{"id":22276,"date":"2026-07-27T16:14:52","date_gmt":"2026-07-27T14:14:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vavril.fr\/countries-wedding-abroad-comparison\/"},"modified":"2026-10-28T22:20:43","modified_gmt":"2026-10-28T21:20:43","slug":"countries-wedding-abroad-comparison","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vavril.fr\/en\/countries-wedding-abroad-comparison\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Places to Get Married Abroad: 8 Countries Compared"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-1 fusion-flex-container nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:1248px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-0 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:0px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-1\"><p>For a real wedding weekend abroad, our first pick is France, ahead of Italy, Portugal, Greece, Spain, Croatia, Ireland and Mexico. Here is how the eight countries compare on budget, legal ceremony, best months, flight times and atmosphere.<\/p>\n<p>All eight are beautiful, so beauty is rarely what decides it. The questions that make a wedding abroad easy or exhausting are more practical. Can you marry legally there, or will the ceremony be symbolic? How long will your grandparents sit on a plane? Will it be 36\u00b0C at the hour of your vows? Where will sixty people sleep, and how will they get back after midnight? We have answered those questions country by country, with legal rules and travel facts checked against official sources this autumn, so you can narrow the list to two countries in an evening.<\/p>\n<p>One word of transparency: we are a wedding venue in France, so read our first pick with that in mind. We have tried to make the case on facts you can check yourself.<\/p>\n<p><strong>In short<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>France<\/strong> is our first pick for a private, multi-day estate weekend: about 1h30 from London to Lyon, excellent food and wine, and a symbolic ceremony on the day, because the legal wedding is usually done at home.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Italy, Portugal, Greece, Croatia, Ireland and Mexico<\/strong> let non-resident British and American couples marry legally, with paperwork and lead times that vary (Ireland requires three months&#8217; notice).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Spain<\/strong> requires one partner to live in Spain or be Spanish for a civil wedding, so most foreign couples hold a symbolic ceremony there.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Best months<\/strong> for most of Europe are May, June and September. For Mexico&#8217;s Caribbean coast, aim for December to April, outside hurricane season.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Budget signal<\/strong>: American couples spent $43,700 on average on an international destination wedding in The Knot&#8217;s latest Real Weddings Study, and foreign couples marrying in Italy spent around \u20ac67,000 per wedding in 2025.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>Updated October 2026.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2>How we compared the eight countries<\/h2>\n<p>We looked at each country through the five things that shape a wedding abroad far more than the view from the terrace:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The legal route<\/strong> for British and American couples who do not live there: legal wedding on the day, or legal wedding at home and a symbolic ceremony abroad.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Guest travel<\/strong>: typical nonstop flight times from London and New York, and the transfer once you land.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Weather<\/strong> in the usual wedding months: heat, wind, rain, storms.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Costs<\/strong>: published averages where a credible survey exists, and a relative cost level where it does not.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The weekend factor<\/strong>: how easily the country lends itself to three days with everyone together, which is what most weddings abroad become.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This is a planning guide, not legal advice. Rules change, and town halls and registrars interpret them. British couples should start with the UK government&#8217;s guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/marriages-civil-partnerships-abroad\">getting married abroad<\/a>: documents such as a certificate of no impediment are now requested through an online Foreign Office service. American couples will find the general rules on the <a href=\"https:\/\/travel.state.gov\/en\/international-travel\/living-abroad\/marriage.html\">US State Department&#8217;s marriage abroad page<\/a>, which notes that some couples marry legally in the United States before or after their ceremony abroad.<\/p>\n<h2>The eight countries at a glance<\/h2>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Country<\/th>\n<th>Legal wedding for UK and US non-residents?