Recently engaged? Congratulations! This is one of the most exciting moments that you can have in life and you are sure to be wearing your engagement ring with glee. If you want a special wedding that will stand out from the rest then a destination wedding in Europe could be a great option, especially as Europe is not too far to travel for your guests but still has the glamour of heading overseas for a wedding.
Tips For Planning a Wedding Abroad
As you might imagine, planning a destination wedding is a bit trickier than a domestic wedding but not so much so that it should put you off. Additionally, destination weddings can be a lot cheaper than a domestic wedding! There are a few key areas that you will need to consider, such as if people will be able to afford to go (or willing to pay), how people will get the wedding and where they will stay and what the weather is likely to be like. You also need to think about how you will decide on a venue – you might want to fly out to check a few places out or arrange a virtual tour.
Weddings in Europe
An often overlooked detail when planning a destination wedding is the paperwork and legal side. While this might not be hugely romantic, it is important that get everything in order so that you actually are able to receive your marriage license. The paperwork that is required will depend on where you plan to get married and there is a handy tool that will inform you of what is needed. Generally, you will need to have original copies of:
- Passports (with at least 6 months left)
- Birth certificates
- Deed poll proof of any name change
- Decree absolute, if married
You also want to make sure that the wedding or civil partnership will be valid back in the UK. Most will be, but there are some places where it might not be recognized under UK law. In these situations, you could always have a celebration abroad and complete the legal side back at home.
Destinations to Consider
You are spoilt for choice for places to get hitched in Europe and it will depend on your own personal preference. If you are envisioning a picturesque wedding with gorgeous weather, delicious food and natural beauty then a few of the best options include:
- Amalfi Coast
- Santorini
- South of France
- Mallorca
- The Algarve
If you want to plan an extra special wedding and one that will stand out from the rest then a destination wedding is a great option. Europe is ideal for this because it is not so far that you are putting people in an awkward situation, but there are still many beautiful and exotic places to choose from.
