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Ceremony, legal and venues · Weddings abroad

What are the best places to get married abroad from the UK?

Answered by the UK Wedding Websites editorial team · Updated 2026-10-12

Short answer

The best places depend on your taste, budget and legal needs. Popular choices include France, Italy, Spain, Greece, the Caribbean and the USA. Each has different rules, so check the local requirements before you book.

The best place for you depends on what you want from the day. France offers beautiful chateaux and vineyards, with a relatively short flight from the UK. Italy is loved for its lakes, coastlines and historic villas. Spain and Greece give you warm weather, sea views and plenty of venues that cater to foreign couples. The Caribbean and the USA offer beach weddings and city elopements, but flights are longer and costs can be higher.

Before you choose, think about how many guests you want to bring, how far they will travel, and what the weather is likely to be like at your chosen time of year. Also think about the legal side. In many countries, you need to be resident for a few days before the ceremony, and you may need extra paperwork such as birth certificates, decrees absolute or certificates of no impediment. Some couples choose to have a legal ceremony in the UK first, then a symbolic ceremony abroad. That can be simpler and lets you focus on the celebration.

For any legal detail, the rules can change and vary by country. Check the GOV.UK page for that country, and contact the local embassy or registrar. Your venue or a local wedding planner can also guide you, but always verify official requirements yourself.

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