20 of the most popular destinations to get married in and what you need to know

The Amalfi Coast is a location that tops the list of scenic destinations time and time again. The breathtaking natural scenery means that couples are almost guaranteed stunning photos, and you’ll barely need to worry about decoration — nature has it covered. There are also many elegant venues in the area, nestled amongst picturesque villages which have been around for hundreds of years. Stone archways and narrow streets perfectly frame the sea views and offer the ideal backdrop to your celebrations. If you want to spend your wedding feeling like a film star, the Amalfi Coast could be a good choice for you.

Thanks to its popularity with tourists, it’s a relatively easy destination to get to, which can be helpful if you have guests staying for differing lengths of time. However, this does mean that it can get busy in the peak summer months, so a wedding in spring or early autumn may be best if you want to avoid the crowds.

You can get legally married on the Amalfi Coast if you’re well prepared and fill out the necessary paperwork. Couples can choose between a civil ceremony, or a Catholic church wedding. Church weddings are popular here, so make sure to book your venue at least a year in advance. Alternatively, you can have the legalities taken care of back in the UK, in which case you have a far wider range of hotels, villas, and palazzos to choose from.

If you’re dreaming of a countryside wedding, but don’t fancy taking a risk on the English weather, then a Tuscan wedding might be the perfect match for you. Sprawling hills, olive groves, vineyards and a warm summer breeze all come together in this area to form a destination that is the top choice for couples all over the world.

The region also boasts some of the best food and drink in Italy, making it an ideal choice for couples who want quality produce to be at the heart of their wedding celebrations. With plenty of vegetarian, meat and fish options, you’ll be sure to have satisfied guests. The focus is on flavour, rather than formality — resulting in an intimate, family-style experience.

Couples can choose to have the legal ceremony completed here, the same as on the Amalfi Coast. Alternatively, you can simply choose to exchange your own non-legally binding vows and pledge your commitment to each other in this romantic setting.

While there is some legal paperwork to complete, Cyprus is one of the easiest places for UK citizens to get married, making it a popular choice for a destination wedding. You’ll also need to stay in Cyprus for three days before the big event if you apply for a ‘special licence’, or 15 days if you submit a standard notice — but this is hardly a chore in this beautiful country.

The spectacular year-round weather means that you can easily book your wedding before or after the summer tourist season, allowing you to get privacy (and crowd-free wedding photos). Just make sure to avoid the bank holidays, as most places will close. There are a range of venues on offer, including a classic beach wedding, so if you want to say your vows while looking over some of the clearest waters in the Mediterranean, then Cyprus might just be the place for you.

After the wedding, you and your guests will love exploring the historic sights on offer, and quaint traditional villages. It’s easy to soak away an afternoon on the beach, or come together for a cosy meal in a family-run taverna. Cyprus is a friendly and family-orientated country, and is notoriously welcoming to larger groups, including children.

If you’re looking for a wedding destination that is slightly out of the ordinary, then consider Lanzarote. One of the Canary Islands, this landscape offers classic golden beaches — but also volcanoes, lava fields, red rock, and palm groves. The island itself is a biosphere reserve, supporting a huge range of flora and fauna, and the terrain is carefully managed to ensure that tourism and local life do not negatively impact the environment. So, if you’re looking for a more sustainable destination wedding venue, this could be a good option for your celebrations.

UK citizens can’t legally get married in Lanzarote, so you’ll need to ensure the formalities are taken care of back home, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a meaningful ceremony. In fact, the removal of any legal requirements may mean that you have more choices for your event, and can even ask friends and family to take an active role in the service.

Wherever you choose, make sure to prioritise booking a good wedding photographer. The unique landscape will make for strikingly different photos, and having local knowledge may ensure that you get the most out of your experience.

Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory, so can offer UK citizens a fairly simple process when it comes to getting legally married. You'll have to apply for a licence, but there are no religious or residency restrictions to contend with, and the primary language spoken is English. The licence can either be obtained up to three months in advance, or the day before the ceremony. You’ll also need to stay on the island the night before.

There are a range of magical venues on the island, from a botanical garden to a permanently moored superyacht hotel, allowing you to tailor your wedding ceremony to suit you. Perhaps the best thing about Gibraltar is that it offers a lot of the familiarity of the UK but with a sunnier, Mediterranean twist. It’s also a small island at only 6.8km², meaning that you and your guests can explore easily, without the need for a hire car.

