To abroad or not to abroad..
The moment you say “yes,” one of the first big decisions (after the dress, of course) is where to tie the knot. Sun-drenched Tuscan villas? A barefoot beach in Bali? A chic country estate close to home?
A destination wedding sounds like a dream (and sometimes it is) but it’s not the right fit for every couple. If you’re torn between saying “I do” abroad or keeping things close to home, we’ve broken it down for you.
Here’s your no-fluff guide to the pros and cons of getting married abroad vs. at home:
The Case for a Destination Wedding
The Pros:
Built-in wow factor: Whether it’s a clifftop in Santorini or a vineyard in France, the backdrop does the heavy lifting without having to go overboard on the decor.
Intimate by default: Guest lists tend to be smaller, which can reduce pressure and cost.
Wedding + holiday in one: You and your guests enjoy a full experience, not just a single day & you can usually head straight into a honeymoon, combining costs for the two.
Often more cost-effective (really!): A smaller guest list & rural locations can make destination weddings surprisingly affordable.
The Cons:
Not everyone will make it: Elderly relatives, pregnant friends, or those with young kids may struggle to attend so it’s important to weigh up what matters to you the most & whether you’re having a seperate legal ceremony that they can attend.
More logistics: Legal documents, local laws, language barriers, you’ll more than likely need a planner on the ground to ensure the day goes without a language misunderstanding.
You relinquish some control: Pinterest-perfect details might not travel well. Be ready to go with the flow.
Travel & accommodation costs can add up for guests (and you).
Weather risk: Rain in Italy? It happens.
The Case for a Wedding at Home
The Pros:
More inclusive: Easier for friends, family, and plus-ones to attend, you can generally have a bigger guest-list if that’s what matters to you/
Hands-on planning: You can visit venues, meet suppliers, and manage the details in real time.
Fewer legal headaches: No dealing with translations or foreign marriage laws.
British weather drama is predictable — and manageable.
You have home-field advantage: Favourite makeup artist? Check. Mum’s spare bedroom for the night before? Sorted.
The Cons:
Larger guest lists (and bigger costs): It’s harder to draw the line when everyone’s local.
Weather roulette: That July date might still involve umbrellas and wellies.
Venues book up fast — like, two years in advance fast.
More “traditional” expectations: There’s sometimes more pressure to follow cultural or family norms and venues can sometimes be more restrictive based on traditional timings.
Questions to Ask Yourselves
Can our must-have guests realistically travel abroad?
Do we want to create an experience or a moment?
Do we thrive on planning, or would we rather hand it off?
Are we okay with a smaller crowd, or would we miss having everyone there?
What are the vibes/ aesthetics we are going for?
Final Thought
There’s no right or wrong.. just what’s right for you.
A wedding abroad is magical, intimate, and often simpler than you’d expect. A wedding at home is inclusive, hands-on, and full of personal touches. Whichever you choose, the goal is the same: a celebration of love, surrounded by the people who matter most.
Wherever you say I do, make sure it’s somewhere that feels like you.
Planning a destination wedding?
We’re working on a full guide to help you navigate visas, venues, and stress-free sunlit ceremonies. Sign up for alerts or DM us your dream location @thevowedit 💌