<\/th>\n<th>Best months<\/th>\n<th>Nonstop from London<\/th>\n<th>Nonstop from New York<\/th>\n<th>Cost level<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>France<\/td>\n<td>Not in practice (one-month residence rule): symbolic ceremony is the norm<\/td>\n<td>May, June, September, early October<\/td>\n<td>Lyon about 1h30, Paris about 1h15 (or Eurostar)<\/td>\n<td>Paris about 7h; no nonstop to Lyon<\/td>\n<td>\u20ac\u20ac in the countryside<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Italy<\/td>\n<td>Yes, with Nulla Osta (UK) or sworn declarations (US)<\/td>\n<td>May, June, September, October<\/td>\n<td>Rome about 2h30, Milan about 2h<\/td>\n<td>Rome about 8h30, Milan about 8h<\/td>\n<td>\u20ac\u20ac\u20ac\u20ac in the famous spots<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Portugal<\/td>\n<td>Yes, through the civil registry; allow one to two months<\/td>\n<td>May, June, September, October<\/td>\n<td>Lisbon about 2h40, Faro about 2h45<\/td>\n<td>Lisbon about 6h45<\/td>\n<td>\u20ac\u20ac<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Greece<\/td>\n<td>Yes, civil or Greek Orthodox<\/td>\n<td>May, June, September, early October<\/td>\n<td>Athens about 3h45<\/td>\n<td>Athens about 9h30<\/td>\n<td>\u20ac\u20ac\u20ac on the islands<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Spain<\/td>\n<td>No, unless one partner lives in Spain or is Spanish<\/td>\n<td>April to June, September, October<\/td>\n<td>Madrid about 2h20, M\u00e1laga about 2h45<\/td>\n<td>Madrid about 7h<\/td>\n<td>\u20ac\u20ac<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Croatia<\/td>\n<td>Yes, 30 to 45 days after giving notice<\/td>\n<td>June, September<\/td>\n<td>Split about 2h30, Dubrovnik about 2h45<\/td>\n<td>Summer only, from Newark<\/td>\n<td>\u20ac\u20ac<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Ireland<\/td>\n<td>Yes, with three months&#8217; notice<\/td>\n<td>May to September<\/td>\n<td>Dublin about 1h20<\/td>\n<td>Dublin about 6h30<\/td>\n<td>\u20ac\u20ac\u20ac<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Mexico<\/td>\n<td>Yes (civil only), rules vary by state<\/td>\n<td>December to April<\/td>\n<td>Canc\u00fan about 11h<\/td>\n<td>Canc\u00fan about 4h15<\/td>\n<td>\u20ac\u20ac with resort packages<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>Flight times are typical nonstop durations, rounded, from the main London and New York airports; schedules change by season, so check before you send save-the-dates. The cost level is our own relative reading of venue, catering and guest costs, not a survey.<\/p>\n<h3>What couples actually spend<\/h3>\n<p>There is no reliable survey of wedding costs by destination country for British couples, and we would rather not invent one. Here are the most credible recent figures we could find, with what each one really measures.<\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Source<\/th>\n<th>Who it measures<\/th>\n<th>Average spend<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>The Knot Real Weddings Study (latest edition)<\/td>\n<td>US couples married in 2025<\/td>\n<td>$43,700 for an international destination wedding, against $32,600 for a hometown wedding<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theknotww.com\/press-releases\/the-average-cost-of-a-wedding-in-2026-around-21990-according-to-hitched\">Hitched annual report<\/a><\/td>\n<td>UK couples married in 2025<\/td>\n<td>\u00a321,990 (\u00a3272 per guest)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.enit.it\/en\/wedding-and-luxury-in-italy\/\">Destination Wedding in Italy Observatory<\/a><\/td>\n<td>Foreign couples marrying in Italy, 2025 data<\/td>\n<td>About \u20ac67,000 per wedding, nearly 17,000 weddings<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Mariages.net annual report<\/td>\n<td>French couples married in 2025<\/td>\n<td>\u20ac19,293 (\u20ac215 per guest)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Bodas.net annual report<\/td>\n<td>Spanish couples married in 2025<\/td>\n<td>\u20ac25,183<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>weddingsonline.ie survey (2025)<\/td>\n<td>Irish couples<\/td>\n<td>\u20ac34,392<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>Local averages are what residents spend at home. They are a useful signal of price levels for venues and suppliers, not a quote for your wedding abroad, which adds travel, accommodation and often more nights. We found no credible recent average for Croatia, Mexico or Portugal, so we use relative levels for those.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>1. France: best overall for a real wedding weekend<\/h2>\n<p>France is often reduced to two images in English-speaking wedding conversations: Paris, which is expensive, and the Riviera, which is also expensive. The France that works best for a wedding weekend is elsewhere, in the countryside estates of Burgundy, Beaujolais, Provence, the Loire or the south-west, where you can hire a whole property with its rooms for several days.