Want to get married abroad? Here's our guide to some of the most popular destination wedding locations outside of the UK and how to marry there
The overwater wedding chapel at Sandals St Vincent and Grenadines may be new, but the company has been organising weddings in the Caribbean for over 40 years
While we love a wedding in Scotland, for some couples the allure of white sandy beaches, tropical weather and the sense of adventure wins over the desire to get married near home.
Whether you're returning to a favourite holiday spot or ticking a destination off of the bucket list, there are plenty of incredible places across the world to say 'I do'. However, you'll need to keep the legalities of getting married in mind when planning your wedding abroad.
We round up some of the key questions you might have as you prepare to marry in some of the most popular destinations from the UK.
Travelling from Scotland to Sandals Saint Vincent and Grenadines is fairly easy, with connecting flights available from London Heathrow three times a week
Getting married in the Caribbean
The sun-drenched Caribbean offers idyllic tropical settings for weddings against pristine white sandy beaches, azure waters and lush landscapes.
The best time to get married in the Caribbean
Most people travel to the Caribbean between November and April when the weather is cooler but still warm – which nicely correlates with the worst weather in Scotland!
Can I get legally married in the Caribbean?
Ceremonies in the Caribbean are legally recognised in the UK, provided they meet the legal requirements of the country where the wedding takes place. These can vary depending on the island.
“Typically, couples need to provide valid passports, birth certificates, final divorce documents (if applicable), and any other relevant documents at least two months prior to their arrival date to allow ample time for processing,” says Marsha-Ann Donaldson-Brown, director of weddings and romance at Sandals.
“Each country also has different government and administrative fees, starting from around $250. Once the required documents are submitted and the fees are paid, Sandals Resorts’ weddings team liaises with the local registry in the country where the couple is getting married to ensure all legalities are fulfilled and the marriage license is delivered on time.”
The swim-up bar at Sandals Saint Vincent and Grenadines
Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Sandals Saint Vincent and The Grenadines opened in March 2024 and has an overwater Serenity Wedding Chapel where couples can walk down a glass-floor aisle and marry amid 360-degree panoramic ocean views. The hotel features Sandals’ first-ever two-storey overwater suites, set within a magical private cove, and two-bedroom beach-front villas complete with butler.
Caribbean wedding packages
Sandals’ new wedding programme, Aisle to Isle, offers a range of amenity-rich packages that are available across its resorts. Options include the intimate ‘Sweetheart’ (from $1,000 USD, excluding accommodation), to decadent once-in-a-lifetime celebrations with pre- and post-wedding gatherings built-in.
“Scaled for any sized affair, our brand-new packages have been designed to cater to couples’ individuality and come complete with a bespoke wedding planning team that manage all the details. Couples can rest assured that they will be taken care of by our wedding experts, every step of the way,” adds Marsha-Ann.
Cyprus destination wedding
Aphrodite’s island offers an irresistible combination of history, hospitality, and year-round sunshine, with all ceremonies legally recognised in the UK.
Can I legally get married in Cyprus?
Religious ceremonies and blessings can take place in churches, chapels, or other places of worship, while civil unions can take place directly at the Municipal Offices (where the Marriage License is obtained), or in a myriad of other settings by securing permission.
White chapel with a blue door on a shore in Protaras, Cyprus (Photo: Marcin Krzyzak/Shutterstock)
Getting married in France from the UK
Culture, history, gastronomy and picturesque landscapes...there’s a lot going for France as a wedding destination, aside from its easy accessibility from Scotland. From luxurious wine châteaus to charming medieval villages, there’s an abundance of diverse and magical backdrops for weddings.
If you don’t speak French, enlist the services of a bilingual wedding planner for ease of communication with your venue and vendors.
Chais Monnet & Spa in Cognac is partly owned by Soho Farmhouse’s founder, and offers a similar luxe-rustic atmosphere
What is required to get married in France?
A typical requirement is being resident in France for a minimum of 30 days before the wedding, so arrange a legal ceremony in Scotland first.
