A wedding abroad is more than a celebration — it’s a shared adventure.
It’s your people, your love, and a setting that means something to you both. Whether that’s the calm of the Amalfi Coast, the light of Santorini, or a villa tucked into the hills of Spain, the story still begins the same way: with connection.
Here’s a simple, real-world guide to planning your destination wedding — what to consider, what to expect, and what actually matters most.
Choosing your location
There’s no shortage of beautiful places — but the right one is the one that fits you.
Think about how it’ll feel to be there with your closest people, not just how it’ll look in photos.
Check flight routes, local culture, and the comfort level for your guests — the little things make a big difference when everyone’s travelled to celebrate with you.
Planning and preparation
Good planning makes everything feel calm on the day.
A local planner is often invaluable — they’ll know the best florists, caterers, and ways to navigate language or time zones.
They’re also used to working with UK couples who bring their own photographer or videographer, so you’ll still have the consistency and style you fell in love with back home.
Visas and documents
A few quick checks now save stress later.
Confirm what’s required for marriage paperwork, travel, and guest visas with the UK Government or your destination’s embassy.
Most planners can guide you through this step easily, but it’s worth checking early — these details can take longer than you think.
Accommodation and travel
Coordinating where everyone will stay might sound like a job in itself, but this is where your planner shines.
They can suggest hotels or villas nearby, manage group bookings, and even arrange airport transfers.
Keep it simple for your guests — clear directions, timings, and maybe one central WhatsApp group go a long way.
Costs and budgeting
A destination wedding can be as grand or as grounded as you want it to be.
You’ll be factoring in travel, accommodation, local suppliers, and sometimes a little extra for your photographer’s travel days (usually two nights either side).
But remember — fewer guests often means more room in your budget for experience: good food, relaxed moments, and more time together.
Always include wedding and travel insurance, and confirm that your coverage includes international events.
Legal requirements
Make sure your ceremony is recognised both locally and in the UK.
Most countries have clear guidelines online — and your planner or venue can point you in the right direction.
It’s worth double-checking that your documentation will be valid when you’re home.
Guest list
One of the best parts of a destination wedding is how intimate it becomes.
With a smaller group, you get to spend real time with each person — not just a quick hello between courses.
It’s also a graceful way to keep things focused on the people who mean the most.
Weather and timing
Weather is the silent guest at every wedding.
Look beyond just sunshine — consider shade, wind, and local heat at your chosen time of year.
Mediterranean summers can be intense, so plan your ceremony for early evening and always have an indoor or shaded option just in case.
In the end
A destination wedding isn’t just about the view — it’s about slowing down and letting the story unfold somewhere that feels alive to you.
When everything’s planned with care, you’ll look back at those photographs years from now and feel it all over again — the warmth, the laughter, the quiet in-between moments.
That’s what makes a destination wedding worth it.