Having a destination wedding doesn’t have to mean getting married in the blazing sun. If you’re willing to risk some wind and rain for truly breathtaking scenery, then look no further than Iceland. Famous for being the land of the midnight sun, a summer wedding in Iceland means that you can get married at any time of day, allowing you to avoid the crowds and create a beautiful ceremony that is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

If you’re feeling adventurous, winter can also be a good choice for a totally unique wedding. Glaciers, ice caves, or even the Northern Lights will provide the perfect backdrop for your vows. However, it can get very cold at this time of year, so make sure you plan your outfits accordingly, and perhaps have a contingency plan in case of bad weather. Even if you decide to only go outside for the photos, you’ll still be glad you chose to get married in such a beautiful location.

It’s relatively easy for UK couples to get married in Iceland, but there are some documents that you’ll need to submit in person, no later than five days before the wedding. As such, you’ll need to plan to be in the country prior to the ceremony. Alternatively, you can simply have a religious or non-religious blessing.

Sustainable, scandi-sleek Copenhagen is a favourite destination of travellers world-over — and it’s a great place to get married as an international couple. Denmark is also typically welcoming to same-sex couples, becoming the first country in the world to allow same-sex marriage in 1989.

Copenhagen is filled with botanical gardens, parks, castles, canals and multiple churches, meaning there’s plenty of spots for your wedding photoshoot, as well as activities to keep your guests entertained for the duration of the trip. From a practical viewpoint, it’s easy to get to the city centre from the airport by public transport, making your travel hassle-free. However, bear in mind that it can get incredibly busy in the summer months, so a spring wedding may be preferable.

The legal process is relatively simple for anyone getting married here. You’ll need to present your passports to the City Hall one working day before the wedding (although you will need to book the venue in advance) and the council will provide witnesses for the ceremony if you don’t have your own. It actually only takes around five minutes to conduct the formalities, so if you want to focus on the celebrations, this can be a quick way to get hitched before moving on to your reception venue.

With so much to see in the city, it can be tempting to stay in Copenhagen for your honeymoon. But ignoring the rest of Denmark would be a mistake if you have the time to travel. Hire a car and explore the island of Ærø, or take advantage of the transport links and visit Aarhus or Odense to get a real feel for this Scandinavian gem.

Sunny Spain continues to capture the hearts of visitors from all over the world, and it’s no different when it comes to destination weddings. The good weather, relaxed lifestyle and range of nature across the country means that almost every couple will find something to delight them here. As well as more formal venues, couples can also choose a private villa, where they can hold their ceremony and host friends and family, creating an intimate extended celebration with minimal disruption.

However, it’s not possible for UK citizens to get married legally in Spain unless they’re marrying a Spanish citizen, or have been living in Spain for two or more years. The exception to this rule is religious ceremonies, but the couple will need to ask their local priest or other religious representative to contact the authorities where they wish to get married, to make the arrangements. In order to keep things simple, many couples therefore choose to tie the knot before they travel.

Overall, the short flight time from the UK, the relaxed ambience and amazing food make Spain a strong contender for your destination wedding.

For many newlyweds, Santorini is the ideal honeymoon destination. Private infinity pools that stretch to blur in with azure sea, boutique hotels, intimate dining experiences, and unparalleled wines all merge to create a location that is sought after by holidaymakers and celebrities alike.

Instead of limiting your time here to your honeymoon, why not make it your wedding destination as well? Santorini allows civil ceremonies and religious weddings for opposite-sex couples, although same-sex couples are not yet allowed to have a legal ceremony. Alternatively, any couple can opt for a commitment ceremony or vow renewal.

Venues here range from luxurious hotels to traditional local churches, and there are plenty of places for a couple’s photoshoot. The sunsets in Santorini are particularly special, so make sure to book an evening photo session to make the most of the sun setting behind the caldera.

Primarily known as one of Europe’s premier party destinations, Ibiza also has a quieter side that exudes tranquillity and romance. Far away from the clubs and bars lie secluded natural coves, lush greenery and quaint rural villages, all just a couple of hours from London. The warm temperatures also appeal to couples who want to come back from their wedding with an enviable tan as well as the newly-wed glow.

Ibiza only offers legal ceremonies to couples who have been resident for two years, or are Catholic, following the requirements of mainland Spain. However, many couples still choose to pledge their commitment to each other here through a non-binding ceremony. Thanks to the popularity of the island, there are many multilingual celebrants here, so you should have no trouble finding someone to conduct your service.