<\/p>\n<p>That format is the real strength of France. Guests arrive on Thursday or Friday, there is a relaxed dinner, a day by the pool, the wedding itself, and a long brunch before anyone leaves. Nobody spends the weekend in taxis between scattered hotels. Our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/vavril.fr\/en\/wedding-venues-france-by-region\/\">wedding venues in France by region<\/a> compares styles, budgets and seasons from one region to the next, and our comparison of <a href=\"https:\/\/vavril.fr\/en\/authentic-vs-commercial-french-wedding-venues-compared\/\">authentic and commercial French venues<\/a> helps you tell a family estate from a purely commercial venue. For more ideas, see our pick of <a href=\"https:\/\/vavril.fr\/en\/fairytale-wedding-venues-french-vineyards-edition\/\">fairytale venues in French vineyards<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>The legal side: why most couples choose a symbolic ceremony<\/h3>\n<p>To marry legally in France, one of you (or one of your parents) must have lived continuously in the commune for at least one month by the time the banns are published, and the banns are then displayed for ten days. The civil ceremony takes place at the town hall and must come before any religious ceremony. For British nationals, the UK no longer issues a certificate of no impediment for France: you complete a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/self-declaration-form-for-marriage-or-civil-partnership-pacs-in-france\">self-declaration form<\/a> instead. American citizens use the attestation provided by the <a href=\"https:\/\/fr.usembassy.gov\/services\/marriage-and-civil-partnerships-pacs-in-france\/\">US Embassy in France<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>In practice, almost no couple flying in for a wedding can meet the residence rule. So the usual route is simple: a legal wedding at home (register office, courthouse or city hall), then a symbolic ceremony in France, in the garden, with everyone present. No banns, no translations, and you write the ceremony yourselves. We explain each route in detail for <a href=\"https:\/\/vavril.fr\/en\/getting-married-france-uk-citizen-legal-requirements-practical-tips\/\">British couples<\/a> and for <a href=\"https:\/\/vavril.fr\/en\/legal-requirements-us-citizens-marrying-in-france\/\">American couples<\/a>, and what a <a href=\"https:\/\/vavril.fr\/en\/certificat-de-coutume-us-uk-canadian-brides\/\">certificat de coutume<\/a> is if you do want to marry at the mairie.<\/p>\n<h3>Getting there<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>From the UK<\/strong>: about 1h30 from London to Lyon, or Eurostar to Paris (about 2h20) and a TGV to Lyon (about 2h).<\/li>\n<li><strong>From the US<\/strong>: there is no nonstop from New York to Lyon, so most guests fly to Paris (about 7h) and take the TGV from Charles de Gaulle, or connect through a European hub.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Once in Lyon<\/strong>: the Beaujolais estates are about an hour&#8217;s drive from the city and a little more from the airport.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Costs<\/h3>\n<p>Paris and the C\u00f4te d&#8217;Azur are priced like any world capital or resort. Countryside estates are often better value than they look, because the price usually covers several days and many beds. As a concrete example, at Domaine de Vavril in Beaujolais, turnkey weddings start from \u20ac17,700 including VAT, rooms extra: that covers the venue for four days, cocktail and dinner for 70 guests, a DJ and a photographer. Venue hire only starts from \u20ac8,800 including VAT from November to March, rooms included. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/vavril.fr\/en\/french-wedding-venue-prices\/\">guide to what \u20ac15K, \u20ac30K and \u20ac50K buy in France<\/a> and our <a href=\"https:\/\/vavril.fr\/en\/french-vineyard-wedding-costs-complete-budget-guide\/\">French vineyard wedding budget guide<\/a> go into the detail.<\/p>\n<h3>Making the most of the weekend<\/h3>\n<p>A French wedding weekend leaves time for more than the wedding day. Many couples add a <a href=\"https:\/\/vavril.fr\/en\/how-to-incorporate-wine-tastings-into-your-wedding-weekend\/\">wine tasting<\/a> on the Friday or <a href=\"https:\/\/vavril.fr\/en\/wine-tours-for-wedding-guests\/\">wine tours for their guests<\/a>, plan a few <a href=\"https:\/\/vavril.fr\/en\/wine-country-wedding-guest-activities-and-entertainment\/\">activities for the days around the wedding<\/a>, and borrow from <a href=\"https:\/\/vavril.fr\/en\/french-wedding-traditions-explained\/\">French wedding traditions<\/a>, from the vin d&#8217;honneur to the croquembouche. For the setting itself, our ideas on <a href=\"https:\/\/vavril.fr\/en\/rustic-vineyard-wedding-decor-ideas-that-actually-work\/\">rustic vineyard decor<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/vavril.fr\/en\/winery-wedding-reception-planning-tips-and-ideas\/\">winery receptions<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/vavril.fr\/en\/stunning-outdoor-vineyard-wedding-ideas-for-every-season\/\">outdoor vineyard weddings in every season<\/a> are a good starting point. Our overview of <a href=\"https:\/\/vavril.fr\/en\/wedding-planning-in-france\/\">wedding planning in France<\/a> sets out the timeline, and if you are weighing outside help, we look at whether <a href=\"https:\/\/vavril.fr\/en\/is-hiring-a-french-wedding-planner-really-worth-it\/\">hiring a French wedding planner is worth it<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Exclusive-use estates with rooms for many of your guests<\/li>\n<li>Food and wine at the heart of every meal, whatever the budget<\/li>\n<li>One of the shortest trips for British guests, with a train-only option via Eurostar and TGV<\/li>\n<li>Huge variety: vineyards, <a href=\"https:\/\/vavril.fr\/en\/chateau-wedding-france-real-venues-prices-trade-offs\/\">ch\u00e2teaux<\/a>, lavender, mountains, coast<\/li>\n<li>Mild weather in May, June and September<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A legal wedding is out of reach for most non-residents<\/li>\n<li>Paris and the Riviera are expensive in high season<\/li>\n<li>July and August can bring heatwaves; Lyon&#8217;s average high is about 28\u00b0C<\/li>\n<li>Few nonstop flights from the US outside Paris and Nice<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Best months<\/strong>: May, June, September and early October.