Pros & cons

Thinking about marrying abroad? Weigh up your options here...

Pros

• You can celebrate your special day in an exotic, unusual location, with different food, flowers and music to complement your wedding.
• Getting married abroad is generally less expensive than the average British wedding. Many couples buy their own tickets and, while the bride's family may pay for the wedding package, it's acceptable for guests to pay their own way.
• You can invite just a small handful of family and friends to the wedding, so you’re only with people that you really want to celebrate with.
• Alternatively, you can jet off alone and get married in a romantic, private ceremony.
• If you book through a travel operator, they'll do practically all the organising, leaving you plenty of time for dress shopping and planning your honeymoon!
• If you’d rather be totally involved in the planning process, you can opt for a tailor-made wedding.

Cons

• Friends and family might not be able to afford to travel abroad, or be able take the time to go further afield.
• You might upset people who’ve been left off your list -- but you can ease any disappointment by having a big bash when you get home.
• You won't have as much control over the organising as you would at home.
• You might end up regretting not inviting family members if you jet off alone.
• If it's just the two of you, you’ll need to rope in a stranger to act as witness.
• Even if you head for tropical climes, you can't guarantee sunny weather.

Unless you head off for a second week somewhere else, you might be stuck on honeymoon with your friends and family!

To find out more see Getting married abroad