The island can cater for everything from simple blessings to more elaborate celebrations, so most couples should be able to find suppliers and venues to suit their dreams and their budget.

Sunny Provence is filled with warm weather, good wine, aromatic lavender fields and plenty of chateaus. The relaxed atmosphere combined with fairytale venues available make it a perfect choice for a destination wedding, especially if you want to have all your guests staying with you. It’s relatively easy to book a historic house that sleeps everyone, as long as you book in advance, and these properties range from simple self-catering to fully staffed options. You’ll be able to relax in privacy and luxury, and spend time creating precious memories with your entire wedding party.

The best time of year to get married is often spring, as there aren’t so many visitors to contend with if you venture out of the château, and you won’t get hit by peak prices. However, the South of France is impacted by a legendary wind, called the mistral, which tends to be more frequent in winter and spring, although it can occur in any season. So if you want to improve your chances of good weather for your wedding, choosing a date in early summer, before the peak of late July and August may be your best bet. Don’t be put off by the thought of rain though — there’s a French saying that if it rains on your wedding day, your union will be happy. Surely a good start to married life!

It is technically possible to get married in France as a UK citizen, but you or your parents need to have lived in the town where you want to get married for 40 days before you tie the knot, making it difficult for most couples.

The Big Apple is a popular place for proposals and destination weddings alike. There’s something magical about the bustling city that inspires romance, and it’s relatively easy to get legally married here — you just need to submit an online application, and then visit the City Clerk's office. UK citizens will also need their marriage certificate notarised at the records department at the Supreme Court but, again, the process is simple. As long as you’re going to be in New York longer than 24 hours, you should be able to sort the relevant paperwork.

You can get married here year-round, but note that it does get extremely busy (and hot) in the summer months. At the other end of the scale, winter in New York is often nail-bitingly cold, and jammed with tourists looking to get a glimpse of the Christmas celebrations. So if you want to minimise cost and the number of tourists you need to contend with, opt for spring or autumn.

The city is full of photo opportunities, and you’ll find plenty of professional photographers to choose from. Whether you’re looking for classic New York (think photos on crossings, yellow cabs behind you) or more quirky (perhaps eating burgers in Brooklyn) you’ll be able to get some brilliant photos to hang on your wall at home. There are green spaces too, namely in the form of Central Park, making New York the perfect place to have a city wedding with just a touch of nature.

Weddings in Mexico tend to happen on the beach. It’s no wonder, with soothing waves, golden sand and good weather offering a holiday vibe that matches up with the classic idea of a destination wedding. If you want to have a relaxed ceremony that focuses on you and your partner, then a destination wedding in Mexico may be what you’re looking for. However, you should note that you will need to have a blood test to get legally married here, in order to detect some health conditions.

It’s also a good choice for couples who want to escape the dreary UK winter and jet off to have a wedding in the sun. December to April tend to be the most popular months to visit Mexico, with temperatures still in the mid twenties, allowing you to ditch your jumpers for sandals and sundresses.

The food in Mexico is also a big draw for foodie couples, with many local dishes being popular in the UK. However, the flavours here are nothing like you’ll get at home – they’re far fresher and vibrant. If you’re after an informal wedding breakfast, there’s nothing more delicious than tortillas, salsa, salads and stews. If you’re lucky, you may also get to try out Mexican wedding cookies, made from powdered sugar, vanilla and nuts.

A New Zealand wedding may be a perfect choice for couples who want to keep things extremely exclusive — the long flight time from the UK is often a deterrent. However, if you’ve always wanted to visit this amazing country, and you only want to take a small number of close friends with you, then it’s well worth investigating.

There are no restrictions to UK citizens getting legally married here, and you’ll be able to have a registry ceremony or something more personal to you, held by a celebrant. You can even get married on the beach or in the park — you’ll just need to notify the council, so that they can issue you a permit. This stops anyone else getting married in the same spot at the same time, or any council maintenance work disturbing your magical moment. With so much freedom, you’ll be spoilt for choice — the country is famous for its varied natural beauty.

Remember that the seasons here are the opposite to the UK, with summer referring to December, January and February. This can be helpful when you’re researching costs, as you may think you’ll have a quieter wedding in UK winter, but in fact the opposite is true, as summer in New Zealand is the most popular time for weddings. New Zealand autumn (March, April, May) can also get crowded due to the number of national holidays.

