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The Top Destination Weddings Abroad in 2026
Having a destination wedding is a growing trend for 2026. Last year, there were 15,000 overseas weddings in Italy alone. It’s not hard to see the appeal, with a wedding and honeymoon rolled into one, it’s perfect for any sun-loving couple. But where is the best location for a destination wedding? Let’s look at the top spots and best tips to help you to plan your big day…
Why have a destination wedding?
Firstly, why choose a wedding abroad? There are lots of reasons to have a wedding abroad, and it’s increasing in popularity as the cost of a UK wedding soars. Last year, the average cost of a UK wedding was around £20k. While the average cost of a destination wedding was £10k, plus you and your guests get a lovely holiday out of it too.
Another reason to get married abroad is that wedding packages often include an event planner. You can hire one in the UK, but there is some peace of mind in booking an ‘all-inclusive’ wedding package abroad, where you don’t have to organise everything. Also, it’s common for guest lists to grow rapidly when you plan a local wedding. Getting married abroad is a great way to keep your guest list small if that’s what you prefer.
Tie the knot in Greece
Destination weddings in Greece are always a great idea. The more popular destinations are Santorini and Mykonos, meaning they are slightly busier and more expensive. For an alternative, look at Rhodes or Crete. Rhodes for example, has a historic old town which is perfect for photos. There are also lots of beautiful beaches, so you will be spoilt for choice for your ceremony.
Rhodes is perfect for weddings from May to October, with weather typically dry and sunny. To avoid the peak season (June-September), consider marrying in May or October when the weather is still warm but averages around 22 degrees. This will also help you to keep costs down as weddings in the peak season are more expensive.
Say “I do” in Italy
When you look at destination weddings in Italy, Lake Como is normally top of the list. You can get married in front of the stunning lake backdrop, and lots of packages include a boat ride – ideal for more photos! If you want an outdoor wedding, this is the perfect choice.
Italy also has lots of choices for villas and vineyards where you can tie the knot. Depending on the size of your guestlist, you could hire a villa for the weekend, so you have a weekend to celebrate your wedding. The guests will stay with you, and it will feel like an extended celebration. Alternatively, there are even large castles you can hire where you can spend your wedding night. Plus, any guests who want to stay receive discounted rates. These venues look particularly lovely at night with fairy lights creating a romantic atmosphere.
Look at a long-haul destination wedding
The Caribbean is often a sought-after honeymoon destination, so why not consider it for a destination wedding? Think clear, bright seas and perfect sandy beaches. If it’s a beach wedding you’re thinking – it doesn’t get better than St. Lucia. Getting married on the coast of Eau Piquant gives you views of the sea and the lush green mountains of Barbados in the distance.
Having a destination wedding here also gives you opportunity to stay for longer. You will have a wedding and honeymoon in one stretch. It takes approximately 9 hours to get there from London and thankfully, Eau Piquant is right next to the Hewanorra International Airport. This will make it easier for your guests to reach your wedding venue once they land.
Elope to Las Vegas
Las Vegas has been known for its destination weddings for a long time. Does getting married in a white chapel by Elvis sound like your kind of thing? Big weddings aren’t for everyone and that’s okay. If you’d prefer to elope with a few witnesses, then Las Vegas could be the place. If you’d rather go down a more traditional route with your big day, Vegas also has wedding packages in the resorts on the main strip. Here, you can plan a timeless wedding decorated to your taste. You can get married in front of the fountains of Bellagio, or in a beautifully decorated resort. Plus, the weddings in Las Vegas are legally binding in the UK.
To have & hold in Tenerife
The Canary Islands are another beautiful place to tie the knot. A destination wedding in Tenerife is sure to bring sun and beautiful landscapes. An important thing to be aware of is that currently, ceremonies in Tenerife aren’t legal in the UK. What this means is you can hire a celebrant who will go through all of the usual wedding ceremony bits with you but you will still need to get legally married in the UK. A fun way to look at this is in the UK, you could have a small legal ceremony at the registry office and then jet off to Spain for your celebrations.
Tenerife is also generally pretty warm year-round. So you could have your destination wedding in April or December, and the temperature will still average 22 degrees Celsius. This should save you peak season prices but with all the benefits of a destination wedding. Sun, sea and savings – what’s not to love about a Tenerife wedding?
What do I need to have a destination wedding?
Depending on where your destination wedding is, you may need to obtain some legal documents. Some countries require you to have paperwork to show you’re free to marry. You can check on the Gov website what you need to apply for. Then check the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) website for up-to-date entry requirements for that country.
It’s also very important to take out adequate travel insurance. Our Travel Plus policy has the option to ‘top up’ the amount of cancellation cover if your trip costs slightly more. This will protect you if you become unwell and can no longer travel. It’s also important to take out wedding insurance, as most travel insurance policies won’t cover the wedding costs or if suppliers fail. It’s better to travel, with confidence with P J Hayman travel insurance.




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