Guide to Getting Married Abroad: Everything You Need to Know

Have you ever dreamed of saying "I do" on a white sand beach, with a fairytale castle as your backdrop, or in the heart of a vibrant city steeped in history? More and more couples are drawn to the idea of a destination wedding, a unique and memorable way to celebrate their love. The idea is beautiful, but organizing a wedding outside your country can seem like a mountain of paperwork, logistics, and decisions.

Don't worry, we're here to help. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to consider to make your wedding abroad exactly as you envision it. From legal requirements to coordinating with remote vendors, we'll give you the advice and peace of mind you need to make this process exciting, not stressful. Together, we'll make the journey to your big day a wonderful adventure.

Legal Requirements: The Paperwork for Your "I Do"

This is undoubtedly one of the most concerning aspects, and rightly so. Marriage laws vary enormously from country to country, and even between regions within the same country. It's essential to be well-informed so that your marriage is legal and recognized both in the location of the celebration and in your country of origin.

Marriage Laws of the Destination Country

The first step is to research the specific laws of the place where you want to get married. Some countries have residency requirements, meaning that you and your partner may need to live there for a certain period before you can get married. Others, however, are more geared towards wedding tourism and simplify the process.

Required Documentation

Prepare a folder with all the important documents. Although the list varies, you will generally need:

• Valid passports: Make sure they don't expire close to the wedding date.

Marriage Laws of the Destination Country - Birth certificates: A recent version is often required.

• Certificate of no impediment to marriage: This document proves that you are not currently married.

• Divorce decree or death certificate: If either of you has been married before.

A crucial point is that many countries require these documents to be translated by a certified translator and legalized or apostilled (with the Hague Apostille). This process takes time and has a cost, so start the process several months in advance.

A simplified alternative: a symbolic ceremony

For many couples, the simplest and most stress-free solution is to separate the legal aspects from the celebration. You can get legally married in your home country (for example, in Spain, at the courthouse or before a notary) in a straightforward manner and then organize a symbolic ceremony in your dream destination.

This option gives you complete freedom. You can have a completely personalized ceremony, officiated by a master of ceremonies or even a friend, without worrying about bureaucratic procedures abroad. This way, the celebration focuses solely on your love and sharing that moment with your loved ones.

Logistical Planning: Organizing from a Distance

Planning a wedding is already a challenge, and doing it thousands of miles away adds another layer of complexity. The key here is organization and having the right help.

Budget: Is it More Expensive to Get Married Abroad?

One of the big questions is whether a destination wedding is more or less expensive. The answer is: it depends. It can be more economical if you opt for an intimate wedding with few guests, but it can also be more expensive if you choose a luxury destination or have many guests traveling.

Be realistic with your budget. Consider not only the typical expenses (venue, catering, flowers), but also the costs of travel, accommodation for yourselves, and, if you offer it, for some of your guests. Don't forget to include a buffer for unforeseen events, which are more likely in a long-distance wedding.

The Key Figure: The Wedding Planner

If there's one golden rule in this entire guide, it's this: hire a local wedding planner. A good destination wedding planner will be your eyes, ears, and hands on the ground. They know the best vendors, speak the language, understand the local culture, and can negotiate prices much better than you. If you need help deciding, check out our guide on do you need a wedding planner.

Make sure they speak your language or a language you both speak fluently, such as English. Communication is key. Platforms like Wedded can help you find trustworthy wedding planners worldwide, facilitating that all-important initial connection.

Choosing the Venue and Vendors

Choosing the perfect venue from a distance is tricky. Request videos, virtual tours, and lots of photos. If possible, take a pre-wedding scouting trip to visit your finalist venues and meet some vendors in person. If that's not feasible, rely on your wedding planner. They can arrange menu tastings, decor trials, and send you samples so you can make informed decisions from home.

Cultural Considerations: Respect and Celebrate Local Traditions

Getting married in another country is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture. Showing respect for their customs is not only a sign of courtesy but can also greatly enrich your celebration.

Research Local Customs

Learn about local wedding traditions, social etiquette, and dress codes. For example, in some cultures, it's inappropriate to wear certain colors or show too much skin in religious settings.

Incorporate Local Elements

A beautiful way to honor the local culture is to incorporate local elements into your wedding. You could include traditional music in the ceremony, serve typical dishes at the reception, or give your guests local crafts as favors. This will make your wedding even more unique and memorable.

Travel, Accommodation, and Your Guests' Experience

Remember that for your guests, your wedding is also a trip. Make their lives as easy as possible so they can enjoy the experience stress-free.

Travel Planning

Send invitations well in advance (8 to 12 months) so your guests can plan their trip, request vacation days, and find affordable flights. Create a wedding website where you centralize all the useful information: flight recommendations, accommodation options, local transportation, an event itinerary, and tips about the destination.

Accommodation

Try to negotiate special rates at one or two hotels near the wedding venue to suit different budgets. Offering several options allows each guest to choose what best fits their needs. For more advice on this topic, see our guide on how to negotiate hotels for guests.

Consider their experience

Organize a welcome activity, such as an informal dinner the night before the wedding, to help guests get to know each other. You can also prepare a welcome bag with a map, local snacks, sunscreen, or anything else that might be useful during their stay. These small details make a big difference.

Health and safety come first

Traveling abroad involves taking certain precautions to ensure everything goes smoothly.

• Travel insurance: This is essential. Make sure both you and your guests have comprehensive travel insurance that covers cancellations, medical issues, and emergencies.

• Vaccinations and health precautions: Check the health recommendations from your Ministry of Foreign Affairs for your destination. Find out if any specific vaccinations are required.

• Emergency plan: Keep the contact information for your country's embassy or consulate, as well as local emergency numbers, handy. Share this information with your guests as well.

The Big Day: Ceremony, Celebration, and Memories

With all the planning done, it's time to enjoy yourselves.

The Ceremony and Reception

Work with your wedding planner and officiant to design a ceremony that reflects your love story. Take advantage of the beautiful surroundings for the decorations. Weather permitting, an outdoor ceremony can be spectacular. For the reception, combine your tastes with local flavors to create an unforgettable menu.

Photography and Videography

Hiring a local photographer or videographer with experience in destination weddings is usually the best option. They know the best spots, the perfect light at every time of day, and are familiar with the venue's logistics. Review their portfolios to ensure their style matches what you're looking for, and have a video call to get to know them and see if you connect well.

After the Wedding: The Final Steps

If you've legally married abroad, the process doesn't end with the party. To have your marriage recognized in your country of origin (for example, Spain), you will need to register it at the Spanish Consulate or Embassy in the country where you got married. They will guide you through the steps to register the marriage with the Central Civil Registry. This process can take several months, so please be patient.

Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime?

Organizing a wedding abroad is an exciting project that requires planning, patience, and an open mind. It can have its challenges, but the result is an incredibly personal and unique experience, shared with the people you love most in a special place.

Remember that you don't have to do it all alone. Rely on professionals, such as a good wedding planner you can find through Wedded, and delegate as much as possible. Enjoy the process, celebrate every little decision, and get ready for a wedding that neither you nor your guests will ever forget.