A destination wedding sounds impossibly romantic — and it can be. But it requires more planning, earlier, than a wedding at home. Here’s everything you need to know.
Choosing Your Destination
Consider: Where do you both feel most at home? Where is realistically accessible for your key guests? What climate do you want?
Popular European choices: Italy (Tuscany, Amalfi), Portugal (Algarve, Lisbon), Greece (Santorini, Corfu), Ireland, and France (Loire Valley, Provence).
Key question: Can you fly there for a planning visit 12 months before?
Legal Requirements
Every country has different requirements for a legally recognised marriage. The most common approach for destination weddings: have a small legal ceremony at home (registry office) first, then celebrate your destination wedding as the main event.
If you want a legally binding ceremony abroad, start researching requirements at least 18 months in advance. Requirements typically include birth certificates, proof of single status, passports, and local paperwork filed weeks before the ceremony.
Budgeting for a Destination Wedding
Destination weddings can actually cost less than home weddings — smaller guest numbers, venues that include everything, and a simpler format.
Expect to budget for: flights and accommodation for yourselves plus any family helping with planning, 1–2 site visits, vendor travel costs (if bringing your home photographer), and guest support materials. Always build in a 15% contingency — currency fluctuations alone can affect your budget.
How Many Guests to Invite
Be realistic. Not everyone will come. Typically 40–60% of invitees accept destination wedding invitations. Give maximum notice — 12–18 months is not too early. Provide a dedicated wedding website with accommodation, travel, and local info.
Working With Local Vendors
Use a local wedding planner or coordination service — they have relationships, language skills, and knowledge that saves enormous time. Always have a contract in both languages. Pay deposits via credit card or bank transfer, never cash.
The Week Before
Arrive at least 3 days before your wedding. You will need time to finalise details, deal with surprises, and recover from travel. Schedule a rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Give guests a welcome pack with local restaurant recommendations, taxi numbers, and emergency contacts.
PlanWed for Destination Weddings
PlanWed’s timeline and task management tools are especially useful for destination weddings where you’re coordinating across time zones. Share access with your partner and your local coordinator so everyone is working from the same plan.