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Best for<\/strong>: couples who want a private, fully hosted weekend where guests actually get to know each other. If that is what you picture, our guides to <a href=\"https:\/\/vavril.fr\/en\/vineyard-wedding-france\/\">vineyard weddings in France<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/vavril.fr\/en\/wedding-venues-lyon-beaujolais\/\">wedding venues near Lyon and in the Beaujolais<\/a> are good next reads, along with the <a href=\"https:\/\/vavril.fr\/en\/best-photography-locations-around-domaine-de-vavril-you-shouldnt-miss\/\">best photo spots around Domaine de Vavril<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>2. Italy: the most iconic, with prices to match in the famous spots<\/h2>\n<p>Lake Como, Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, Puglia: Italy is the country most couples picture first, and Italy knows it. The Destination Wedding in Italy Observatory counted nearly 17,000 weddings of foreign couples in 2025, with an average budget of around \u20ac67,000 per event. Americans account for the largest share of enquiries, followed by the British.<\/p>\n<h3>The legal side<\/h3>\n<p>Non-residents can marry legally in Italy, and the banns are usually waived or shortened. British nationals need a Nulla Osta, applied for through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/nulla-osta-application-pack-for-marriages-in-italy\">UK government&#8217;s Italy marriage pack<\/a>. American citizens swear a declaration (Dichiarazione Giurata) at a US consulate in Italy, which is then legalised by the local prefecture, and also need an Atto Notorio, sworn at an Italian consulate in the US or before a court in Italy, as the <a href=\"https:\/\/it.usembassy.gov\/getting-married-in-italy\/\">US Embassy in Italy<\/a> explains. Foreign documents must carry an apostille and an Italian translation. A Catholic wedding can be registered with civil effect; other faiths usually need a civil ceremony as well. Plan to be in Italy several days before the wedding, and expect town halls to be booked up in May, June and September.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Extraordinary settings when you choose the right villa or lake<\/li>\n<li>A deep bench of historic venues and experienced suppliers<\/li>\n<li>A legal wedding is achievable with organisation<\/li>\n<li>Guests tend to say yes to Italy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The best-known areas are expensive and crowded in summer<\/li>\n<li>Paperwork for a civil ceremony takes time, especially for Americans<\/li>\n<li>Strict noise curfews at some villas<\/li>\n<li>Guest accommodation is often spread across several hotels<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Best months<\/strong>: May, June, September and October. July and August are hot and busy.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Best for<\/strong>: couples who want a cinematic setting and are ready to invest in it.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>3. Portugal: the best value in Western Europe<\/h2>\n<p>Portugal has grown steadily as a wedding destination. Prices are still gentler than in Italy or the south of France, the food is excellent, and flights are short and plentiful: Lisbon, Porto and Faro are each well under three hours from London, and Lisbon under seven hours from New York. Settings range from Douro vineyards to Sintra palaces, Alentejo estates and Algarve cliffs.<\/p>\n<h3>The legal side<\/h3>\n<p>Residence is not a requirement, as the <a href=\"https:\/\/pt.usembassy.gov\/marriage-in-portugal\/\">US Embassy in Portugal<\/a> confirms. The file goes through the Portuguese civil registry: birth certificates issued less than six months before, with an apostille and a Portuguese translation, plus proof that you are free to marry (for Americans, a statement sworn at the US Embassy in Lisbon). Start at least a month or two ahead, as the licence usually takes several weeks. Catholic weddings have civil effect. British couples should check the documents Portugal asks of them through the gov.uk service.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Strong value for money<\/li>\n<li>Reliable sunshine from late spring to autumn<\/li>\n<li>Very easy for English-speaking guests<\/li>\n<li>A good mix of coast, countryside and city venues<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Some venues feel more holiday rental than historic estate<\/li>\n<li>The best places book early<\/li>\n<li>Algarve heat in July and August<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Best months<\/strong>: May, June, September and October.