How do I start planning a wedding abroad?

Short answer

Start by choosing your country and checking its legal marriage requirements, then check GOV.UK for how UK marriages abroad are recognised. Book your venue and ceremony first, then build the rest of your plan around those dates.

Begin with the legal side, because it shapes everything else. Check the marriage laws of the country you have chosen, including residency, notice periods, documents and witnesses. Also check GOV.UK for that country to confirm your marriage will be recognised in the UK. Some couples find it simpler to have a small legal ceremony in the UK and a symbolic ceremony abroad. That is a common and sensible route.

Once the legal position is clear, book the venue and the celebrant or registrar. These are the hardest to change. Then arrange travel and accommodation for you and your guests, and think about currency, insurance and local suppliers. Give guests plenty of notice, especially if they need passports or visas. Build in buffer days for travel delays and paperwork.

Remember that UK notice rules do not apply abroad, but local rules do. If you are unsure about any legal step, contact the local embassy, consulate or register office. Keep copies of all documents and translations. A wedding abroad can be wonderful, but it needs more lead time and organisation than a UK wedding.