Are you searching for inspiration to begin planning (or even just dreaming about) your own magical destination wedding? Read on for our travel consultants’ recommendations of the best destination wedding locations!
Finding the perfect destination and venue for your wedding can be a struggle, with so many wonderful options available. From luxury hotels, white-sand beaches, historic buildings, to all-inclusive resorts, the sky’s the limit when you’re planning your dream wedding!
Here is our list of “12 Amazing Countries For An Incredible Destination Wedding” to help you find the perfect place for you to say “I Do”!
1. The Caribbean
Whether you’re on a cruise or an all-inclusive holiday on a gorgeous island, the Caribbean offers some of the most amazing destinations in the world for those looking to get married!
If turquoise waters and white-sand beaches for a backdrop to your wedding ceremony are what you have imagined for your wedding day, then take a close look at the Caribbean as a wedding location option. It could very well be the perfect location for you to start planning your dream wedding!
Jamaica and Barbados are popular choices, but the majority of the Caribbean islands all offer stunning wedding locations available to fit any budget.
Antigua, the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, St. Lucia, and Anguilla are just a few more of the best places for an amazing and unforgettable destination wedding!
But be mindful when booking a wedding date; from the beginning of June to the end of November, the Caribbean experiences its hurricane season. Working with a travel agent to plan your destination wedding can ensure that you book your special day at the right time for you – contact us for a free destination wedding quote!
Requirements
Most countries in the Caribbean have simple marriage requirements, which is just one of the reasons they are such popular wedding destinations!
You need to apply for a marriage license when getting married in the Caribbean. In most cases, you can do this upon arrival, but in some cases, you must do it ahead of time.
Requirements will vary from one Caribbean nation to the next, but in general, spouses who hope to wed abroad should provide all the general required paperwork (listed below).
- A 10-year passport (valid for at least 6 months) – Required
- Birth Certificates – Required
- Blood Tests – select Caribbean nations require spouses to undergo blood tests prior to legal ceremonies.
- If adopted, an adoption certificate – Required
- Proof of any name changes – Required
- If widowed, a death certificate and previous marriage certificate (if applicable) – Required
- Tourist Card – Not required
- Documents translated into the local language – Some nations require documents to be translated
- Documents stamped with Le Apostille stamp from home country consulate – Required
2. Italy
Italy is easily one of the most romantic countries in the world! It’s easy to imagine your perfect wedding day in Europe’s food and history capital of Italy.
It might not come as a surprise, but Italy is one of the most popular countries in the world to get married. Thanks to the cities and villages that offer rich culture, superb food, historic landmarks, wine, and the generally relaxed atmosphere, Italy is high on so many bucket lists. Choose to get married in a historic home, on a vineyard, or by clear water and a white sand beach – you will find endless gorgeous wedding venues in Italy.
Plus, a destination wedding in Italy becomes a vacation for everyone involved, and will create a truly unforgettable experience for all your wedding guests! From romantic cities like Rome, Florence, Lake Como, Sicily and Verona to the Amalfi Coast, Venice, and Capri – these locations are literally made for romance!
Requirements
If you want to wed in Italy, there is some paperwork involved. You need a declaration of intent to marry that will go to the civil registrar, an affidavit, Nulla Osta or Dichiarazione Giurata sworn before a consular office of your home country stating that there’s no legal impediment to your marriage in your home country, and an Atto Notorio signed by two witnesses, further confirming no legal impediment to your marriage. Plus, all the legal paperwork (listed below).
- A 10-year passport (valid for at least 6 months) – Required
- Birth Certificates – Required
- Blood Tests – Not required
- If adopted, an adoption certificate – Required
- If widowed, a death certificate and previous marriage certificate (if applicable) – Required
- Tourist Card – Not required
- Documents translated into the local language – Required
- Documents stamped with Le Apostille stamp from home country consulate – Required
3. Thailand
With an abundance of beaches and unbelievable temples, Thailand is an affordable and exciting wedding location for an adventurous couple to tie the knot!
Thailand is not just beautiful and affordable, but it’s also known for watersports, amazing food, and island-hopping. It is also pretty easy to arrange a wedding, whether you’d like to have your ceremony in the jungle or on the beach.
One of the most popular destinations to get married in Thailand is on the island of Koh Samui. The best time to plan a wedding here is for the spring and summer months!
Requirements
To get married in Thailand, you need an Affidavit of Freedom to Marry. This Affidavit must be secured from one’s Embassy in Thailand, after your arrival in Thailand. Each of the parties is given a Certificate of Marriage after the union is formally registered at the district office. Since the certificate is in Thai, the foreign party will need to have the certificate translated into English. After the translation is done, the document must be brought to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Certification.