“French wedding ceremonies can be a bit more complicated, as only civil ceremonies conducted by a local mayor are legally recognised in France. Couples must additionally meet residency requirements, so given this, many UK couples opt to have a civil/legal ceremony in the UK first and then hold a symbolic or blessing ceremony in France,” explains Claire Plessier Bringardner, director of sales, marketing and communications at Chais Monnet & Spa, Cognac.
Wedding package in Cognac, France
Gourmands might like to set their sights on the five-star hotel Chais Monnet & Spa in Cognac. “For couples who are passionate about fine wine and food, this location is unparalleled. The property boasts indoor and outdoor event spaces, dining by Michelin-starred chefs and a world-class spa,” says Claire. Customisable wedding packages typically start from €18,000 for a wedding of up to 80 guests.
A wedding ceremony at Chais Monnet & Spa
Destination wedding in Greece
Short-haul flights, white-painted venues with incredible sea vistas and a family-friendly vibe make the Greek islands irresistible to many Scottish couples who can marry there legally as long as they follow all the steps with the required documentation.
Dana Villas in Santorini set for a wedding ceremony (Photo: Rivios Thanos Photography)
Legally getting married in Greece
“This usually requires the couple to attend the local town hall at least 1-2 times during their stay. A weddings abroad specialist like The Wedding Travel Company will plan and attend all appointments, making it super easy for the couple,” says Peggy, senior wedding planner at the company.
See the stunning wedding of this Scottish couple who got married in Santorini
Getting married in Italy from the UK
A decent selection of flights from Edinburgh to some of the main cities in Italy make the country a flexible and beloved choice for a wedding abroad.
There are venues to be found amid rustic cobbled villages or perched up high on the coast – and with some of the best food and drink in the world, the country’s appeal is clear. Employing an English-speaking wedding planner is a must to overcome any language
barriers.
One of The Wedding Travel Company’s top picks for an Italian wedding is Art Hotel Villa Fiorella in Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast (Photo: Alessandro Pasquariello)
What are the rules for getting married in Italy?
UK couples can have a legal civil wedding in Italy, with Catholic ceremonies possible in churches, though these are likely to take extra organisation.
Most couples will need to be at their venue/location two or three working days prior to the wedding to tend to pre-ceremony paperwork, though this does vary from region to region.
“Some venues will only be licensed for symbolic ceremonies on-site, so this means couples may need to have a town hall visit prior to finalise legalities; or they can opt to marry in one of the town halls (which themselves can be stunning venues) and then move on to a local reception venue nearby,” says Candice, a senior wedding consultant at weddings abroad specialist The Wedding Travel Company.
Italian wedding packages
“My top pick personally has to be Sorrento,” says Candice. “The average cost for a wedding here for, say, 20 people can come in at just under £10,000 (based on 2025 prices). This would be inclusive of the ceremony, photography, DJ for the evening, menu, and planning costs. This is in comparison to a location such as Lake Como, for example, where weddings can range upwards of £25,000.”
Getting married in New York City
New York City’s iconic attractions and reasonably short flight time from Scotland lure couples looking to elope or have micro weddings in one of the world’s greatest urban playgrounds.
When to get married in New York City?
Spring and autumn offer temperate climates and you'll still have sunshine and scenic backdrops, while a festive wedding in winter could be a magical snow-sprinkled wonder!
Obtaining a New York marriage licence
It’s quick and painless to arrange a legally recognised ceremony in New York, but it’s still worth employing a local wedding planner to save any stress. (If you’re hoping to marry elsewhere in the States, rules vary, but all US marriage certificates are valid in the UK.)
“I literally cannot stress how easy it is to get married in NYC. It’s America, we were built on easy,” laughs Jenny Mac of Eloping is Fun, a one-stop-shop for Big Apple elopements and micro weddings. “$35 and an appointment at the city clerk are all that couples need – our company will take care of the rest.”
