Tips for Planning Romantic Weddings Abroad

When it comes to planning romantic weddings abroad, there are a few things all couples need to keep in mind. Overseas weddings require your guests to travel out of their way to share your big day with you so the least you can do is to keep their interests in mind while planning the event.

• For a romantic wedding abroad, you'll need to allocate funds for your attendants' accommodation. And while you aren't expected to pay for flights and accommodation for your other guests, you are expected to inquire after group rates and make reservations, so that everything is in order once they arrive. Be flexible, and work with the schedules of all your essential guests. Don't make demands on anyone – after all, you're the couple who decided to get married in another country.

• Some of the most popular romantic wedding spots abroad are places like Mexico, Italy, Jamaica and the Caribbean. Each of these countries have very specific requirements that you need to follow in order to get married there, so it's a good idea to learn what they are before making any plans. Even if you've dreamed your whole life of getting married on a beach in some exotic location, if there are residency laws that state you need to have lived in that country for six months before you can marry there, you'll probably need to rethink your plan.

• Also, make sure you have the most up-to-date information on marriage requirements for each country you're considering. Phone the destination's official tourism office – the one directly affiliated with the country's government – and ask for the latest information. And check your own country's laws. Romantic weddings abroad aren't all that romantic if the couple returns home to find that their marriage isn't recognized in their own homeland.

• Romantic weddings abroad, while they will certainly reduce the amount of planning that you'd have to do at home, still require you to ask the right questions and be sure of what you're getting yourself into. Find out whether your destination has access to wedding services such as wedding planners, wedding photographers, florists, caterers, and so on. Find out how large the facilities are, and if there are group discounts for large parties. Most of all, take advantage of any resort packages or specials that may be offered. Many resorts in Mexico have all-inclusive wedding packages that take care of everything for you, right down to the witnesses and hair appointments if you need them.

• Finally, plan to arrive a few days early at your destination, and be sure to treat your guests with overwhelming hospitality and generosity. Leave a gift in their rooms to show your appreciation, and thank them for coming. Your wedding day won't flow as smoothly as you'd like if your guests aren't happy, so do your best to ensure that they enjoy themselves.

Romantic weddings abroad may seem complicated, but couples pull them off every day so there's no reason why you can't as well. Destination weddings can be just as memorable – and just as romantic – as any wedding held back home. And on your wedding day, romance is what it's all about.


Visit our Top 10 Romantic Travel Destinations page for a list of possible locations.