When you consider that the average cost of a wedding in the UK is said to be anywhere between £15,000 and £25,000, it is no surprise that more and more couples are ditching the traditional ceremony in favour of a wedding abroad.

An opportunity to combine your wedding day with the honeymoon of a lifetime, getting married abroad is far less stressful than getting married at home, what with seating plans, caterers, florists, and venues to organise, and providing you do your research and have all the necessary paperwork and licenses before you go, you can marry just about anywhere.

When it comes to planning your wedding abroad you have three options; organise it yourself, use a wedding planner experienced in overseas arrangements, or use a Tour Operator to tailor make a wedding/honeymoon package to suit your specific needs and requirements.

All of these options can work exceptionally well, and if you are good at sourcing local information, applying for licences, and making travel arrangements, you might enjoy organising everything yourself.

If you find paperwork a bore, it might be better to go with a tour operator that can organise everything from your flights and accommodation, to the wedding ceremony and reception, so all you have to do is turn up and say your “I do’s”.

Once you have decided who is going to plan your wedding, you can get down to the exciting part of choosing when and where it will take place.  If you have a destination in mind, it is always a good idea to do some research and check out things such as the weather conditions for the month you wish to marry, local holidays/wedding seasons, and high-season travel periods, so there are no unpleasant surprises when you arrive.

When it comes to getting married abroad, the world really is your oyster! Favourite destinations include the Caribbean Islands, Hawaii, Mauritius, and the Maldives, as they each provide the perfect backdrop for a romantic wedding ceremony.

However, there are numerous other options available, and those looking for something a little different might want to consider marrying on a game reserve in South Africa, on the sacred grounds of Ayres Rock in Australia or even while skydiving in New Zealand!

If you decide to do something out of the ordinary, it is always a good idea to contact the Foreign Embassy and confirm the legal and residential requirements to get married in that particular country. Most consulates will be able to provide you with a timeframe and list the steps you need to follow to marry legally in their country.

Then we come to the most famous wedding destination in the world – Las Vegas!  From cheap and cheerful $100 ceremonies at the “drive-through”, to $1,000,000 weddings at the Bellagio, everything is possible in Vegas, and you simply need to visit the Clark County Marriage Bureau with your passports to get your marriage license.

The great thing about marrying abroad is that the party lasts several days, your guests have the opportunity to combine your wedding celebrations with a holiday, and you get to marry the one you love surrounded by the people you love in a relaxed and beautiful environment – the perfect start to a perfect new life together!