All The Info & Links You Need To Plan Your Destination Wedding

 

If you are ready to plan your destination wedding, the first thing to know is that you do not need to have every detail decided straight away. Most couples begin with a feeling: sunshine, a beautiful setting, their favourite people and a wedding that feels more personal than a traditional celebration at home.

The exciting part is turning that feeling into a wedding that works for your budget, your guests and the experience you want to create.

I’m Karen Thornton-Brown, founder of WeddingsAbroad.com. Since launching the business in 1999, I have helped couples explore destinations, compare venues and connect with wedding professionals around the world. One thing I have learned is that destination wedding planning becomes much easier when you make the big decisions in the right order.

Here is how to begin.

How to Plan Your Destination Wedding in 9 Steps

1. Decide What Matters Most to You

Before looking at hundreds of venues, sit down together and talk about the wedding you actually want.

Consider:

• How many guests would you ideally like?
• Would you prefer a beach, villa, hotel, castle, garden or city wedding?
• Do you want an intimate ceremony or a larger celebration?
• Is privacy and exclusive use important?
• Would you like everything in one venue?
• Do you want a relaxed wedding or a more formal occasion?
• How far are you and your guests comfortable travelling?

You do not need to agree on every detail yet. Identifying three or four priorities will make it much easier to rule unsuitable destinations and venues in or out.

Karen’s advice: choose the experience before choosing the decorations. Guests will remember how the wedding felt far more than the colour of the napkins.

2. Set a Realistic Overall Budget

Your wedding budget should include much more than the venue hire.

When you plan your destination wedding, allow for:

• Ceremony and venue fees
• Food and drinks
• Wedding planner or coordinator
• Photography and videography
• Flowers and styling
• Entertainment
• Hair and make-up
• Transport
• Your flights and accommodation
• Legal paperwork and translations
• Pre-wedding and post-wedding events
• Insurance
• Currency fluctuations
• A contingency fund

Always ask whether taxes, service charges, minimum spends and compulsory extras are included in a quotation.

A venue package that looks more expensive at first may offer better value if it already includes catering, drinks, furniture, coordination and accommodation. Compare the complete cost rather than looking only at the headline price.

3. Choose a Destination That Works in Real Life

It is easy to fall in love with a photograph, but the right destination needs to work practically too.

Think about flight availability, transfer times, weather, local prices, accessibility and the type of accommodation available for your guests. If children, elderly relatives or guests with limited mobility will be attending, include their needs in your decision.

Also consider what the destination will be like outside the wedding venue. Are there restaurants, beaches, activities or places where guests can spend time together?

You can begin by exploring the WeddingsAbroad.com destinations and venues, from European favourites to islands, beach resorts and more unusual locations around the world.

4. Create an Honest Guest List

Your likely guest count will affect almost every other decision, including your destination, venue, budget and accommodation requirements.

Destination wedding guest numbers can change significantly between sending save-the-dates and receiving final confirmations. Some people may be unable to travel because of cost, work, family commitments or health.

Send save-the-dates early and give guests an honest idea of likely travel and accommodation costs. Avoid putting pressure on anyone who cannot attend. A wedding abroad is a wonderful experience, but it is also a considerable commitment for guests.

You may want to create three figures:

• Your ideal guest number
• The minimum number you expect to attend
• The maximum number your budget can comfortably accommodate

This gives you a sensible range when speaking to venues.

5. Check the Marriage Requirements Early

The legal requirements for marrying abroad vary between countries and can depend on your nationality, residency, relationship status and chosen ceremony.

You may need birth certificates, a Certificate of No Impediment, divorce or death certificates from previous marriages, certified translations or apostilled documents. Some destinations also have residency requirements or restrictions affecting particular types of ceremony.

British couples can use the official GOV.UK getting married abroad service to check the requirements for their chosen country.

If a legal ceremony is difficult or restrictive, you could complete the legal marriage at home and have a symbolic ceremony abroad. A symbolic ceremony can still include personal vows, readings, music and all the emotion of your wedding day.

Always confirm the latest requirements with the appropriate authorities and your local wedding professional before booking.

6. Compare Venues Properly

Once you have a destination, approximate guest number and working budget, you can begin creating a venue shortlist.

Ask each venue:

• Is the wedding area private?
• Is exclusive use available?
• What is the maximum seated capacity?
• Is there a wet-weather alternative?
• What time must music finish?
• Are there minimum accommodation or catering requirements?
• Can you use outside suppliers?
• Are furniture, linen and tableware included?
• Are taxes and service charges included?
• Is there a wedding coordinator on site?
• What deposit and payment schedule applies?
• What happens if the wedding must be postponed or cancelled?

Request recent photographs and video footage of the actual ceremony and reception areas. If possible, arrange a video call or site visit before making a final decision.

Never assume something is included because it appears in a venue photograph. Ask for every important detail to be confirmed in writing.

