What to consider when getting married abroad

The first thought people have when destination weddings are mentioned is that the cost will be far more than a wedding here in the UK. This is not necessarily the case.

The average cost of a UK wedding in 2024 was around £20.5k (bridebook) whereas on average a wedding abroad is around £8.5k! (perfectweddingsabroad) Obviously, it all depends on which country you choose but wowsers what a difference!

Different countries have different venue options so why not make the most of this and go for an all-inclusive hotel that specialises in onsite beach weddings where everything is all in one place, or book a local traditional restaurant/ winery/ bar/ castle/ village/ cliff top hideaway where you can enjoy the food, views, service and hospitality of the local area of the place you’ve fallen in love with.

Can destination weddings be Eco-friendly?

If you’re worried about the carbon footprint of your travels, there are simple ways to help offset your print. By combining your wedding and honeymoon into one location, means you’re only travelling/flying once (the same as you would if you’re honeymooning abroad and having a UK wedding). Most airlines are in the process of being carbon neutral if they’re not already. Only taking abroad the items that you need to and using local businesses and products is a great way to include the local economy. This means you can have something different and connected to the country you’re getting married in. Buying from sites such as https://www.vinted.co.uk/ and reusing items you already own will also keep costs down.

It is worth mentioning that there are still a few countries where a wedding won’t be a legally binding one. Always check the legal requirements for your chosen country and what paperwork etc that needs to be done. When this is the case, why not make the most of the situation and have 2 weddings?! Many couples opt to have their legal wedding at home with those family members/guests that can’t travel abroad – UK wedding VIPs baby! – then fly out for wedding number 2.

But my destination wedding package comes with a Photographer..

When talking to couples about destination weddings, I often get told “Oh my wedding package includes a Photographer”. I totally get it. This can be a cost saver, and an easy way of ticking off another thing on your list. But make sure you check what’s actually included – often it’s only the ceremony/ short coverage. Find out if you get to meet/ choose the photographer before the day. What style of editing do they have? Do they speak the same language as you? What happens if you don’t “click” with the provided Photographer? Take a look at my blog on choosing your Wedding Photographer http://www.pinkphotographics.co.uk/choosing-your-wedding-photographer

Keep in mind just because a couple of hours photo coverage is available to you as part of your venues package, you don’t have to have it. Why not see if they can switch the supplied Photographer for something else?

Taking a Photographer (me! https://pinkphotographics.co.uk/about/) with you definitely has its pros. You know who will be your Photographer on the day. You know you love their style and have a great relationship with them. Your chosen Photographer can be contacted easily before and after the wedding. Also, if you’re having a UK wedding or party you can ask them to Photograph that too. That way your photos will be consistent and will look fab as a whole gallery. Plus, just think of that lovely happy feeling you will get when you see the joy a destination wedding gives your Photographer!