- A 10-year passport (valid for at least 6 months) – Required
- Birth Certificates – Required
- Blood Tests – Not required
- If adopted, an adoption certificate – Not required
- If widowed, a death certificate and previous marriage certificate (if applicable) – Required
- Tourist Card – Not required
- Documents translated into the local language – Required
- Documents stamped with Le Apostille stamp from home country consulate – Required
4. Bali
Bali is home to countless beaches, stunning clifftops, breathtaking viewpoints, lush jungles, gardens, rice fields, villas and luxury resorts, which makes the island one of the best destinations in the world to get married. For such a variety of amazing features, Bali is actually surprisingly affordable!
Imagine waking up on your wedding day on “The island of the gods”, one of the most famous islands in the world, thanks to its culture and gorgeous Instagram-worthy views…just imagine the wedding photos!
The Indonesian Island of Bali offers genuine romance and is a literal tropical paradise with practically-perfect weather in the spring and summer.
Requirements
There is no minimum residency requirement, but you need time to apply in person for a marriage license. There are no civil marriages in Bali, only religious ones, and both of you must belong to the same religion. Some couples opt for a symbolic wedding in Bali after a registered office ceremony at home.
- A 10-year passport (valid for at least 6 months) – Required
- Birth Certificates – Required
- Blood Tests – Not required
- If adopted, an adoption certificate – Not required
- If widowed, a death certificate and previous marriage certificate (if applicable) – Required
- Tourist Card – Tourist Visa Required
- Documents translated into the local language – Required
- Documents stamped with Le Apostille stamp from home country consulate – Required
5. Greece
Greece’s whitewashed coast, stunning sunsets, and temperate heat make it a perfect escape for those in love. Imagine your dream wedding straight out of ‘Mamma Mia’!
Getting married in Greece is a top option for couples dreaming about a wedding abroad because of its abundance of hotels, beaches, and its relatively easy paperwork. There are plenty of venues to choose from in popular Greek destinations like Santorini, which is extremely popular for weddings. In some cases, you might need to plan 1-2 years in advance.
Crete is a unique island that offers an amazing combination of beautiful beaches, breathtaking cliffs, and plenty of natural beauty.
With wineries, beaches, and remote churches, the opportunities for amazing venues are endless! Rhodes and Corfu are other amazing islands to choose from.
Requirements
Requirements include birth certificates, passports, a Free to Marry Affidavit and translated copies from the Greek Embassy in your country of residence. The requirements to marry in Greece vary from island to island and town to town.
- A 10-year passport (valid for at least 6 months) – Required
- Birth certificates – Required
- Blood Tests – Not required
- If adopted, an adoption certificate – Required for a religious wedding
- If widowed, a death certificate and previous marriage certificate (if applicable) – Required
- Tourist Card – Not required
- Documents translated into the local language – Required
- Documents stamped with Le Apostille stamp from home country consulate – Required
6. Mexico
There are three constants you can expect from a destination wedding in Mexico: warm weather, friendly locals, and essentially unlimited tequila!
This vibrant country is a cultural delight, from beachfront gazebos to sky terraces with panoramic views! You can expect an amazing wedding venue in Mexico, whatever your vision might be for your special day.
Some of the best things about getting married in Mexico are the luxurious hotels, rich history, lush greenery, white sandy beaches, and of course the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico. Plus, in Mexico, you can expect to have an amazing party complete with a dance floor at your reception, so you can dance the night away with all your closest friends and family!
Whether your dream to get married involves an escape to palm trees and sandy beaches in Cancun, Cabo San Lucas, or Puerto Vallarta, or an exploration of the ruins in Riviera Maya, Mexico provides beautiful places for every taste and budget. Plus, if you choose to get married at an all-inclusive resort, many of the resorts have their own destination wedding packages with a wedding planner who will work with you to help you plan the best day possible!
Requirements
If you want to get married in Mexico, there is nothing legal or technical stopping you from doing so, but you will need to plan ahead and get a few documents together, fill in a few forms and pay a few fees.
The couple getting married will be required to present the following documentation and requisites. Some requirements differ from State to State.
Foreign documents (with the exception of your passport and travel permit) will need to be translated into Spanish, notarized by your nearest Mexican Consulate, and be ‘Apostilled’ in the country where you live by the appropriate organization/authorities. These forms are attained from the local registry office in Mexico. You will also need to acquire the written results of a blood test, written in Spanish.
- A 10-year passport (valid for at least 6 months) – Required
- Birth Certificates – Required
- Blood Tests – Required, blood test done in Mexico
- If adopted, an adoption certificate – Not required
- If widowed, a death certificate and previous marriage certificate (if applicable) – Required
- Tourist Card – Not required
- Documents translated into the local language- Required
- Documents stamped with Le Apostille stamp from home country consulate – Required
7. Cyprus
Cyprus has lovely mild weather, beautifully striking scenery, and truly delicious food! All of this makes it an amazing destination to plan a dream wedding.
