Is Getting Married Abroad Right for Us?
Thinking of getting married abroad? Discover the real benefits & challenges of a destination wedding, with expert advice to help couples decide with confidence.
How to Be 100% Certain Getting Married Abroad Is the Right Decision
Having got married in the South of France, I can wholeheartedly recommend having your wedding abroad. For me, it added an extra touch of magic to an already special occasion. For our guests, our wedding was unique and unlike anything they had experienced before. Especially for those who travelled from Australia, celebrating at a château in the French countryside held just as much excitement and anticipation as it did for us.
That said, I understand the decision to get married abroad is not one to make lightly. There are definite advantages and disadvantages to consider.
So how do you know if getting married abroad is right for you?
A Personal Approach to Decision-Making
I could list all the usual pros and cons, but what I believe will be more beneficial is for you to create that list yourself. Only you know what truly matters to you, and by going through this process, you’ll feel more confident and clear about the decision.
It’s simple and incredibly helpful.
Here’s how to get started:
- Take a piece of paper and divide it into two columns
- On the left, write “Reasons I would love to get married abroad”
- On the right, write “What would stop me from getting married abroad”
- Start writing. Don’t overthink it—just note down whatever comes to mind
If you need inspiration, here is a simple example:
| Reasons to Get Married Abroad | Concerns or Challenges |
|---|---|
| Amazing scenery and weather | Not everyone will be able to attend |
| A more intimate celebration | Planning from a distance |
| Combine with a holiday | Paying suppliers in another currency |
Once your list is complete, ask yourself:
- Do the positives outweigh the negatives?
- Can you work around the challenges?
- Does this confirm that getting married abroad is the right choice for you?
If yes, you are probably excited to begin planning. If not, then at least you can move forward with confidence in your decision to marry at home, knowing you explored all your options.
If you’re still unsure and feeling torn between heart and head, your heart saying “yes” and your head worrying about the logistics, keep reading.
What’s Holding You Back?
Start by identifying the one or two things on your list that are stopping you. For me, it was: “How would I organise a wedding from a distance?”
That concern led me to research how other couples made it work. I explored articles on how to organise a wedding abroad and read real wedding stories to see how others handled the same challenges.
Over time, I realised the issue wasn’t as overwhelming as it first seemed. With the right planning, it was manageable. That clarity gave me the confidence to move forward.
I encourage you to do the same. Use this website as a tool to explore your concerns. I would firstly go to the page on organising a wedding abroad and then read the real wedding pages learning how other couples organised their wedding abroad.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Getting Married Abroad
If you haven’t yet created your own list or still want to see some real-world insights, here are some honest reflections shared by couples featured on this site.
Advantages of Getting Married Abroad
“The biggest advantage of getting married abroad was that everyone was away together and they really made an effort to socialise. Our friends and family were really relaxed and they enjoyed it so much more as it was a holiday for them. The atmosphere was amazing and the weather was perfect.”
“You don’t get caught in the conveyer-belt of the traditional UK wedding, where couples often find themselves having the same format and style as every other UK wedding simply because there is no scope to do anything else. It also means that you and your families have a special week on holiday together, it makes your wedding more than just a day, and it ensures that only your nearest and dearest attend, rather than the 150 guests at the evening reception made up of the obligatory people from work and your parents’ mates.”
“The wedding was different to a traditional UK wedding. Things that were better: weather, cost, venue, civil ceremony and buying our own local wine.”
“The real beauty of our wedding was the fact that our friends and families had a whole week to get to know each other well – some genuine new friendships were forged and that, to us, was the highlight of our wedding.”
“The entire day and location reflected our personalities. It was also more intimate and a lot more relaxed than it would have been at home.”
“The setting was spectacular we never could have had that setting at home. The photos are amazing.”
Disadvantages of Getting Married Abroad
“Some loved ones couldn’t attend, and their absence was deeply felt.”
“The logistics were tricky. When I planned my table decorations and favours, for example, I forgot that I had to actually ship them all to the venue. Also, if you’re using foreign suppliers you may not get EXACTLY what you want. For example, my bouquet was slightly different to what I expected, but it was still beautiful.”
“No disadvantages, you may have to put your trust in people though as you can’t be there a lot of the time.”
“The distance and cost can be a major put off for guests but if you can accept that then do it! You are also taking risks with suppliers. I booked our chapel, hair & makeup, photographer and restaurant all over the internet based on recommendations picked up in wedding forums! It was risky but it all came off perfectly. If you can handle the risk then go for it!”
“You have to go with the flow a bit more when you get married abroad. Bank charges for paying in a Foreign Currency are outrageous. That’s a big annoyance.”
“Some close friends and family won’t be able to make it, no matter how much notice you’ve given them. It will be upsetting but you have to accept it and get over it”
Decision Making Made Easier
Whether you choose to marry abroad or at home, what matters most is creating a celebration that feels right for you. With the right knowledge and planning approach, you will make a confident and informed decision.
Still not sure? Our Wedding Abroad Pre-Planning Guide is designed to support your decision-making process. It will help you explore your priorities, values and goals before committing to a destination wedding .
How to Be 100% Certain Getting Married Abroad Is Right for YOU
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