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Best for<\/strong>: couples who want European sun and style at a sensible price. If a vineyard setting is what draws you, compare with our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/vavril.fr\/en\/sustainable-wedding-venues-in-french-vineyards\/\">sustainable wedding venues in French vineyards<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1500530855697-b586d89ba3ee?auto=format&amp;fit=crop&amp;w=1600&amp;q=70\" alt=\"Portugal coastal wedding view\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>4. Greece: sunsets and islands, with a word on wind<\/h2>\n<p>Greece is not one place. Santorini is not Crete, Mykonos is not Paros, and the mainland is another story again. Some islands are a single short flight away; others depend on ferry timetables that look fine until the wind rises. Planned well, Greece delivers what couples come for: a sunset ceremony, sea air and long dinners outdoors.<\/p>\n<h3>The legal side<\/h3>\n<p>Non-residents can marry in Greece, either at the town hall or in a Greek Orthodox church, whose religious ceremony is legally valid on its own. The <a href=\"https:\/\/gr.usembassy.gov\/getting-married-in-greece\/\">US Embassy in Greece<\/a> notes that you do not need to reside in Greece; Americans swear an affidavit at the embassy in Athens, then have it authenticated by the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Birth certificates need an apostille and a Greek translation, the marriage licence usually takes about a week, and the marriage must be registered locally afterwards. British couples apply for their documents through the gov.uk service.<\/p>\n<h3>Wind and heat<\/h3>\n<p>The meltemi, the dry northerly wind of the Aegean, blows from about mid-May to mid-September and is strongest in July and August. It can lift a veil, topple an arch or cancel a ferry. Add midsummer heat, and you see why June and September are the sweet spots.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Spectacular light and sea views<\/li>\n<li>Wonderful for smaller weddings<\/li>\n<li>A strong culture of hospitality<\/li>\n<li>A legal wedding is possible<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Island logistics add time and risk for guests<\/li>\n<li>Wind can upset outdoor set-ups<\/li>\n<li>July and August heat, and few nonstop flights to the islands from the US<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Best months<\/strong>: May, June, September and early October.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Best for<\/strong>: small to mid-sized weddings that want maximum atmosphere.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1500375592092-40eb2168fd21?auto=format&amp;fit=crop&amp;w=1600&amp;q=70\" alt=\"Greek island wedding terrace\" \/><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>5. Spain: the best party, with a symbolic ceremony<\/h2>\n<p>Spanish weddings feel like a celebration rather than a formal event: late dinners, music, a dance floor that is still full at two in the morning. Andalusia, Mallorca, Catalonia and the green north all have strong venues, and Spain is one of the easiest countries for European guests to reach, with frequent flights to Madrid, Barcelona, M\u00e1laga and Palma.<\/p>\n<h3>The legal side<\/h3>\n<p>This is Spain&#8217;s main limit for foreign couples. The UK government&#8217;s guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/getting-married-in-spain\">getting married in Spain<\/a> is clear: you or your partner must live in Spain or be a Spanish national. The marriage file is handled by the civil registry where one of you lives. For most British and American couples, that means a legal wedding at home and a symbolic ceremony in Spain.<\/p>\n<h3>Heat<\/h3>\n<p>Inland Andalusia is seriously hot in summer: Seville&#8217;s average high in July is about 36\u00b0C (Spanish meteorological agency). Coastal and northern venues are kinder, but spring and autumn are the safest choices.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Great food and a natural party atmosphere<\/li>\n<li>Huge variety of venues<\/li>\n<li>Often good value outside the hotspots (Spanish couples spend \u20ac25,183 on average)<\/li>\n<li>Very easy travel from the UK<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>No civil wedding for non-residents<\/li>\n<li>Scorching inland summers<\/li>\n<li>Late timings can tire older guests<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Best months<\/strong>: April, May, June, September and October, depending on the region.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Best for<\/strong>: couples who want a big celebration that goes on late.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1545239351-1141bd82e8a6?auto=format&amp;fit=crop&amp;w=1600&amp;q=70\" alt=\"Spanish courtyard wedding dinner\" \/><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>6. Croatia: the most striking coast for the money<\/h2>\n<p>Croatia still surprises guests. The Dalmatian coast, the islands and the walled old towns of Dubrovnik, Split, Hvar or Kor\u010dula look extraordinary, and costs are generally below the best-known spots of Italy and France. The catch is logistics and crowds: Croatia counted 25 million tourist nights in commercial accommodation in July 2025 alone, according to its national statistics office, so high summer is busy everywhere on the coast.