Getting married abroad Our top tips
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This article, Getting married abroad, was last updated on 26 June 2008 and is now out of date and held in our online archive for reference. Explore our latest Money articles.
If you want a beach wedding at sunset, ensure you pick a west coast location
While the number of people getting married in the UK continues to fall, more Brits than ever are heading abroad to say 'I do'. Around 14 per cent of weddings (estimated at 50,000 or so a year) now take place overseas. But is it the right choice for you?
Our top tips for a successful wedding day
Research your venue Get advice not only from booking agents, but also from tourist boards, embassy websites and independent sources.
Plan early Have all the necessary documentation ready 12 weeks before your wedding date, and give any guests plenty of time (and hotel ideas) to book their trip.
Check the finer details What happens if it rains? Can you choose flowers once there? Can you play your own CDs? Are hair and beauty services included in the package?
Look hot, stay cool If marrying in a hot climate, aim for a cooler time of day and protect yourself from the menaces of sunburn or bug bites beforehand.
Avoid the 'conveyor-belt' feeling When choosing your venue, ask how many couples could also marry there on the same day.
Pros and cons
Exchanging vows outside Britain appeals to many couples who want a quieter, perhaps unconventional, ceremony or have been married before and want something low-key. Or, you may be tempted by the following:
- You may want to escape from the inclement British weather or even your extended family.
- It definitely is cheaper. The average total cost of a wedding overseas in 2005 was around £6,000, a bargain compared to £17,000 for a UK equivalent.
- There are hundreds of 'off-the-shelf' wedding packages to choose from - letting a tour organiser take on the arrangements should keep things stress-free.
But remember...
- It's likely that many of your friends and family won't be able to afford the time or money to witness the nuptials and may be upset about this.
- There may be several weddings per day at the venue, making you feel as though you're on a production line. The exact date and time may not even be confirmed until you're over there.
- A different language can be tricky. In countries, such as Italy, the paperwork and ceremony will be in the native language.
- Official photographs and videos may not be of the same quality that you'd expect in the UK.
