more fun wedding planning elements, but it’ll be even more devastating if a missing document means you can’t get a marriage licence.

Before making any bookings, check the official GOV.UK guidance on getting married abroad. The requirements vary depending on where you're getting married, and the guidance can help you understand which documents you may need, whether you're eligible to marry in your chosen country and what steps you'll need to take before the ceremony.

Your wedding planner may also be able to help. 

"I always send my clients a list to follow of what is required legally in the UK beforehand and I personally take their documents to court in Italy to get the forms legalised and delivered to the authorities at the local town hall they will marry in," reveals Dulcie. "It means I can personally confirm everything is done as it should be for total peace of mind." 

Essential Documents

The exact documents you'll need depend on the country where you're getting married and your individual circumstances. You may be asked to provide:

• A valid passport
• A birth certificate
• Evidence of a name change, where applicable
• Divorce or dissolution documents, if you've previously been married or in a civil partnership
• A former spouse's death certificate, where relevant
• Proof that you're free to marry, such as a Certificate of No Impediment or marital status document
• Certified translations
• Legalisation or an apostille, where required

Don't assume that every destination will ask for every document on this list. Always check the current requirements for your specific country and local authority.

If your documents need to be used abroad, you may need to have them translated, certified or legalised with an apostille. The exact requirements will depend on the country where you're getting married. You can find more information through the Foreign Office document legalisation service.

Other Common Documents You Might Need

Depending on where you're getting married, you may also need documents to prove that you're free to marry, such as a Certificate of No Impediment, affirmation or marital status certificate.

Some countries may also have additional requirements, including translated documents, certified copies or medical certificates. Because these requirements can change and may vary by local authority, check the current rules for your specific destination before making any non-refundable bookings.

Remember that many of these documents will add to the spend, so factor in the cost of obtaining these into your wedding budget.

Residency Requirements

Some countries have residency or eligibility requirements before you can legally marry there, and these can vary significantly depending on your destination. France, for example, can be more complicated for couples without a local connection, so it's important to contact the local town hall, or mairie, early in the planning process to confirm whether you're eligible to marry there and which documents you'll need to provide.

Spain also has specific eligibility requirements for couples planning to marry there, so check the current rules carefully before booking. Depending on your circumstances, one of you may need to have a connection to Spain, such as residency or Spanish nationality.

Requirements in Italy can also vary depending on the local authority and your individual circumstances. Check the current paperwork and appointment requirements early, and allow enough time to complete any necessary legal processes before your ceremony.

Other Special Requirements

Some countries have additional legal requirements that you'll need to fulfil before you can marry there, and these can vary significantly between destinations and even local authorities. This is why many couples choose to complete the legal part of their marriage in the UK before travelling abroad for a symbolic ceremony and celebration.

If your dream destination has complicated residency rules or paperwork requirements, this can be a simpler option, allowing you to focus on the ceremony and celebration without navigating a complex legal process overseas.

Should You Legally Marry in the UK First?

This is one of the most common questions couples ask when getting married abroad.

You can have a legal marriage ceremony in the UK and then hold a symbolic or commitment ceremony at your destination. In fact, GOV.UK specifically notes that couples can choose to have a legal ceremony in the UK if they want a UK marriage certificate, followed by a commitment ceremony abroad.

For many couples, this can make destination wedding planning significantly simpler.

The Pros

• Less paperwork abroad: You may avoid navigating complicated foreign marriage processes, residency requirements or document deadlines.
• More destination options: You can choose a venue based on what you love rather than whether it can legally marry you.
• More flexibility: Your symbolic ceremony can be held almost anywhere your venue allows, giving you greater freedom over the format, timing and location.
• A UK marriage certificate: Your legal marriage is registered in the UK, which can make administration more straightforward.
• Less stress while travelling: You won't have to worry about a missing document or delayed appointment affecting whether your wedding can legally take place abroad.

