What Do You Need for a Wedding Abroad?

Almost a quarter of all couples now get married abroad. Whether you want to escape the British weather or you just fancy something a bit different for your big day, getting married abroad has become increasingly popular in recent years.

There are lots of things to think about when you’re getting married abroad, and it can be difficult to know where to start. What are the legal requirements in the country where you’re getting married? Are there companies that handle everything for you? Do you need to take out special insurance?

We’ve put together a handy guide to help you with all the essential details, so you can relax and enjoy your wedding abroad.

Check the Legalities Surrounding Your Proposed Wedding Destination

Regardless of where you choose to get married, you will need to ensure that your wedding complies with the laws of that country. These can vary considerably from country to country, so it’s essential to do your research and make sure you are aware of all the requirements before you book anything.

For instance, France requires 40 days’ residency before you can legally marry there, making legally-binding destination weddings here very tricky. Other countries are more relaxed, so it's worth bearing this in mind when choosing your venue.

What many couples do before leaving is get officially married at their local registry office in the UK. This is a relatively simple process and means that all the legal requirements have been met before travelling. You can then have the flexibility to choose any type of wedding abroad without having to worry about whether it will be legally binding.

Choose Your Destination Wedding Venue

The next step is to choose your venue. It can be anything from a stunning beach to a centuries-old castle, and it’s entirely up to you. You might want to consider the time of year you’re getting married, as this can impact availability and cost.

If you’re aiming to get married in the high season (May to September), you may find that prices are higher and venues are more difficult to come by. Many couples choose to get married in the shoulder months (April and October), as this can be a happy medium in terms of weather and cost.

Of course, you will also need to consider accommodation for your guests. If you’re getting married in a remote location, it’s worth considering whether there are enough hotel rooms in the area to accommodate everyone. You could also look into hiring a villa or an Airbnb for your guests.

Flights for your guests should be another consideration. Is your proposed location well-served by airlines, or will guests need to make a long journey? All of these factors will need to be taken into account when choosing your venue.

Destination weddings aren't as simple as merely choosing a venue. You must do all the logistical legwork beforehand to ensure that your guests are well looked after.

Decide Whether You Want to Handle Everything Yourself or Have a Done-For-You Destination Wedding

As mentioned, a destination wedding is a huge logistical challenge. And while some brides relish the challenge of project managing a wedding in another country, others prefer to hand over the reins to a professional.

There are now lots of companies that offer destination wedding packages. These can be a great option if you want to take the stress out of planning a wedding abroad.

A typical destination wedding package will include everything from finding the perfect venue to booking accommodation and flights for your guests. Some companies will also help with the legalities surrounding getting married abroad, so you can be sure that everything is above board.

If you decide to go down the route of a destination wedding package, do your research and choose a reputable company. It’s also worth asking for recommendations from friends or family who have been through the process before.

Take Out Destination Wedding Insurance

There are many moving parts to a traditional wedding, never mind a celebration hosted overseas. From wedding event suppliers to transportation and everything in between, anything could happen that's outside your control — and you're going to want to be prepared for any potential hiccups.

This is where overseas wedding insurance comes in. A good policy will protect you financially if anything goes wrong, whether that’s your photographer cancelling at the last minute or losing the rings in transit. Overseas wedding insurance works in much the same way as standard wedding insurance, but with a few key differences, namely, cover for travel-related incidents.

When taking out insurance, read the small print carefully and understand exactly what is and isn’t covered. It’s also worth getting quotes from a few providers to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

It's also a good idea to check whether your overseas wedding insurance includes subsequent travel for your honeymoon. In most cases, it doesn't, so you'll need to purchase a standalone policy or add it on as an extra.

Get Your Documentation in Order

One of the most important things to remember when getting married abroad is that you need to be aware of the legal requirements of the country you’re tying the knot in. Every country has different rules and regulations surrounding marriage, so it’s essential to do your research in advance and ensure you have all the necessary documentation.

You may need items such as a passport, birth certificate, proof of residency, a certificate of no impediment (CNI), and even an official declaration of your vaccination status. It’s a good idea to check with your chosen venue or the local registry office to find out exactly what you need.

Another thing to bear in mind is visa requirements for you and your guests. If you’re getting married in a country requiring a visa for entry, your guests must apply for one in advance. Make sure you give them plenty of time to do this and provide as much information and guidance as possible.

There are a lot of things to think about when getting married abroad, but as long as you do your research and plan ahead, it will all come together perfectly on the day.