How to plan a destination wedding, a guide for UK couples
My top tips to planning a destination wedding in the post-pandemic world.
destination wedding in Marrakesh
Have you been thinking of packing your bags and escaping somewhere sunny and gorgeous to exchange the vows? It may be easier to organise than you think. Destination weddings are on the rise again and there are many reasons for that. The world is open again, the hot and sunny countries are welcoming the guests with their arms open. Thinking Morocco? Greece? Portugal maybe? (oh, a Porto wedding, what a dream!) I’m here for you!
My first important tip is: keep it local. (keep on reading, it’s still a destination wedding tip!)
And by local I mean - local to your destination. You may take a photographer and videographer with you, but it’s really good to hire a local destination planner, florist, catering. Why? Well, they know local rules (including safety procedure, that still today tend to vary from country to country), they have contacts and resources.
Have a wedding planner on board even if you have an intimate ceremony, as it can elevate the experience and reduce your stress, ensuring you enjoy their special day. Honestly, I cannot stress that enough - having a destination wedding planner is essential, if you want to get married abroad!
Another very important thing is: choose your destination wedding photographer wisely!
Having a team of wedding photographers is the norm but ensuring your special day is captured well is key (I often work with a second shooter, I would highly recommend that for your destination wedding). Before you hire someone, check out their work to know if you like their style - that’s the first thing to tick off. But equally important is that you feel some connection with your chosen photographer. Have a chat with them, ask about their style of working (do they pose people a lot or do they focus on capturing candids?)
To make your photos and videos look dreamy, opt for an outdoor venue. An olive garden, a vineyard, a beach... Keep your numbers to a minimum—intimate weddings are the most dreamy ones. Also, pay attention to colour palettes of your outfit and decor. Lastly, remember to have fun and enjoy your wedding as that’ll ensure the moments captured look great.
Think about your destination wedding as a very special holiday you will share with all your loved ones. Make sure you plan a pre-wedding dinner the night before (but don’t stay up too late!), so everyone can meet each other and slowly start getting into the mood of celebrating. I would also advice to plan at least one extra day afterwards - where you can chill and soak the stories from the night before. (a quick tip - most of destination wedding photographers, including me - would stay with you for three days, capturing those relaxed pre- and post-wedding moments so they’re remembered forever)
Ok, back to my top destination wedding tips.
Choose a location you have already visited.
That’s an important one, folks. If you want to feel comfortable, relaxed and at home-away-from-home - choose the location you’ve been to. A location you love. This will not only become your very special place on earth, but also - this way you can avoid weird surprises, unexpected problems etc. A location you already visited would give you a confidence planning your wedding. You would know your venue, transport links, beautiful spots, accommodation options.
When choosing your destination wedding location, choose a place with meaning (to your and your partner) and you’re good to go!
Check the legalities.
Before you settle on your destination of choice, check the legalities involved with getting hitched there. While there are a number of countries where there is no residency requirement to marry such as Italy and Las Vegas, you may still need to obtain the certain documentation – such as a certificate of no impediment. Some countries also require you to apply for your marriage licence in advance.
For countries where a residency requirement is in place to marry there, you will have to conduct the legal preliminaries beforehand in the UK. This can be a low-key ceremony in a local registration office with at least two guests present to act as your witnesses. Speak to your local registration service for further information and tmake sure you discuss everything with your planner before you do so.
And the last but not least - send out your SAVE THE DATEs early enough for your guests to be able to plan and book their accommodation.
When the big decisions have been made, the fun can begin with themes and colour schemes to consider, a dress to buy and the hen and stag parties to commence.
I hope all of the above was helpful to you guys!
Do not forget to drop me a line if you’re planning a destination wedding and want to chat to an experienced destination wedding photographer!
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