In Cyprus, it’s common to get married outdoors in a beach or villa setting. This island in the Eastern Mediterranean is a very popular wedding choice.
Cyprus has so many romantic spots to visit like Aphrodite’s Rock; according to mythology, it’s the birthplace of Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty.
From secluded villas to beach resorts, Turkish baths, vineyards, lagoons, castles, and so much more, Cyprus really does offer everything you could need for a wedding abroad!
Be conscious of the fact that there is a wedding “season” in Cyprus since it is a popular spot for weddings. Many resorts close during the winter months, so getting married between April and October is your best option.
Requirements
The legal requirements to get married in Cyprus aren’t very strict, but you must apply in person for the wedding with a marriage officer. You can do so in the municipality where you’ll be marrying. You must provide all required documentation and be in Cyprus for three business days before your wedding day. You’ll need two witnesses for the ceremony. Plus, if you plan to change your name, you’ll need a name change deed poll certificate along with all the legal paperwork below.
- A 10-year passport (valid for at least 6 months) – Required
- Birth certificates – Required
- Blood Test – Not required
- If adopted, an adoption certificate – Not required
- If widowed, a death certificate and previous marriage certificate (if applicable) – Required
- Tourist Card – Not required
- Documents translated into the local language – Required
- Documents stamped with Le Apostille stamp from home country consulate – Required
8. Tahiti
Tahiti is known worldwide for its scenic landscape filled with palms, sweet-smelling vanilla farms, vivid colors, and postcard-worthy rain forests. A perk of visiting Tahiti is that not many tourists visit the islands; this makes it a perfect and intimate setting to get married (more people visit Hawaii in 10 days than visit Tahiti in a year!). So, you and your guests can enjoy great service, clear waters, and crowd-free beaches, it’ll feel like you’re on your own private island.
Tour the capital city of Papeete and hit the Marche du Papeete (central market) for amazing souvenirs like black pearls, carvings, shells, vanilla, coffee, and perfumes, or make your way to popular spots like Papenoo, Punaauia, and Paea and try your hand at surfing! Make sure to treat wedding guests to a Polynesian show with traditional music and spinning flaming torches.
A trip to Tahiti is a truly unforgettable experience and inviting all your friends and family to celebrate your wedding in a paradise-like this is truly an amazing experience!
Requirements
All the legal paperwork is listed below, plus the couple will also need to write a letter to the mayor of the community where they want to be married, then fill out and mail the “Foreign Weddings in French Polynesia” document. Each of these documents must be sent to the mayor’s office of your chosen community at least 45 days before the wedding date and the mayor’s office will confirm the time and date of the ceremony. On the day of the wedding, the couple and guests must be at the mayor’s office at the scheduled time for the ceremony. Working with a TierOne Travel consultant to plan your wedding in Tahiti is a great idea – we can help take care of all of the details so you can just enjoy planning your perfect trip! Contact one of our destination wedding specialists for a free quote.
- A 10-year passport (valid for at least 6 months) – Required
- Birth certificates – Required
- Blood Test – Not required
- If adopted, an adoption certificate – Not required
- If widowed, a death certificate and previous marriage certificate (if applicable) – Required
- Tourist Card – Not required
- Documents translated into the local language – Required
- Documents stamped with Le Apostille stamp from home country consulate – Required
9. Denmark
Denmark is an easy European country to get married in – in fact, it is often referenced to as the “Las Vegas of Europe”!
This beautiful European country has amazing and romantic locations perfect for a wedding, such as lighthouses, grand houses, or even on the beautiful beaches.
From low-key ceremonies with a smaller guest list to a huge party, Denmark is a great choice for a wedding destination.
Many couples are looking for something quick but stylish, which is why Copenhagen is the most popular wedding destination. It is close to the international airport and offers a variety of wonderful attractions. Tønder is a lovely, traditional Danish town on the border of Germany that is more than happy to welcome international couples to marry at their town hall. An Ærø island wedding is another possibility. This is an island in the south of Denmark in the Baltic Sea. With cobblestone streets, brightly painted houses, sandy beaches, and beautiful scenery! The opportunities are endless for planning a wedding in Denmark.
Requirements
You will normally have to stay in the municipality for about 3 days before the marriage. In order to get married in Copenhagen, you need to appear at a Citizen Service Center. You will be asked to fill in a marriage form and present it along with other legal paperwork, listed below.
- A 10-year passport (valid for at least 6 months) – Required
- Birth certificates – Required
- Blood Test – Not required
- If adopted, an adoption certificate – Not required
- If widowed, a death certificate and previous marriage certificate (if applicable) – Required
- Tourist Card – Not required
- Documents translated into the local language – Not required
- Documents stamped with Le Apostille stamp from home country consulate – Required
10. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a great place to get married, whether you live for adventure or wish to relax.
