Planning a Destination Wedding: Your Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide
May 29, 2025
Not long ago I published a blog about my experience shooting a wedding at Borgo di Tragliata and it got me chatting to my good friend Martina at WedAwai. We thought, it would be so helpful if she wrote a guest blog post for anybody Planning a Destination Wedding: Your Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide. So, for a speedy guide on how to plan a destination wedding, check out this guest blog by Martina.
By WedAwai – Your Destination Wedding Booking Experts
So, the adventure begins – you’re planning a destination wedding! Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate ceremony in the Tuscan hills or a beach celebration under the Spanish sun, congratulations! You’ve made the first exciting decision: your wedding will take place abroad.
It’s normal to feel a little overwhelmed, after all, destination weddings combine travel logistics with the magic of your big day. But don’t worry, with expert support and a clear plan, your wedding abroad will be smooth, stylish, and unforgettable.
Here’s your complete, practical guide to planning a destination wedding:
1. Choose the Right Wedding Destination for You and Your Guests
2. Set a Realistic Destination Wedding Budget
3. Understand the Legal Marriage Requirements
4. Visit the Venue (If You Can!)
5. Make It Easy for Your Guests
7. Stay Organised with Digital Planning Tools
1. Choose the Right Wedding Destination for You and Your Guests
When choosing a destination wedding location, consider both your dream vision and guest accessibility.
Key factors to consider:
· Flight access: How easy is it to fly into the country?
· Local transfers: Can guests get from the airport to the venue easily? Are group shuttles available?
· Travel time: Especially important if elderly guests or young children are attending.
· Climate and best seasons: Avoid peak heat, rainy seasons, or extreme weather. Most summer weddings abroad begin in the late afternoon.
2. Set a Realistic Destination Wedding Budget
Destination weddings have unique budget considerations. Start with your own travel and accommodation costs – and don’t forget pre- and post-wedding events!
Budgeting tips:
· Account for exchange rates, travel insurance, and international fees
· Allow at least 10% for hidden costs (paperwork, delivery fees, etc.)
· Consider all-inclusive wedding packages to simplify logistics and reduce stress
· Research average wedding costs by destination – some regions offer much better value
Luxury wedding photographer Tom Keenan says: it’s key to have a good connection with your photographer, knowing that the photographs and video will be the things you will have to remember your wedding. My advice is go for the best that your money can afford and go with the suppliers you feel peace with.
3. Understand the Legal Marriage Requirements
If your dream is a legal wedding abroad, it’s crucial to research your destination’s marriage laws.
Or consider this pro tip: Legally marry at home, then host a symbolic wedding ceremony abroad. This allows full flexibility over vows, ceremony structure, and avoids paperwork stress.
Legal checklist:
· Confirm residency requirements (often 2–8 days in country)
· Translate and apostille required documents
· Collect licenses or certificates locally before the wedding
4. Visit the Venue (If You Can!)
While not essential, visiting your destination wedding venue ahead of time can ease nerves and help with decision-making.
It’s a great time to:
· Tour ceremony and reception spaces
· Have a menu tasting
· Meet local suppliers and discuss final details
Note: Many planners and suppliers in destination locations work seasonally – be patient with their response times!
5. Make It Easy for Your Guests
Your guests are likely turning this trip into their annual holiday, so help them plan in advance.
Guest experience tips:
· Share a wedding website with all travel and accommodation details
· Provide itinerary options (e.g., welcome drinks, farewell brunch)
· Collect RSVPs, meal preferences, and allergies through your wedding sit
6. Plan for the Unexpected
From delayed flights to rainy forecasts – it pays to be prepared.
Top safeguards:
· Wedding insurance (and travel insurance too!)
· Book reputable planners and suppliers
· Allow buffer days before the wedding – a minimum of 3 full working days
· Ensure venues have Plan B options for weather (in hot destinations it is more about the strong winds rather than a rain!)
7. Stay Organised with Digital Planning Tools
Embrace wedding planning apps designed for travel and destination logistics:
Top wedding planning tools:
· Joy – Free wedding website and guest list manager
· Trello or Airtable – Organise your tasks and timelines
· Pinterest and Canva – Collect and create visual inspiration
· HoneyBook – Vendor contracts and payment tracking
8. Celebrate the Journey
Planning a Destination Wedding: Your Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide – Planning a wedding abroad is a one-of-a-kind experience, so embrace the ride! Whether you’re booking a rustic villa in Tuscany or a beachside finca in Mallorca, your celebration will be unforgettable!
Need help planning your dream wedding abroad?
Let WedAwai simplify your journey and find the right venue and suppliers for you! Visit WedAwai to explore hand-picked wedding venues abroad, compare packages, and book your dream destination wedding stress-free!