Scottish wedding makeup artist Leigh Blaney and now-husband Bryan eloped to New York with help from Eloping is Fun (Photo: Eloping is Fun)
Where to get married in New York?
In a city as big as New York, there's no shortage of iconic spots to get your wedding photos.
Romantics can ride a horse and carriage into Central Park to exchange vows; while hip lovebirds might hail a yellow cab over to DUMBO to say ‘I do’ in the shadow of the Manhattan Bridge on the famed Washington Street.
Afterwards, continue celebrations by taking advantage of Eloping is Fun’s VIP concierge service that can help bag a table at one of the city’s best restaurants.
How much does it cost to get married in New York?
“A simple elopement with 1.5 hours of photography, an officiant and planning might cost $2,600 all-in, though our average is $5-6k as couples usually like to include luxe upgrades,” says Jenny. “A micro wedding of about 10 guests might cost between $2-6k for a private room at a cosy little restaurant in SoHo or the West Village.”
Make the Manhattan streets your ceremony setting (Photo: Eloping is Fun)
Is Portugal a good place to get married?
Portugal is an attractive option for weddings abroad as flights from Scotland are short and frequent, particularly to the Algarve.
The country is in the same time zone as the UK and renowned for its dependable weather and array of settings, from picturesque beach bolt-holes to luxury golf and leisure complexes. English is widely spoken in the touristy areas too.
The stunning, Michelin-recommended Casa Velha at Quinta do Lago can accommodate 120 guests for an outside wedding
Is a marriage in Portugal legal in the UK?
Wedding ceremonies held in Portugal are legally recognised in the UK, and organising one is a relatively straightforward process, according to Arina Batalha, sales director at upscale Algarve resort Quinta do Lago.
“A wedding planner or solicitor in Portugal will typically handle the administrative details, ensuring a smooth experience. The couple will need to provide certain documentation, such as birth certificates and proof of marital status, usually translated into Portuguese.
"These documents should be prepared and submitted to that person a few months in advance of the wedding to avoid any delays.”
Casa do Lago at Quinta do Lago sits by a serene lake and is known for its seafood menus
Where to get married in Portugal?
Quinta do Lago is just 15 minutes from Faro airport, making it an easy transfer for incoming guests. It’s known for exceptional dining options and offers multiple locations for weddings, from the lush lakeside Casa do Lago (capacity for 180 guests inside and 320 outside) to the rustic Shack (198 guests).
“Instead of rigid packages, the resort adopts a minimum spend approach on food and drink. This personalised approach ensures that each wedding ends up being a unique celebration, reflective of the couple’s style and dreams,” adds Arina.
Getting married in Spain
Frequent and reasonably priced direct flights from Scotland to a wide variety of Spanish destinations make it a popular choice for couples in search of a wedding in the sunshine.
English is widely spoken at many resorts, which should make communicating with in-house wedding planners easy.
“Planning ahead is crucial for a wedding abroad: schedule visits, meet the teams, and trust your instincts,” says Aiyanna Ibiza’s wedding planner Natalia
Can a foreigner get married in Spain?
For most couples, having the official marriage ceremony in Scotland is the easiest option. “Legal recognition of a wedding in Spain for UK couples is possible, but it’s limited to Catholic ceremonies performed in a church. That process can take between six to nine months, and there may be added costs depending on the church selected,” notes Natalia G-Mayoral, weddings and events manager at luxe boho Aiyanna Ibiza.
Many venues can arrange a non-legal or spiritual blessing, so couples can still include a ceremonial aspect at their Spanish wedding if they wish.
Ibiza wedding venue
For chic and chilled vibes on the White Isle, look no further than beachside haven Aiyanna Ibiza that can accommodate up to 140 guests. Wedding packages start from €19,750, inclusive of food and drink, exclusive hire fee and wedding planning service. As you might expect, a full sound system and DJ can be arranged. Sounds like Balearic bliss!
Aiyanna Ibiza offers an exquisite bohemian beachside location to marry at