<\/p>\n<h3>The legal side<\/h3>\n<p>Non-residents can marry in Croatia. According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/gov.hr\/en\/entry-into-marriage\/678\">Croatian government<\/a>, the ceremony is normally set 30 to 45 days after you declare your intention to marry, and no later than 90 days. British nationals obtain a certificate of no impediment from the British Embassy, as set out in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/croatia-marriage-pack\">UK government&#8217;s Croatia marriage pack<\/a>; Americans swear an affidavit at the US Embassy in Zagreb. Birth certificates must be recent (less than three months old for Croatian registrars), apostilled and translated by a sworn translator, and an interpreter attends the ceremony if needed.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Spectacular coastline and old towns<\/li>\n<li>Strong value for the setting<\/li>\n<li>Lively summer atmosphere<\/li>\n<li>A legal wedding is possible<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Nonstop flights from New York run in summer only<\/li>\n<li>Ferries and transfers between islands<\/li>\n<li>July and August are crowded<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Best months<\/strong>: June and September.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Best for<\/strong>: couples who want a coastal Mediterranean feel without Italian hotspot prices.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>7. Ireland: castles, country houses and three months&#8217; notice<\/h2>\n<p>Ireland is for couples who want warmth of welcome rather than guaranteed sunshine. Think open fires, stone manor houses, castles and a pub the night before. The culture already lends itself to a whole weekend together, and for British guests it is one of the shortest trips on this list: about 1h20 from London to Dublin, and around 6h30 from New York.<\/p>\n<h3>The legal side<\/h3>\n<p>Non-residents can marry legally in Ireland, but Irish law requires everyone, residents or not, to give at least three months&#8217; notice to a registrar of the Civil Registration Service, as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizensinformation.ie\/en\/birth-family-relationships\/getting-married\/notification-requirements-for-marriage\/\">Citizens Information<\/a> explains. The non-refundable fee is \u20ac200. If you live abroad, the registrar can allow notice by post, but you must still meet the registrar in person at least five days before the wedding to sign the declaration. Civil, religious and secular ceremonies are all possible with a registered solemniser (see the <a href=\"https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/services\/births-deaths-and-marriages\/getting-married\/how\/\">HSE guide<\/a>). Ireland is outside the Schengen area, and under the Common Travel Area British citizens do not legally need a passport, although airlines ask for photo ID.<\/p>\n<h3>Weather<\/h3>\n<p>Rain is part of the deal: Met \u00c9ireann records 1,000 to 1,400 mm a year in the west and 750 to 1,000 mm in the east, with April and May usually the driest months. Plan the day around a strong indoor option and treat any sunshine as a bonus.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Historic castles and country houses<\/li>\n<li>Sociable, warm guest experience<\/li>\n<li>Short and easy for British guests, close to the US East Coast<\/li>\n<li>English-speaking suppliers and a legal wedding on the day<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Unpredictable weather in every season<\/li>\n<li>Venue fees can be high (Irish couples spend \u20ac34,392 on average)<\/li>\n<li>Some venues are remote<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Best months<\/strong>: May to September, with layers in the car.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Best for<\/strong>: couples who want a storybook setting and a relaxed, sociable weekend.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1519681393784-d120267933ba?auto=format&amp;fit=crop&amp;w=1600&amp;q=70\" alt=\"Irish castle wedding venue exterior\" \/><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>8. Mexico: resort simplicity for big North American guest lists<\/h2>\n<p>Mexico earns its place because, for many American and Canadian couples, it is the easiest way to host 60 to 150 guests without reinventing anything. Resorts on the Riviera Maya host weddings all year round, packages are clear, and Canc\u00fan is about four hours from New York. It is not one mood either: a resort wedding near Tulum feels nothing like a colonial courtyard in San Miguel de Allende. For British guests, though, it is a long-haul trip of about eleven hours.<\/p>\n<h3>The legal side<\/h3>\n<p>Foreigners marrying each other in Mexico are not subject to a residence requirement, according to the <a href=\"https:\/\/mx.usembassy.gov\/marriage\/\">US Embassy in Mexico<\/a>, but they must be physically present and the rules differ from one state to the next. Expect apostilled birth certificates translated by an official translator in Mexico, witnesses, and in some states a prenuptial medical certificate or blood test taken locally. Only the civil ceremony is legally binding; a religious ceremony alone is not. Many resort couples therefore marry legally at home and keep the beach ceremony symbolic.