From white sand beaches to black sand beaches, from volcanoes in the middle of a national park to a lush and eco-friendly resort in the middle of a rain forest, you can easily find a unique place to get married in Costa Rica – one you and your guests will never forget!
And after the wedding celebrations are over, you and your guests will still have an amazing vacation to look forward to. You can choose from an endless multitude of activity options, from surfing or yoga, to descending into bat-filled caves or ascending misty volcanic peaks, hiking, biking, ziplining. Go ahead and fill your boots with the adventures and gorgeous locations that await in Costa Rica!
Requirements
Two witnesses are required to be present at the ceremony. If the two of you are traveling alone, your hotel or wedding consultant will provide the required witnesses.
Most travelers who get married in Costa Rica do so in a civil ceremony officiated by a local lawyer. After the ceremony, the lawyer records the marriage with Costa Rica’s National Registry, which issues an official marriage certificate. This process generally takes between 4 and 6 weeks.
Most lawyers or wedding coordinators then have the document translated and certified by the Costa Rican Foreign Ministry and at the embassy or consulate of your home country before mailing it to you.
But of course, make sure you have all your legal paperwork (listed below).
- A 10-year passport (valid for at least 6 months) – Required
- Birth certificates – Required
- Blood Test – Not required
- If adopted, an adoption certificate – Not required
- If widowed, a death certificate and previous marriage certificate (if applicable) – Required
- Tourist Card – Not required
- Documents translated into the local language – Not required
- Documents stamped with Le Apostille stamp from home country consulate – Required
11. United States
If you’re dreaming of a destination wedding but don’t want to go too far, you actually have a lot more scenic options than you might realize. Travel to our southern neighbors in the USA and you’ll find tons of beautiful wedding opportunities! From the East coast to the West Coast and everything in between you’ll find amazing views, cultural experiences, and top-class service!
If you’re dreaming about a beach wedding, consider the Florida Keys or Hawaii. For gorgeous vineyards, check out Napa Valley. For historical charm, think of Rhode Island. For a rustic aesthetic, there’s the desert in Arizona. Everywhere you look, you’re bound to find a perfect spot to get married in the United States!
Requirements
With the proper valid identification, it is not difficult for non-citizens to get married in the United States. To get married in the US, you simply need the proper identification to apply for a marriage license in the county in which you are to be married. In most cases, you’ll need to provide a valid passport. You may also need to prove that you are old enough to be legally married and that you are not already married. It is important to recognize that states in the U.S. have different laws and requirements regarding marriage. Your country may have additional requirements to validate your marriage abroad.
- A 10-year passport (valid for at least 6 months) – Required
- Birth certificates – Depends on the state
- Blood Test – Depends on the state
- If adopted, an adoption certificate – not required
- If widowed, a death certificate and previous marriage certificate (if applicable) – Not required
- Tourist Card – Not required
- Documents stamped with Le Apostille stamp from home country consulate – Required
12. South Africa
Looking for somewhere exotic and exciting? Discover the beauty and splendor of stunning locations in South Africa, which are perfect for a charming destination wedding!
South Africa offers an abundance of natural beauty, so you can pretty much have whatever type of wedding you’ve dreamed of. Whether it’s a beach wedding, a wedding in a vineyard, or even a safari wedding, options here for a romantic and memorable wedding are endless.
From Cape Town’s iconic urban landscape to an extinct volcanic crater in Pilansberg and the Victorian style of Port Elizabeth, you’ll be overwhelmed with choices when it comes to amazing surroundings, romantic hotels, and immaculate services.
South Africa is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, which makes it a popular spot for weddings and honeymoon destinations. Most couples get married here between September and May.
Requirements
Couples must apply for a Department of Home Affairs marriage certificate at least three months prior to the wedding date. Home affairs marriage forms are available on request. Submit the forms along with the relevant supporting documentation, a complete BI-31 form, which declares that you may legally marry, an official divorce decree, stamped by the court if one partner has previously been married and all legal paperwork listed below.
- A 10-year passport (valid for at least 6 months) – Required
- Birth certificates – Required
- Blood Tests – Not required
- If adopted, an adoption certificate – Not required
- If widowed, a death certificate and previous marriage certificate (if applicable) – Required
- Tourist Card – Not required
- Documents translated into the local language – Required
- Documents stamped with Le Apostille stamp from home country consulate – Required
Legal paperwork
After you’ve booked, there are legal documents that need to be supplied. A good tour operator will usually take care of all this for you and require you to supply all these three months before you travel so they can process your wedding license.
LET US HELP YOU PLAN YOUR DREAM DESTINATION WEDDING
When you’re ready to start planning your dream destination wedding, fill out the below form to contact one of our TierOne Travel agents. They have extensive experience in planning stunning, destination weddings and will make the process incredibly easy for you, so you can relax and enjoy the perfect day you’ve dreamt of!