The Cons

• You'll technically already be married: Your legal wedding date will be the date of your UK ceremony, even if your main celebration takes place abroad later.
• You may need two ceremonies: Some couples love the idea of a quiet registry office ceremony followed by their big day, while others feel that the legal ceremony takes away from the excitement of the destination celebration.
• There may be additional costs: You'll need to budget for the UK legal ceremony as well as your destination celebration.
• You'll need to explain the ceremony to guests: Your guests should understand that the destination ceremony is symbolic, particularly if they assume they're attending the legal wedding.

Is It the Right Option for You?

If your dream destination has complicated residency rules or paperwork requirements, the UK-legal-plus-symbolic-abroad option can be a brilliant compromise. You still get the emotional experience of exchanging vows in front of your loved ones in your dream location – without making the success of your wedding day dependent on foreign bureaucracy.

Wedding Abroad: FAQs

Planning a destination wedding can be tricky, but fortunately we have expert advice from wedding and event planning expert, Romain, from Be My Love agency. Be my love specialises in helping couples plan their perfect day, and their expertise lies in planning abroad weddings in France.

From Provence to Paris, here are their top tips on how to plan the perfect destination wedding.

How do you legally get married abroad?

"The first step is to check the legal requirements of the country where you want to marry, as they vary considerably. Generally, you’ll need to prove your identity and that you’re legally free to marry, as well as meet any local residency or notice requirements.

"If the marriage is legally valid in the country where it takes place and would be permitted under UK law, it will normally be recognised in the UK too."

What documents do you need?

"This depends on the destination, but typically you’ll need valid passports, birth certificates and documents confirming that you’re free to marry, plus divorce or death certificates if either person has been married before.

"Depending on the country, documents may also need to be translated, certified or apostilled. In France, the exact requirements are set by the local mairie, so it’s always important to check with them early in the planning process."

Which countries are easiest for UK couples to get married in?

"If having the legal ceremony abroad is the priority, destinations such as Gibraltar and Cyprus are often considered relatively straightforward for British couples. France is slightly different, as legally marrying there requires a genuine connection to the commune through the couple or, in certain circumstances, one of their parents.

"For couples who simply want to hire a beautiful château or bastide in France for their destination wedding, the easiest solution is therefore often to complete the legal ceremony in the UK first."

Should you have a legal ceremony in the UK first?

"For most of the British couples we work with in France, I recommend it. They can have a simple legal ceremony at home and then make their French ceremony the wedding they truly consider their wedding day, with personalised vows, a celebrant and complete freedom over the location and format.

"It removes a lot of the administrative stress without taking anything away from the emotion or significance of the celebration in France."

How far in advance should you start planning?

"I recommend starting around 12 to 18 months in advance.

"A destination wedding naturally involves more logistics, from finding the right venue and suppliers to accommodation and travel for your guests, so giving yourself that time means you have a much better choice and can enjoy the planning process without feeling rushed."

How do you choose the best destination wedding location?

"I think one of the biggest considerations should be where you’re going to get the best overall value and experience for your budget, and France is very difficult to beat in that respect.

"The aesthetic of the venues is a huge part of that value. You can choose from grand historic châteaux, elegant wine estates, authentic Provençal bastides and beautifully restored properties that already have extraordinary character and atmosphere before you even begin styling them.

"Combined with exceptional French gastronomy and genuinely top-tier vendors, from outstanding photographers to an enormous variety of musicians, including string quartets, jazz bands, DJs and full live party bands, the overall quality you can achieve is incredibly high.

"France can also offer couples greater flexibility than many UK wedding venues when it comes to how the celebration unfolds. Depending on the individual property and local regulations, there are venues that can accommodate later finishes and fewer restrictions around music and sound, which can make a real difference if you want the party to be an important part of the weekend.

"It’s also really important to think about accessibility and the supplier network around the venue, rather than looking at the venue hire price alone.

"Finally, when comparing destinations, I always recommend looking beyond the headline venue price and considering the total cost, aesthetic and quality of the entire wedding experience. A venue that appears cheaper initially isn’t always better value once all of the logistics are taken into account."

Since you’re already on your way – how about thinking about where you’ll head next for your honeymoon? We’ve listed the best honeymoon destinations by month.