If you’re looking for an exotic location for your destination wedding, then Bali may offer you what you’re after. It’s well-known for being akin to paradise, with white sandy beaches, lush jungles, waterfalls, and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. It’s also fairly affordable in comparison to similar European destinations, and there is plenty of tourism to the island, meaning that you will almost certainly find an option for your preferences and budget. You may even be able to have a more luxurious wedding that you would have been able to in the UK — making the 17-hour flight well worth the effort.

Bali only has two seasons: wet season and dry season. Wet season runs from October to April, so avoid booking your wedding during this time unless you’re happy with the idea of an entirely indoor celebration. You may be lucky, but when it rains here, it really pours, so it’s best not to take the risk if you really want to have an outdoor ceremony. In the dry season, weddings tend to take place in the morning or early evening, to avoid the scorching heat in the middle of the day.

The one catch to get married in Bali is that both partners need to be of the same religion, or that one partner intends to take the religion of the other on marriage, which can make things difficult. You’ll also be required to have a civil and a religious ceremony.

Much like Bali, Thailand offers a paradisiacal location for your destination wedding. It’s a popular choice, but while it is technically possible to get legally married here, it does involve a visit to the embassy in Bangkok. So, if you want to get married in a more southerly location, you may want to opt for a legal ceremony at home, and a symbolic ceremony here.

When it comes to venues, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The size and variety of landscapes in Thailand means you can have a ceremony in almost any location you can imagine, from a chic city wedding in Bangkok to a boho beach wedding in Krabi. Traditional Thai weddings tend to be bright and colourful, so why not embrace this in your own celebrations?

Throughout your trip, you and your guests will be able to enjoy the delicious, fresh Thai food, and relax and unwind in the country’s many spas. Make sure you leave plenty of time — you won’t want to go home.

St Lucia offers engaged couples the epitome of luxury. With multiple five star resorts, and named the ‘World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination’ fourteen times, the people here are used to romance. In fact, you may even find that your hotel employs a wedding planner as standard — so if you don’t want the hassle of finding one yourself, this could be the perfect solution. There’s also a wide range of suppliers on the island, covering everything from flowers to favours.

It’s easy to get married here. There’s no residency requirement, so you can simply apply for a licence when you arrive — either a same-day licence, which is slightly more expensive, or a standard one that requires you to be in St Lucia two days before the wedding. Since this is probably likely for most couples anyway, many people tend to opt for the latter.

When it comes to activities, if you can drag yourself away from the beach, you’ll find that St Lucia has some more adventurous offerings, from zip-wires through the jungle to sunset boat tours. If you want to take things at your own pace, you can hike through the luscious landscape before wrapping up your day with a couple’s massage in the spa.

Las Vegas is internationally famed as a wedding destination. Celebrities and couples around the world choose this star-studded location for their nuptials, often primarily due to the romance and drama that comes with eloping — it’s notoriously quick to get married here. You simply need to apply for a licence, and then you can get married right away by a registered officiant. The County Clerk’s office is open seven days a week, 8am until midnight, allowing couples who want to get swept up in a whirlwind of romance to tie the knot at any time they please.

Since Las Vegas is well used to hosting weddings, you’ll find plenty of unique venues to hold your celebration in. Perhaps the most iconic is the Graceland wedding chapel, where you can get married with an Elvis impersonator as the officiant. Or, if bright lights are more your thing, head to the Neon Museum, where you can have hundreds of quirky illuminated signs as the backdrop to your photos. If you’re looking for something a little more elegant, there are plenty of luxury hotels that will be able to accommodate your every wish.

Temperatures can easily reach 39℃ from June to August, since Las Vegas has a desert-like climate. Make sure to bear this in mind when planning your big day, since this is quite a contrast from the weather in the UK.

If you want a wedding in the sun that is far more than a classic beach ceremony, then consider getting married in the vibrant Marrakech. The brightly coloured buildings, bustling souks and calming riads will make you feel like you’ve travelled to another world — all in under four hours from London.

Legally, it can be challenging to get married here, although it’s not impossible. The paperwork can take several months, as it needs to go through a solicitor and then the British Embassy, plus you’ll need a background check. As a result, most couples will choose to marry in the UK and then organise an amazing celebration out in Morocco. With plenty of stunning venues to choose from, including private riads and villas, you can easily create an intimate, meaningful ceremony for your closest friends and family.

While you’re there, make sure to organise an authentic dining experience. The flavours and smells of Moroccan spices shouldn’t be missed, and the sharing style dining makes it the perfect choice for a group.