<\/p>\n<h3>Hurricane season<\/h3>\n<p>The Atlantic hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November, with most activity between mid-August and mid-October, according to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhc.noaa.gov\/climo\/\">US National Hurricane Center<\/a>. December to April is the safe window for the Caribbean coast.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Very streamlined planning with resort packages<\/li>\n<li>Handles large guest counts easily<\/li>\n<li>Short flights from the US and Canada<\/li>\n<li>Guests can turn it into a holiday<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Resort weddings can feel generic without personal touches<\/li>\n<li>Package upgrades add up quickly<\/li>\n<li>Hurricane season covers half the year<\/li>\n<li>A long journey for European guests<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Best months<\/strong>: December to April.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Best for<\/strong>: couples with a large North American guest list who want sun and simplicity.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>What your guests need at the border<\/h2>\n<p>Border rules for travellers to Europe have changed, and guests will ask. As of October 2026:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Schengen countries<\/strong> (France, Italy, Portugal, Greece, Spain, Croatia): the EU&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/home-affairs.ec.europa.eu\/news\/new-entryexit-system-went-live-12-october-2025-10-13_en\">Entry\/Exit System<\/a> has been fully operational at external borders since April 2026. British and American visitors register their fingerprints and photo on their first entry, so allow extra time at passport control. The 90 days in any 180 rule still applies.<\/li>\n<li><strong>ETIAS<\/strong>, the future EU travel authorisation, is <a href=\"https:\/\/travel-europe.europa.eu\/en\/etias\">not yet in operation<\/a>. The EU will announce the start date several months in advance, and the official fee will be \u20ac20. Guests should not pay unofficial websites for it.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ireland<\/strong> is outside Schengen and the Entry\/Exit System; see the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/foreign-travel-advice\/ireland\/entry-requirements\">UK travel advice for Ireland<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mexico<\/strong> does not require a visa from British or American tourists; Quintana Roo, where Canc\u00fan is, charges visitors an entry tax.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How to choose: five quick filters<\/h2>\n<h3>If you want the easiest guest experience<\/h3>\n<p>Look for a major airport within about an hour, accommodation on site or in one place, and a mild month. Countryside France near Lyon, Ireland and Portugal score best here. A venue with rooms solves half the weekend by itself: no shuttles at midnight, everyone at breakfast. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/vavril.fr\/en\/vineyard-wedding-venue-checklist-what-to-look-for\/\">venue checklist<\/a> lists what to ask.<\/p>\n<h3>If you want the most striking photographs<\/h3>\n<p>Italy and Greece still lead, but you pay for it in money, logistics or both. Croatia is the quieter alternative, and a French vineyard at golden hour holds its own.<\/p>\n<h3>If you want the best value without giving up Europe<\/h3>\n<p>Portugal often wins, Spain too depending on the region, and countryside France does well once you count the nights and beds included. A clear <a href=\"https:\/\/vavril.fr\/en\/wedding-budget-breakdown-where-to-spend-and-where-to-save\/\">wedding budget breakdown<\/a> helps you compare like with like.<\/p>\n<h3>If it is just the two of you<\/h3>\n<p>Without guests to fly in, the legal and logistical constraints shrink and the choice becomes a matter of mood. Our guide to the <a href=\"https:\/\/vavril.fr\/en\/best-european-destinations-for-romantic-elopements\/\">best European destinations for romantic elopements<\/a> compares the options.<\/p>\n<h3>If you want to be legally married on the day<\/h3>\n<p>Choose Italy, Portugal, Greece, Croatia, Ireland or Mexico, and start the paperwork three to six months ahead (at least three months for Ireland). Everywhere else, and for most couples in practice, the simplest route has two steps:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Marry legally at home: register office, courthouse or city hall, with a few close family members.<\/li>\n<li>Hold the ceremony everyone will remember abroad, with all your guests.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>It sounds less romantic written down. In real life, the ceremony your guests witness in the garden is the one that feels like the wedding, and you avoid residence rules, document deadlines and last-minute translations.<\/p>\n<p>If you are still torn between two countries, pick your month first, then the style of venue, then the country that makes those two choices easiest. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/vavril.fr\/en\/complete-wedding-planning-checklist-for-overseas-weddings\/\">planning checklist for overseas weddings<\/a> takes it from there.