Destination Wedding Planning: Top 10 Steps

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Free Destination Wedding Planning Checklist Destination Wedding Planning: Top 10 Steps to Get You Started

Feeling overwhelmed and thinking, “Where do we even start?” Don’t worry, you’re not alone—and you’ve come to the perfect place to get started.

Image: Siemenjov Galdes Photography

Your Destination Wedding Planning Starts Here

Destination wedding planning can feel daunting at first. With so many moving parts, it’s easy to get caught in a loop of questions about venues, travel, guests, and logistics. The good news? With the right approach, it’s completely manageable—and even enjoyable.

We’ve broken the destination wedding planning journey into 10 clear, high-level steps to help you focus, stay organised, and move forward with confidence. Each step is designed to simplify the process, so you can start turning your dream wedding abroad into a reality.

Click on the links in each step below to dive into more detailed guidance and practical tips. And if you’re feeling unsure or have questions at any point, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help.

Step 1 - Be Sure – Feel Confident About Getting Married Abroad

Start your destination wedding journey by being 100% happy and confident with your decision. Like any big choice, it comes with both pros and cons—so it’s important to be well-informed. Understanding the advantages (like unforgettable settings and intimate celebrations) alongside the potential challenges (such as travel logistics or legal requirements) will help you feel grounded and excited about the path ahead.

 Can Ramonet, Wedding Venue Spain.

Top Tip: Use our free Starter Guide which covers the following:

• what you will need to consider and how destination wedding planning differs from planning a wedding at home,
• how to be 100% certain getting married abroad is right for you, 
• the pros and cons of having a wedding abroad,
• the potential challenges and obstacles that may arise when planning a destination wedding.

Download our Starter Guide Here

Step 2 - Define Your Vision & Priorities – Stay Focused and Aligned

To create a wedding you truly love—and can realistically afford—it’s essential to have an open, honest conversation with your partner early on. Talk about what really matters to both of you. What kind of experience do you want? What are your non-negotiables?

Agreeing on a shared vision and setting clear priorities will guide your decisions, help you stay on budget, and keep you both connected throughout the planning journey. It will also prepare you to handle any challenges that come with planning a destination wedding.

Elli & Niall’s Wedding in Cyprus.

Top Tip: Define your vision & Priorities early

Before diving into the details, take time to get clear on the overall look and feel you want for your wedding day. We highly recommend using our Destination Wedding Framework Worksheet, created specifically for those planning a Destination Wedding. This simple tool helps you prioritise what matters most and map out the path for every planning decision ahead.

Download our Destination Wedding Framework (Vision & Priorities) Here

Step 3 - Select Your Destination – Choose the Perfect Location for Your Big Day

Now it’s time to narrow down and choose the destination that best fits your wedding vision. As exciting as it is, be sure to consider practical factors too—especially the time of year you’d like to get married. Some destinations are seasonal, with ideal weather windows or busy tourist periods that may affect availability, pricing, and overall experience.

Pick a location that not only inspires you but also works well for your timeline, guest travel, and budget.

Kefalos Beach Weddings Cyprus

Top Tip: Start with Inspiration and Big Picture Thinking

Let your imagination run free and think about the kind of experience you want for your wedding day. Do you picture saying your vows on a beach, having a small and intimate gathering, or celebrating with loved ones surrounded by dramatic scenery? Creating a big-picture vision early on will help guide all your future decisions. If you’re not sure where to start, browsing real destination wedding stories is a great way to get inspired.

Step 4 - Make Sure It’s Legal – Understand the Legal Requirements for Your Destination Wedding

Before you get too excited about your dream location, make sure you fully understand and can meet the legal requirements for getting married in your chosen destination. Each country has its own set of rules, and these can vary significantly. While online resources can be helpful, we always recommend contacting the embassy or consulate of the country where you plan to marry for the most accurate and up-to-date information. This ensures you’re well-prepared and avoids any unexpected surprises.

Celebrans – Wedding Celebrant Italy

Top Tip: Consider a Symbolic Ceremony if Legal Requirements Are Complex

A symbolic ceremony or wedding blessing isn’t legally binding, but it can be the perfect solution if meeting the residency or legal requirements in your chosen destination proves difficult. It offers the freedom to create a highly personalised and meaningful experience without the legal stress.

Want help understanding what’s possible? Our Legally Wed Essential Guide is a great next step if you’re exploring ceremony types and legal options for your destination wedding.

Download our Legally Wed  Essential Guide Here

Step 5 - Set a Smart Budget and Manage Your Wedding Costs with Confidence

Setting a clear, realistic budget is one of the most important parts of destination wedding planning. It shapes every decision—from where you get married to how many guests you invite. A well-structured budget helps you allocate funds wisely, avoid overspending, and focus on what matters most. Even if you have a large budget, always do your research to make sure you’re getting the best value for your money.

Lauren & Mark’s Wedding in Greece.

Top Tip: Get Clear on Your Budget Early

An often-overlooked part of this process is how you’ll make payments to overseas suppliers. Understanding international payment options—and locking in a favourable exchange rate—can make a significant difference and help you avoid hidden fees or currency fluctuations that can impact your overall spend.

Not sure where to start? Our Wedding Budget Essential Guide walks you through how to build your wedding budget, maximise it effectively, stay on track, and avoid common pitfalls—especially when dealing with international costs.

Step 6 - Be Intentional with Your Guest List

Deciding who to invite is a key part of destination wedding planning. Will it be just the two of you, a small gathering of close family and friends, or a larger celebration? Think about what feels right for you both—and what fits within your budget and vision.

