A destination wedding can be relaxed and memorable, for you and your guests. It simply needs a few extra steps at the start.
Before you choose a place
- Check the legal requirements for marrying in that country, or plan a legal ceremony at home and a celebration abroad.
- Think about your guests: travel time, cost, and access for older or less mobile relatives.
- Look at the weather for your chosen month, and plan a wet-weather option.
Once you have a date
- Send save-the-dates early, ideally nine to twelve months ahead, so guests can book time off and travel.
- Share a simple travel page with flights, places to stay and local transport.
- Book local suppliers who know the venue, and confirm everything in writing.
In the final weeks
- Confirm transfers for guests and suppliers.
- Pack a small kit with copies of contracts, the run-of-day timeline and supplier phone numbers.
- Plan one relaxed get-together before the wedding, so guests can meet each other.
A planner who has organised weddings in your destination, or who works with a trusted local team, can take much of this off your hands.