We get more enquiries than ever about weddings abroad, with money saving a huge factor in the decision-making process – the average UK wedding costs £20,000, while the average price for an abroad wedding is only £6,500.
This, along with the guarantee of beautiful weather, and the novelty of combining the ceremony with a holiday, and an intimate guest list, has convinced thousands of couples to tie the knot in another country.
We gathered some handy tips and statistics about getting married abroad in 2017/18:
The major wedding destinations for weddings differ seasonally – of course, there’s consistently popular options like Italy – but the range of countries we see couples choosing changes every year.
The hotels and facilities in established wedding locations, like Cyprus and Mexico, are used to hosting ceremonies and receptions, which makes finding a venue much easier. Cyprus is a particularly good option, because, unlike other countries, the paperwork and ceremony are in English.
More unusual options, such as New York, Thailand, and New Zealand have grown significantly in popularity in recent years, with some couples opting to make their wedding part of a longer break. Sri Lanka is another emerging location, but bear in mind that you’ll need to be in the country for a minimum of 5 days before the ceremony.
While France is known as the city of love, it can be a tricky destination to get married in. You’ll need to be in the country 40 continuous days before the ceremony, with copies of your birth certificates- issued less than 6 months ago, with proof of domicile, certificates of your single status, and translations of all documents, to name just a few of the requirements. If your heart is set on getting married in France, we recommend performing the legal element in UK beforehand, with a symbolic ceremony in France.
Booking early will help you save even more money, as well as make the possibility of amazing weather even more certain. More couples are looking to make a wedding part of a longer experience, with multiple days spent in different destinations in the build-up and directly after the ceremony.
Multi-centre holidays are a great way to experience a city break, a beach holiday, and a wedding, all in one trip, but you need to get with so much to plan, get in there early. To avoid disappointment book tickets and reservations for all the activities and day trips you have planned well in advance.
Research the climate at the time of year you are considering booking your wedding. Flexibility is the key when getting married abroad, so be prepared to move things around if the month you had in mind clashes with adverse weather.
Organising a wedding is stressful enough without taking into account different laws and customs, so hiring a multilingual wedding planner to translate and organise the logistics and legal requirements can be a lifesaver.
There are horror stories out there of couples who opted for an untested travel agent for their wedding, resulting in wasted money. Using a reliable travel agent to arrange hotels and flights will ensure you get personal requirements you’re looking for, and give you peace of mind.
A certificate of no impediment is a legal document that non-commonwealth countries require to prove you are free and able to marry of your own free will. The rules of a CNI differ for Scotland – they are only valid for 3 months after being sent out – so make sure you apply close enough so these documents are valid for the big day.
CNIs from England, Northern Ireland, and Wales don’t have any time restrictions, so get one early doors. Both you and your partner will need a CNI, unless you’re getting married in a Commonwealth countries and both British citizens,
While there’s considerable benefit to getting married in another country – the beautiful weather, idyllic setting, and financial savings – there’s also added risk. Hotter climates can be susceptible to storms and other forms of extreme weather, not to mention issues around hotels and air travel that could impact, or worse, make your ceremony impossible. Wedding insurance gives you the security that you’ll be able to reschedule your special day, whatever happens.
Despite what we often see at the movies or on TV shows, flight upgrades for nearly-weds or honeymooners rarely occur. You’ll stand your best chance of getting an upgrade while travelling alone, so don’t expect to be bumped into business or first class on the way to your destination.
Most hotels will offer an upgraded room for the couple if you’re getting married abroad. Las Vegas, due to the frequency of weddings in the city, won’t offer an upgrade, so you’ll have to book your own if you’re looking for luxury.
Many trendy locations like Thailand, and other destinations found on the Indian ocean, will upgrade your rooms as standard if you’re getting married, but make sure to check availability before your trip.
If you’re a same sex couple and you’re looking to get married abroad, unfortunately your options are slightly limited. Despite the year being 2017 rather than 1017, there are many countries where same sex married still isn’t legal. Luckily, most of the most popular destinations are available, but check out our infographic to see which countries you can choose from.
Our experienced personal travel consultants will ensure you find the most suitable holiday, whilst taking care of every last detail. Everything from start to finish will be effortless.
We can use any hotel, in any destination, so we will craft an itinerary to suit your exact needs. Also, as we can provide any itinerary, the only holiday we'll offer, is the one that's right for you.
Our ATOL bonding provides you with the financial protection you need and as a member of the Travel Trust Association, you'll have 100% financial protection. Covering you for any eventuality.
As a tour operator & travel agent, we'll search the market to ensure that we find you the best price. Also as an online business, we can ensure our prices are as competitive as possible.
Brilliant service - did what I wanted without being pushy. Used before and will use again
Great service always willing to find the best accommodation to suit your needs at the best price to suit your budget. I've been booking holidays with eshores now for 10 years and never been disappointed and will continue to do so.
Anna has arranged two holidays for us now and she has been amazing with all her attention to detail.
Excellent service throughout. Andy was great help the whole time . Answered all our emails quickly. We couldn’t have asked for more. Thank you eshores. We can’t wait for our tailor made holiday next year. Will be telling all our friends about the company
Gresg prompt communication. All explained lovely do far. Really well tailored itenararies with flexibility and a grest price. So far very impressive.
Kelly has organised me a couple of really nice twin holidays. She listens to all my requirements and acts on them, finding me fantastic holidays. Highly recommend,
This is my third holiday booked with Emma and my fourth with Eshores in total can’t fault the service and know we’re in good hands with Emma ,courteous ,respectful and professional in all my dealings with here ,would definitely recommend 💯 percent 😊
This is the second holiday we've booked through eShores. They are a top travel agent as far as we are concerned, we've booked two completely bespoke holidays through them and are in the process of booking a third. Both Michelle and Nadine have been more than helpful with meeting our requirements, nothing has been too…
Really easy and pleasant booking experience So far so good due to fly out in January.
First class service from Michelle for the second holiday she has planned for us .. brilliant communication, excellent skills and good knowledge along with great professionalism..
We sent our desired itinerary for a trip to Singapore and Australia and Rachel created a package for us including flights, hotels, transfers to meet our budget, discussing various options with us as required. Couldn’t have asked for a smoother booking experience, looking forward to the trip next year.
I have booked with Nick at EShores several times now and nothing is too much trouble. His prices are extremely competitive and we have never had any problems with flights & private transfers. Booked with him again this week to South America and he managed to upgrade us to ocean view room in one place…
We have used eShores to manage our holidays for the last few years. Hannah is our consultant and she provides a first class service. Would highly recommend.
So far so good,just booked and Kadie seems to know her stuff. Prompt in replies.
Fantastic service, very knowledgeable, find great value holidays without any pressure to buy
Andy and Claire was very helpful and Helped sorting my trip for 2026 Thanks to both
Great service and costs. The staff are excellent they are knowledgeable and very very helpful. I have used them many times and have recommended them to my friends I will continue to use them in the future
Just booked a holiday for two to Argentina and Brazil. Absolutely brilliant service. Kadie [rovided lots of help and support whilst making choices. Cannot wait for the holiday.
Michelle, is as always so helpful and friendly.
I have been using this company for nearly 20 years now and I have always received amazing service , all the staff are great and very reactionary to any issues and prompt whilst dealing with enquiries and bookings !i look forward to my continued rely with them ! Rick
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