A destination wedding – a celebration in a special place far from home – brings together romance, exclusivity and unforgettable memories. Whether in a Mallorcan finca, on a luxurious estate in Provence, or by the picturesque shores of Lake Como, a wedding abroad creates lasting impressions. At the same time, it offers a unique atmosphere where couples and guests can enjoy meaningful moments and spend precious time together.
1. check legal requirements
Each country has its own laws and formalities for marriages. To ensure that your marriage is legally valid, you should find out about the required documents, notarizations and deadlines well in advance.
Important points:
- Are birth certificates, marriage certificates or certified translations required?
- Is there a minimum length of stay before the wedding ceremony?
- Are special official procedures or an apostille required?
- Is a civil marriage abroad recognized in Germany?
Many venues offer support with the formalities or have event coordinators who can help you with the legal requirements.
2. Book early – particularly popular wedding venues
The most beautiful wedding destinations are often fully booked long in advance, especially during the high season. It is therefore advisable to start planning at least 12 to 18 months in advance in order to secure your desired location and the best service providers in good time.
Top destinations for your wedding 2024/2025
- Santorini, Greece – Perfect for romantic weddings with spectacular views of the sea and white-blue backdrops.
- Tuscany & Lake Como, Italy – Elegant weddings in historic villas surrounded by vineyards or with breathtaking views of Lake Como.
- Amalfi Coast, Italy – A luxurious setting with dramatic cliffs, pastel-colored villages and exclusive resorts for a stylish wedding.
- Côte d’Azur & Provence, France – Get married among lavender fields or in glamorous places like Nice and St. Tropez.
- Mallorca & Malaga, Spain – Mediterranean weddings in luxury fincas or on the beach with breathtaking sunsets.
- Hawaii, USA – An exotic dream wedding on Maui, Oahu or Big Island with unique beaches and tropical vibes.
- Paris, France – The city of love as the perfect backdrop for an urban, elegant wedding with a view of the Eiffel Tower.
- Swiss Alps – Perfect for a fairytale winter wedding in exclusive chalets with snow-covered mountain peaks as a backdrop.
- Portugal (Lisbon, Algarve, Douro Valley) – A stylish wedding on the impressive cliffs of the Algarve, in a wine region such as the Douro Valley or with urban charm in Lisbon.
- Maldives – Get married on a private island with turquoise blue waters and luxurious overwater villas.
Many of these exclusive locations are booked out quickly – secure your desired location at least 12 to 18 months in advance.
3. inform your guests in good time
Destination weddings often involve not only longer travel distances but also overnight stays for your guests. To ensure that everyone can plan accordingly, send out your invitations well in advance.
Recommended schedule:
- 12-18 months in advance: Send out save-the-date cards so that your guests can save the date.
- 8-12 months in advance: Provide flight information and accommodation options so that your guests can plan their trip in good time.
- 6 months in advance: Send out the official invitation so that all guests have enough time to prepare for the party.
Having your own wedding website can also help to provide all the important information in a clear way and minimize queries from your guests.
4. Make use of expert knowledge & support for smooth planning
Planning a wedding abroad comes with unique challenges – from legal requirements and logistics to coordinating service providers. To ensure everything runs smoothly, it’s essential to take care of all the details well in advance.
What helps with perfect organization?
- Research locations and service providers early on to secure the best options.
- If you don’t have a wedding planner, consider working with experienced or local wedding professionals who are familiar with the location – whether florists, caterers, or other vendors.
- Schedule virtual tours or trial appointments so that you can get an accurate picture of the location.
- Create a detailed timeline to organize your wedding day as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
- Consider language and cultural differences, especially for international weddings.
Many exclusive venues offer in-house event coordinators who can assist with planning and make sure everything goes exactly as you envision it.
5. Get-Together: The perfect way to kick off your destination wedding
A destination wedding is more than just the wedding day – it’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity to spend meaningful time with your loved ones and create unforgettable memories together. Hosting a get-together the night before or planning a relaxed pre-wedding program is a wonderful way to welcome your guests and let them enjoy the unique atmosphere of your location.
Ideas for a relaxed get-together:
- Welcome dinner or sundowner on the beach
- Boat tour or wine tasting
- Beach party or BBQ
- Yoga or wellness morning
- City tour or joint excursion
A get-together is also a wonderful way to help guests who don’t know each other break the ice and create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere for the wedding. If you like, you can turn the stay into a mini vacation for your guests by offering suggestions for activities or optional excursions they can enjoy in their free time. This way, your wedding becomes a shared experience full of joy and connection.
Conclusion: The perfect destination wedding with the right planning
A wedding abroad may require more planning than a celebration at home, but with the right preparation, it can become one of the most unforgettable experiences of your life. That’s why it’s important to start early, keep your guests well informed, and seek professional support. With everything in place, nothing will stand in the way of your perfect “I do” at a dream location.