Once you’ve settled on the guest list, keep your guests informed every step of the way. Clear, early communication helps make attending your wedding abroad as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Carol & Henry’s Wedding in Sardinia.

Top Tip: A Smaller Guest List Can Create Space for a Bigger Experience

Most couples find that a destination wedding naturally leads to a smaller, more intimate guest list. But fewer guests doesn’t mean a simpler or shorter celebration. In fact, many couples use this opportunity to plan multi-day events—like welcome drinks, beach days, or farewell brunches—making the wedding feel more like a shared travel experience than just a single-day event.

Step 7 - Choose the Right Approach to Planning Your Destination Wedding

When it comes to planning your wedding abroad, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is how involved you want to be. You have several options to consider:

• Plan It Yourself: Take full control of all aspects of your destination wedding—from choosing the venue to handling the logistics—if you’re up for the challenge.

• Hire a Wedding Planner: If you prefer to leave the planning to a professional, a wedding planner who specialises in destination weddings can take care of all the details, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.

• Combine DIY with a Wedding Planner: For a more flexible approach, you can handle certain aspects of the wedding (like choosing the venue or managing guest accommodations) while leaving other, more complex tasks (such as the legal paperwork, vendor coordination and day-of management) to a wedding planner. This option allows you to stay involved but takes the pressure off key parts of the planning.

• Work with a Tour Operator: If you’re looking for a more packaged experience, working with a tour operator can simplify the planning, especially when it comes to organising travel and accommodations for your guests. Tour operators often offer wedding packages that include group rates, venue options, and travel coordination, streamlining the logistics for everyone involved.

Each approach has its own advantages, so think about how much control you want over the process, and what level of support you need to make your wedding abroad as stress-free as possible.

C & J’s Wedding in Italy.

Top Tip: Choose the Right Planning Approach Based on What Matters Most to You

When weighing your options for planning a destination wedding, take a moment to consider what’s most important to you. Are you looking to save money, avoid stress, or stay hands-on with the process? Each planning option—whether it’s doing it yourself, hiring a wedding planner, working with a tour operator, or a combination of approaches—has its own set of pros and cons, tailored to different needs. It won’t take long to discover which method feels right for you, but remember, sometimes a blend of options can be the best fit.

Need help navigating your options? Picking the right wedding planner is crucial. Our Wedding Planner Essential Guide walks you through the different types of wedding planners and helps you choose the one that’s right for you. 

Download our Wedding Planner Essential Guide Here

Step 8 - Select the Right Suppliers to Bring Your Vision to Life

Choosing the right suppliers is key to bringing your destination wedding vision to life. Whether you decide to work with a tour operator, a wedding planner, or individual suppliers, it’s important to select companies that align with your needs, style, and budget.

Take the time to research and follow our tips on how to choose trusted suppliers who can deliver the best services for your big day, ensuring everything runs smoothly and meets your expectations.

Guide to Indian Wedding in Spain

Top Tip: Your All-in-One Digital Toolkit for Stress-Free Planning

Get your all-in-one digital toolkit to plan your dream destination wedding! Our Success Bundle includes step-by-step planning guides, editable budgets & checklists, expert advice, insider tips, and a supportive community of like-minded couples—everything you need to choose the right suppliers and make your planning process stress-free and enjoyable.

Step 9 - Work Out the Details – Craft Your Perfect Wedding Day

Now that the big decisions are made, it’s time to focus on the finer details. This step is all about refining the structure and flow of your day. Start by selecting your wedding venues—from the ceremony location to the reception spot—and think about how you want your day to unfold.

Will it be a relaxed, intimate gathering, or a larger celebration? Do you want a formal timeline, or a more laid-back approach? Consider your ceremony, reception, and any additional events such as pre-wedding gatherings, post-wedding brunches, or excursions for your guests. The more detailed your plan, the smoother your wedding day will be.

Regina & Joel’s Wedding in Croatia.

Top Tip: Create a Simple Wedding Day Timeline Early On

Even a basic timeline can help bring clarity to your planning and prevent last-minute stress. Start by mapping out the key moments—like your ceremony, dinner, speeches, and dancing—then build around them. Share your schedule with suppliers and your wedding party early so everyone’s on the same page and your day flows smoothly.

Step 10 - Just In Case – Protect Your Plans with Wedding Abroad Insurance

After all the effort you’ve put into planning your dream destination wedding, it’s important to protect it. We strongly recommend arranging wedding abroad insurance early in the process. From unexpected travel issues to supplier cancellations or extreme weather, insurance provides peace of mind that you’re covered if something doesn’t go to plan.

It might not be the most exciting part of wedding planning—but it’s one of the smartest.

Connie & Rich’s Wedding in Lefkas.

Top Tip: Don’t Leave It to Chance – Get Covered Early

The earlier you take out wedding abroad insurance, the more protection you’ll have as your plans take shape. Look for a policy that covers, cancellations, extreme weather, and supplier issues—especially if you’re paying deposits in advance. It’s a small investment for major peace of mind.

Make Planning Easier – Download Our FREE Wedding Planning Checklist

No matter where you are in the planning process, our essential wedding planning checklist will help you stay organised and on track. From early inspiration to last-minute details, this free tool is designed to simplify your destination wedding journey.

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A Personal Note:

From my experience, I’d like to offer one little piece of advice…”The planning phase can be just as exciting as your wedding day itself… it definitely lasts a lot longer, so make the most of it and really enjoy it”.

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