7. Choose Experienced Wedding Professionals

A knowledgeable local planner or venue coordinator can be invaluable. They understand the destination, local suppliers, weather patterns, cultural expectations and practical challenges that may not be obvious from home.

You may also need a photographer, celebrant, florist, stylist, make-up artist, entertainer, caterer or transport company.

Look for professionals who regularly work with international couples and who communicate clearly. Ask to see recent weddings, reviews, contracts and examples of work completed at similar venues.

You can explore our international wedding professionals directory to find planners, venues and suppliers in destinations around the world.

WeddingsAbroad.com can make introductions, but your contract will be directly with the individual venue or supplier. Always carry out your own checks, read contracts carefully and use secure payment methods.

8. Think About the Whole Guest Experience

Your wedding may be the main reason everyone is travelling, but it will often become a short holiday and shared experience too.

Helpful information for guests might include:

• Recommended airports and flight routes
• Transfer options
• Suggested accommodation at different prices
• Local transport or taxi information
• Dress guidance for the weather and venue
• Details of any welcome drinks or post-wedding plans
• Local activities and restaurant recommendations
• Passport or visa reminders
• A clear wedding-day itinerary

You do not need to organise every minute of the trip. Give guests enough information to feel confident while leaving them time to relax and enjoy the destination.

9. Protect Your Plans

Before paying deposits, make sure you understand exactly what you are booking.

Ask for written contracts and check the payment, cancellation, postponement and refund terms. Keep copies of all agreements, invoices and important conversations.

Consider suitable travel and wedding insurance as soon as you begin making non-refundable payments. Check the policy carefully, as not every policy covers overseas weddings, supplier failure or changes in travel arrangements.

It is also sensible to have a realistic Plan B for outdoor ceremonies. This does not mean expecting the worst. It simply means you can relax knowing that unexpected weather will not spoil the day.

Karen’s advice: excitement can make couples feel they must book immediately. A reputable venue or supplier should be willing to answer reasonable questions and give you the information needed to make a confident decision.

How WeddingsAbroad.com Can Help You Plan Your Destination Wedding

You do not have to work everything out alone.

Explore Destinations and Venues

Browse our worldwide wedding locations and discover venues, resorts and wedding settings across Europe and beyond.

Find Wedding Professionals

Use our international wedding directory to explore planners, celebrants, photographers and other destination wedding specialists.

Receive Free Personalised Introductions

Complete our destination wedding planning questionnaire and tell us what you are looking for. Our wedding enquiry and connecting service is completely free for couples.

You do not need to know every answer. If you are still deciding between destinations, dates or wedding styles, simply share what you know so far.

WhatsApp Us

For quick help, send WeddingsAbroad.com a WhatsApp message. Tell us your preferred destination, approximate date, guest number and budget, and we can help you identify the next step.

Get One-to-One Advice with Karen

If you would like independent advice, a second opinion or help comparing your options, you can book personal destination wedding advice with Karen.

These paid one-to-one consultations are particularly useful before choosing a destination, signing a venue contract or committing to a major expense.

Join Our Wedding Community

Join thousands of couples sharing advice, recommendations and real experiences in the WeddingsAbroad.com Facebook group.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should we plan a destination wedding?

Many couples begin planning 12 to 24 months ahead, particularly when booking a popular venue or asking guests to travel. Smaller weddings and elopements may require less time, but legal paperwork, flights and accommodation should still be considered early.

Is a destination wedding cheaper than a UK wedding?

It can be, but it is not automatically cheaper. The final cost depends on the destination, guest number, venue, season and what is included. Always compare complete costs and include travel, accommodation, legal paperwork and currency changes.

Can our wedding abroad be legally binding?

In many destinations, yes. However, requirements vary according to the country and your personal circumstances. Some couples choose a legal ceremony abroad, while others complete the formal marriage at home and have a symbolic ceremony at their destination.

Do we need a destination wedding planner?

A planner is not compulsory, but experienced local help can save time and reduce stress. A local professional can advise on venues, suppliers, legalities and practical arrangements that are difficult to manage from another country.

Can WeddingsAbroad.com find venues and suppliers for us?

Yes. Complete our free questionnaire with as much information as you currently have. We can review your plans and introduce you to suitable venues and wedding professionals from our Exclusive Approved Network.

What Should I Do Next?

Planning a wedding abroad is an exciting journey, and you do not have to go through it alone.

Find Your Perfect Venue: Explore our worldwide wedding destinations and venues.

Read Our Complete Guide: Discover more advice in our Ultimate Destination Wedding Guide.

Discover Wedding Professionals: Browse our international wedding directory.

Receive Personalised Recommendations: Complete our free destination wedding planning questionnaire.

Join Our Community: Connect with other couples in our WeddingsAbroad.com Facebook group.

Ask for Help: WhatsApp WeddingsAbroad.com and tell us what you are planning.

Whether you already know exactly where you want to marry or you are only just beginning to explore the possibilities, we are here to help you plan your destination wedding with greater clarity and confidence.