How to Plan a Destination Wedding
A destination wedding is one where you and most of your guests travel to celebrate — usually abroad. Planning one comes down to three decisions made early: where (and whether you can marry there legally), when (so guests can book leave and flights), and how you'll keep travelling guests informed. Start 12–18 months out, decide between a legal ceremony abroad and a symbolic one, and give guests a single website with every travel detail.
Legal requirements at a glance
Summaries of the official guidance for U.S. citizens. Every country leaves the final word to the local registrar — read the full guide before booking.
| Italy | Greece | Mexico | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legally valid ceremony types | Civil, or Roman Catholic (non-Catholic religious needs a civil ceremony first) | Civil or religious (either is legal) | Civil only |
| Residency required | No | No | No (entry documents required) |
| Key document | Dichiarazione Giurata + Atto Notorio | Affidavit of Marriage (if the town hall requires it) | Apostilled, translated birth certificate + prenuptial tests in Mexico |
| Must be done in-country before the wedding | Affidavit at a U.S. consulate, Prefettura legalisation, declaration at the town hall | Affidavit at the U.S. Embassy in Athens (plan two days), license application | Medical tests (Tulum: results valid 15 days) |
| Witnesses | 2 at the ceremony (Atto Notorio: 2 or 4 — see guide) | 2, one acting as interpreter | 4 in Quintana Roo |
| After the wedding | Apostille from the Prefettura for use abroad | Register within 40 days | Apostille the certificate for use abroad |
Sources are listed on each country guide. Requirements change; always confirm with the town hall or civil registry where you will marry.
Destination wedding timeline
- 12–18 months: choose the place. Shortlist countries where your ceremony can be legal (or decide on a symbolic ceremony), check the season and weather, and ask venues about availability and town-hall waiting lists.
- 10–12 months: save the dates. Guests need time for leave, passports and flights. Send save the dates with your wedding website link and any hotel block deadline.
- 6–9 months: paperwork. Order birth certificates and apostilles, book consular appointments and start translations. Many countries only accept documents issued in the last six months, so time this carefully.
- 10–12 weeks: invitations. Send formal invitations with an RSVP deadline 6–8 weeks before the date, so you can confirm numbers with venues abroad.
- Wedding week: arrive early. Most countries require in-person steps a few days before the ceremony. Build in buffer days for appointments and medical tests.
- After: register and apostille. Register the marriage where required (Greece: within 40 days) and get the certificate apostilled so it is accepted at home.
Legal ceremony abroad or symbolic ceremony?
A legal ceremony abroad means completing the destination country's paperwork: apostilled documents, translations, consular affidavits and sometimes medical tests and witness statements. It is entirely doable, but it adds appointments in the days before your wedding and the paperwork has strict validity windows.
A symbolic ceremony means you marry legally at home — often a short registry or courthouse ceremony — and hold the full celebration abroad without any legal requirements. Many couples choose this to keep the wedding week relaxed and to avoid translation and registration steps.
Whichever you choose, tell guests clearly on your website. Guests travelling for a symbolic ceremony appreciate knowing, and it stops awkward questions on the day.
What travelling guests need from you
- The date, location and a full multi-day itinerary as early as possible.
- Nearest airports and transfer times, plus any ferry or domestic flight connections.
- Hotel blocks with booking deadlines and price ranges.
- Entry requirements to check (passport validity, visas) — link to the official government travel site for their country.
- Dress codes for every event, with weather and terrain notes.
- An RSVP deadline that works for your venue's final-numbers date.
Country guides
- Italy (Lake Como): Dichiarazione Giurata, Atto Notorio, Prefettura legalisation, banns and town-hall fees.
- Greece (Santorini): affidavit at the U.S. Embassy in Athens, license timing, witnesses and the 40-day registration rule.
- Mexico (Tulum): civil-only validity, Quintana Roo documents, prenuptial tests and four witnesses.
- Hawaii: online license application, $65 fee, in-person agent visit, 30-day license.
- Ireland: HSE notification appointment, 3 months' notice, €200 fee.
- Scotland: M10 notice, £45 per person, 29 days minimum (10–12 weeks advised).
- Spain (Mallorca): civil marriage file at the Registro Civil and why most couples go symbolic.
- Bali: recognised-religion rule, 10-day Civil Registry notice, symbolic ceremonies.
Frequently asked questions
What is considered a destination wedding?
A wedding where the couple and most guests travel to a location away from where they live — typically abroad or to a holiday destination — and often celebrate over several days.
How far in advance should you plan a destination wedding?
Start 12–18 months ahead. Send save the dates 10–12 months out and invitations 10–12 weeks before, and begin legal paperwork 6–9 months before the date.
Is a destination wedding legally valid at home?
Generally yes, if it is legally valid in the country where it takes place. For U.S. citizens, the U.S. Embassy in Greece advises checking with your state's Attorney General; the UK says an overseas marriage will usually be recognised if valid locally.
Who pays for what at a destination wedding?
Guests usually pay their own travel and accommodation; couples typically cover the wedding events themselves and often a welcome dinner. Say clearly on your website what is included.