You’ve had the proposal, the ring has been placed firmly on your finger and it’s time to begin planning. Organising a wedding can be hectic; who will be bridesmaid? will those two want to sit next to each other at the meal? do we really have to invite that person we worked with five years ago? It can be stressful. What better way to get away from it all, than to plan a destination wedding with just your significant other and a few witnesses. You could even elope. Then, celebrate at home with a reception party. The best of both worlds. That’s not to say that destination weddings don’t have issues…there can be a lot of paperwork, and if you’ve decided to have guests, who will make the trip? Holiday Numbers takes a look at how to plan a destination wedding, from choosing your dream destination to the dreary legalities.
Hawaii
Year-round beautiful weather, endless beaches and dramatic mountain backdrops. Hawaii is far…but it is so worth it when you arrive. No matter which island you choose, all of them are incredibly idyllic and romantic. Oahu is the liveliest, as it is home to the biggest city. Maui is considered to be the most luxurious. Lanai is where Bill Gates chose to tie the knot. Many couples travel to Hawaii for a beach wedding with a small amount of guests. Picture flower leis and drinking fruity cocktails as you watch the sun set. It’s the perfect wedding and honeymoon destination.
Practicalities: To get your marriage licence, you need to visit the health department office or marriage agent on each island. You need a proof of age and $60 in cash, alongside an application form. You will be given your licence, which is valid for 30 days.
Bride’s tip: Go for an orchid bouquet, as it will be able to withstand the heat.
Las Vegas
Wait…come back! You didn’t think I was going to write about destination weddings without mentioning Vegas, did you? Don’t step on my blue suede shoes…thank you very much. Yes, Viva Las Vegas is known for its drive-thru chapels, Elvis impersonators and casino afterparties. However, the area is now becoming known for alternative weddings, thanks to the input of the hotels, who are now offering string quartets, poolside ceremonies and high quality cuisine. After the ceremony, take a gondola ride with your loved one through Venice, gaze up at the Eiffel Tower or take a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon. Only in Vegas, is this all possible. Plus, if you do choose to take guests with you, I’m pretty sure you won’t have any trouble convincing them! Just don’t let the groom take inspiration from The Hangover…
Practicalities: You need a proof of age and to pay licensing fees of $77. Visit the Clark County Marriage Bureau in person.
Bride’s tip: The chapels in hotels are much nicer than the famous ones.
New York
Picture it: getting married on a rooftop in NYC, with a view of the Empire State and the street bustling below you. If that’s not for you, why not head to the luscious green space of Central Park. NYC weddings can be so simple; yellow taxi to the venue, pictures at the famous landmarks followed by dinner at a Michelin star restaurant, all without leaving Manhattan. Your hotel concierge will be glad to help you, from making reservations for your post-ceremony dinner to suggesting where to go for the best flowers.
Practicalities: Visit the City Clerk’s Office. You can start the application process with an online form. You’ll have to wait 24 hours after obtaining your licence to wed.
Bride’s tip: People from the UK need the advanced wedding certificate, rather than the short certificate.
Bahamas
In 2015, the Bahamas was named as the World’s Leading Wedding Destination. Skies as blue as a sapphire, twinkling turquoise waters and white beaches; it’s certainly a dream destination. Choose from reefs, beaches, gardens or churches. Go swimming with the famous sea pigs afterwards. Many hotels offer wedding packages with welcome cocktails, breakfast in bed and much more to make your wedding perfect.
Practicalities: Couples can apply for a wedding licence the day after arrival, with a valid passport, birth certificate and photo ID. You’ll also need two witnesses to sign the certificate. You can apply at the Registrar General in Nassau.
Bride’s tip: You might struggle to find a traditional wedding cake, according to one bride who flew her own cake in from Miami.
Italy
The rocky Amalfi Coast, the cultural ruins of Rome, the peaceful canals of Venice…there are so many photogenic options for a destination wedding in Italy. Head out in late Spring for better weather and don’t forget to sample the food: pasta, pizza and gelato. It’s around a 2 hour, 20 minute flight from the UK, making it perfect for taking along some guests. Wherever in this beautiful country you choose, you’re sure to live la dolce vita.
Practicalities: First, obtain a Certificate of No Impediment from your local registry office and make a statutory declaration through a solicitor. You must then send these documents to the FCO legislation office in Milton Keynes. Lastly, the certificate of no impediment must be translated into Italian.
Bride’s tip: The Amalfi Coast has lots of charming villas where you can escape to.
Fiji
Fiji is particularly famous for beach ceremonies, thanks to the endless amounts of beaches. The tropical rainforest surroundings give you the ultimate setting, with gorgeous greenery, waterfalls and the sounds of birds singing. If you have a lot of people attending, it makes sense to get married on the main island of Viti Levu. If not, there are many more intimate islands to choose from, each with their own unique settings for your ceremony.
Practicalities: You’ll need your birth certificate, valid passport and if applicable, divorce papers. You must visit the nearest marriage registry around 36 hours before the ceremony.
Bride’s tip: If you have a lot of guests, consider renting a private villa- many hotels have a selection.
Greece
Is there anywhere more perfect for a wedding than one of Greece’s traditional white churches? Whether you choose hilly Santorini, hedonistic Mykonos or the beaches of Rhodes, you’re guaranteed great weather and a friendly welcome from the Greeks. Just don’t drink too much Ouzo the night before the wedding, yes?
Practicalities: Some Greek islands require you to be on the island for a certain amount of time before you file the paperwork. A minimum of two months before the wedding, you must send your birth certificate, certificate of non impediment and valid passports. All documents must also be translated into Greek.
Bride’s tip: If you’re not sure which island to choose, try to visit a few. They’re all unique with different things to offer for both yourself and your guests.
Destination Wedding Tips
- Resorts offering a wedding package will often have their own photographers and caterers, and you won’t be allowed to use an outside vendor.
- If you purchase your wedding dress at home, have it professionally packed by your wedding dress shop.
- Booking a planner can help take away the stress of organising the paperwork, and they can be your ‘man on the ground’ ahead of the ceremony.
- Allow yourself longer to plan, to make sure you don’t miss any little details which could hinder the wedding.
Wherever you choose to get married, Holiday Numbers wishes you the best of luck and happiness for the future!
P.S. if you are looking for somewhere to go on honeymoon, check out our guide to the world’s most romantic places here!
