Destination Weddings – Are They Practical?

At some point many couples will have considered the possibility of getting married overseas, maybe on a sandy beach, or in a location abroad with significant meaning to them. Whilst for many this is nothing but a passing thought, for others this is a very serious idea. The question many people ask, however, is “how feasible is a destination wedding?”. With all the extra planning that goes into a destination wedding, we break down the process so you can better understand what goes into it. Plus, we’ll provide you with some great options for the perfect overseas wedding destination.

First Things First, Where Are You Getting Married?

When planning for a wedding abroad, the first thing to think about is destination wedding locations. Whether it’s a beachside wedding, a wedding in the mountains, or perhaps a ceremony in the city you once lived in, choosing your location early is incredibly important. Without this, you will struggle to plan the rest of your wedding, so where possible, try to decide on the location as soon as possible.

Next, What Will You Need in Order To Get Married There?

If you do plan to get married abroad, you will need to consider the legal logistics. As a British National getting married overseas you will need to provide proof that you are legally allowed to get married which is called a ‘Certificate of No Impediment’ (CNI). To get a CNI, you need to make an appointment at your local register office to give notice of your marriage. It will cost you £35 to give notice and get a CNI. You will also need passports, any VISA’s required for your intended destination, and birth certificates.

You will also need to consider local customs and traditions in your desired country as there may be certain laws or rules you need to adhere to. For example, if you were planning to get married in Santorini, Greece, you would need to contact the local town hall, or 'Dimos', to find out about the marriage laws and the exact documents you would need.

Planning The Actual Wedding!

Once you have decided where you are getting married and have everything in place to legally hold your ceremony abroad, you can start planning the big day itself. Some of the main areas you will need to consider are travel, accommodation, specific wedding venue, and vendors.

A big help when planning your celebrations is to find a local, destination wedding planner, to help ensure your ceremony and reception go off without a hitch. With their local knowledge, they’ll be able to pick out vendors that suit your needs and will help you plan everything from the rehearsal dinner to the bridesmaid’s bouquets.

Make sure when booking accommodation, you try to secure either room blocks and/or group rates that you can pass on to your guests. An overseas wedding can be expensive for you and your guests so they will certainly appreciate any discounted rates as well as being able to stay near other guests.

Equally, consider transportation from the airport whether it’s a shuttle bus or private cars. If your wedding venue is away from your accommodation, then you will also need to consider taxis or other transport for your guests to travel between the hotel and the venue.

Lastly, you may want to consider some pre-wedding excursions. Whether you are going for a wedding weekend or week, having some activities either laid on for guests or being near excursions so guests can take themselves out for the day is a great way for people to get in the mood for the wedding!

Wedding Abroad Options

Whether you are looking for a private beach wedding, a location with incredible views of the Mediterranean, or are after a city wedding, here are some options for you to consider!

1. Seychelles

The Seychelles is an idyllic spot for a wedding with so many options available to you. Enjoy getting married on the beach in privacy with just the gentle waves keeping you and your guest’s company. Be sure to look out for wedding packages on offer as this will help you with the entire wedding planning process!

2. Amalfi Coast

Whilst you won’t get the beach club vibes from this coastline, the Amalfi Coast will provide some of the most stunning backdrops for when you tie the knot. Wherever you decide to get married here, you and your wedding guests are sure to have an incredible time.

3. St Lucia

Another option with plenty of beach wedding venues, St Lucia must be up there with one of the best beach wedding destinations in the world. With stunning beaches and beautifully clear water, St Lucia will blow you and your guests away with its scintillating beauty. Definitely one to consider!

4. France

If tropical coastlines aren’t for you then one option to consider is getting married in a French chateau which will not only give you privacy, brilliant backdrops and potentially even a private beach, but also somewhere for you and your guests to stay. This option will allow you to party long into the night without worrying about having to get home or get back to the hotel!

5. Monaco

Surrounded by lavish lifestyles and luxury, Monaco is one of the ultimate wedding locations. With stunning views of the Mediterranean and plenty of options available to you, including Karl Lagerfeld’s former villa, this could be an ideal wedding location for any marrying couple.

Get Wedding Insurance for your Destination Wedding with Dreamsaver

Wherever you plan to exchange vows, at Dreamsaver, you can benefit from cover for overseas weddings included as standard on ALL policies! Plus, benefit from the following elements of cover:

• Cancellation cover – from £6,000 up to £80,000
• Financial Failure of Service Suppliers – up to £22,500
• Cover for Wedding Gifts – up to £17,500
• Rings, Flowers & Wedding Cake cover – up to £17,500
• Legal Expenses – up to £20,000
• Public Liability cover - up to £5 million
• And so much more!

And so much more!

Click here to find out more about Dreamsaver Wedding Insurance for Wedding Abroad.

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*This article is for information and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute advice in any way. The information provided here is correct at the time of writing however please check the latest policy wording here for the latest policy terms, conditions and exclusions.