<\/p>\n<h2>Why France comes first for us<\/h2>\n<p>Set side by side, the facts point to France for one specific kind of wedding: a private weekend with your people, rather than a single evening at a resort.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Travel<\/strong>: about 1h30 from London to Lyon, or no plane at all via Eurostar and TGV, and a single TGV ride from Paris for Americans.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Legal<\/strong>: no paperwork stress in France itself, because the symbolic ceremony is the norm and entirely yours to shape.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Format<\/strong>: estates that you hire whole, with rooms, for three or four days.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Weather<\/strong>: dependable months in May, June and September, without island wind or Andalusian heat.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Food and wine<\/strong>: a daily pleasure for guests, from the welcome dinner to the farewell brunch.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/vavril.fr\/en\/\">Domaine de Vavril<\/a> is one example of that format, and one that <a href=\"https:\/\/vavril.fr\/brides-magazine-octobre-2016-best-place-to-get-married-in-france\/\">Brides magazine<\/a> listed among places to get married in France. It is an 18th-century manor house above Beaujeu, in the Beaujolais, north of Lyon, facing the vineyards. From April to October it hosts one wedding at a time: the whole estate is yours for three nights and four days, Thursday to Sunday or Friday to Monday. Its stone reception rooms include a main hall seating up to 150 guests for dinner (120 with a dance floor), the gardens look over the vines, the pool is heated, and 41 guests sleep on site. The Domaine also makes its own wine, which you can add to your estimate.<\/p>\n<p>For couples planning from abroad, the Domaine has selected and negotiated a team of local suppliers (catering, music and DJ, photography, video, hair and make-up, flowers and decoration), brought together in one quote, with one contact, Adeline, who looks after events at the Domaine. You will find the details on our <a href=\"https:\/\/vavril.fr\/en\/destination-wedding\/\">destination wedding page<\/a>, the rooms and spaces on our <a href=\"https:\/\/vavril.fr\/en\/weddings\/\">weddings page<\/a>, and on our <a href=\"https:\/\/vavril.fr\/en\/wedding-pricing\/\">wedding pricing page<\/a> an online estimate in a few minutes, with your month&#8217;s availability checked in real time and no commitment.<\/p>\n<h2>FAQ<\/h2>\n<h3>What is the easiest country to get married in abroad?<\/h3>\n<p>Legally, Italy, Portugal, Greece, Croatia, Ireland and Mexico all accept non-resident British and American couples, with paperwork that takes from a few weeks to three months. In practice, the easiest route for most couples is to marry legally at home and hold a symbolic ceremony abroad, which works in any country, including France and Spain.<\/p>\n<h3>Can British citizens get married legally in France?<\/h3>\n<p>Only if one partner, or one of their parents, has lived continuously in the French commune for at least a month before the banns are published, followed by ten days of banns. Few couples who live in the UK can meet that rule, so most marry at a UK register office and hold a symbolic ceremony in France. The UK no longer issues a certificate of no impediment for France; a self-declaration form replaces it.<\/p>\n<h3>How much does a wedding abroad cost?<\/h3>\n<p>American couples spent $43,700 on average on an international destination wedding in The Knot&#8217;s latest study, and foreign couples marrying in Italy spent around \u20ac67,000 in 2025. Costs depend above all on the country, the region, the number of guests and how many nights you host. In the French countryside, turnkey weddings at Domaine de Vavril start from \u20ac17,700 including VAT for 70 guests, rooms extra.<\/p>\n<h3>What is the best month to get married in Europe?<\/h3>\n<p>May, June and September suit most of Europe: warm without the peak heat, crowds and wind of July and August. Early October works well in France, Italy, Portugal and Greece. Ireland is at its driest in April and May.<\/p>\n<h3>How far ahead should we book a wedding abroad?<\/h3>\n<p>Twelve to eighteen months is a comfortable lead time for a popular venue in May, June or September. Legal paperwork usually needs three to six months, and Ireland requires at least three months&#8217; notice. Send save-the-dates as soon as the venue is confirmed, so guests can book flights early.<\/p>\n<h3>Do we need to marry at home if our ceremony abroad is symbolic?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes. A symbolic ceremony has no legal value on its own, so you marry legally at home, before or after the trip. Many couples do it a few days or weeks before, with a handful of close family, and keep the big moment for the ceremony abroad.<\/p>\n<\/div><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"@type\": \"FAQPage\", \"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What is the easiest country to get married in abroad?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Legally, Italy, Portugal, Greece, Croatia, Ireland and Mexico all accept non-resident British and American couples, with paperwork that takes from a few weeks to three months. 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