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1 Getting Married Abroad

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2 Getting Married Abroad

CONTENTS

Foreword ........................................................................................................................................................................ 3

Why Marry Abroad? ................................................................................................................................................... 4

What You’ll Need ......................................................................................................................................................... 6

Dress Advice, from Choosing to Packing ........................................................................................................... 7

Selecting the Hotel ...................................................................................................................................................... 8

Tips from the Top ....................................................................................................................................................... 9

Celebrity Wedding Style ........................................................................................................................................ 12

Have you Considered the Island of Nevis? .................................................................................................... 13

Real Life Wedding Abroad ................................................................................................................................... 15

Insights from a Wedding Photographer ......................................................................................................... 16

What about the Honeymoon? ............................................................................................................................. 22

Contributing Publications .................................................................................................................................... 23

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3 Getting Married Abroad

FOREWORD

by Rachel Morgan, Managing Editor of Wedding Ideas

Planning a wedding abroad might seem like a daunting task

but more and more couples are realising the great advantages

of tying the knot overseas. With affordable travel options and

experienced in-resort wedding planners, exchanging vows

abroad has never been easier. Many of the larger travel

operators also have incredible decoration and theme options

available, so now you can style your big day abroad, just as

easily as you can in the UK.

The first thing to remember is to get your Save the Date cards

sent out as early as possible. This gives your guests the

chance to organise travel arrangements and book time off

work well in advance. Next, do your research. Every country

has its own laws on wedding ceremonies – some require a lot of paperwork, others require

you to be a resident in the country for a certain amount of time, and in some countries you

will only be able to have a blessing. Your in-resort wedding co-ordinator will be able to help

you with this.

When it comes to dresses, look for lightweight, ethereal gowns that will keep you cool on the

beach and travel well. Many of the top designers now produce specific collections for

weddings abroad – take a look at weddingideasmag.com for some of the latest designs. And

remember, the very best thing about getting married overseas… You can have another party

when you get home!

Happy planning,

Rachel x

www.weddingideasmag.com

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WHY MARRY ABROAD? The lure of an exotic destination as the backdrop for a wedding is too hard to resist for an

increasing number of Brits. Recent research by LV.com shows that one in six couples are now

getting married abroad, and celebrating nuptials in a destination other than the British Isles

has increased nearly 20% in the last decade. The main reasons that over a quarter of a

million couples have chosen an overseas wedding were cost and weather, which should come

as no shock to anyone planning their big day and looking for the guarantee of sunshine.

Popular Destinations

Most of the time we hear ‘overseas wedding’, it conjures up images of turquoise waters, white

sandy beaches and stunning tropical flowers. Interestingly, America is the most popular

destination for weddings, followed closely by Spain and then Italy. The single most visited

city for a unique wedding destination is Las Vegas, but that might not be surprising to anyone

who knows about the Little White Chapel or, indeed, any of the 800,000 people who’ve been

married there.

Sunset in Antigua (Image Courtesy of George Ambler @ The Photographic Lounge)

The increase in travel for weddings means that resorts in all of the popular holiday

destinations have information readily available for the newly engaged, and the majority have

special wedding packages available too. Choosing a wedding abroad now allows the couple to

leave the organisation to the experts and enjoy a stress-free engagement.

Weather

Of course, consistently warm temperatures are a major draw for choosing an overseas locale

for your wedding, particularly if you’re looking for guaranteed sunshine. If you do book a

Caribbean country or even a European destination, make sure you check the weather for that

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5 Getting Married Abroad

time of year. You might find that it won’t be as warm as you originally thought, or it may be

the rainy or hurricane season.

If you’re looking for something unique why not consider a winter date, and book a chalet in

Austria or Switzerland for your wedding? This is certainly an uncommon option, and it would

be particularly nice if timed near Christmas or the New Year. It’s also a great option for an

active couple as you’ll be able to ski or snowboard, go sledging or do some cross-country

hiking.

Or, if America is your first choice but you want to avoid the familiar locations such as Florida,

why not choose a stunning plantation house in the South, or have an outdoor ceremony on

the incredible white sand beaches of North or South Carolina?

A Beach Wedding in Crete (Image courtesy of Jonathan Hilder @ Piers Photography)

Costs

As the cost of a typical UK wedding is around £20,000, it’s understandable that couples are

looking for a more economically viable option. Figures show that the average destination

wedding sits at around £7,000, according to LV.com.

Do keep in mind that whilst a destination wedding is less expensive for the couple, it does

work out to be four times more expensive for guests than a local or UK based wedding, and

many people sacrifice at least some of their holiday time to travel. Accordingly, make sure

you give people lots of notice if you are planning to tie the knot somewhere other than at

home.

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6 Getting Married Abroad

WHAT YOU’LL NEED Every country is different and there is not a definitive list of documents you need to bring

with you. Any country you get married in will have different forms that you’ll need to

complete prior to arriving, as well as other forms that you’ll need to bring back to the UK for

your marriage to be deemed valid. Most commonly, the documents you’ll need to bring with

you are birth certificates, valid passports, proof of your single status, Decree Absolute (if you

are divorced), and if you are widowed, your previous spouse’s death certificate. Remember

that any documents must be formally translated to the official language of the

destination country. In general, the rules might also be different if you and your partner are

different nationalities, so it’s always best to check far in advance (and long before you book

anything) so that you don’t end up in a situation where you might have some troubles legally

being married in the country you’ve chosen for your wedding.

We’ve provided some examples below of what you’ll need to do to prepare for a wedding in

various countries abroad. You can learn more by visiting www.gov.uk/marriage-abroad.

Commonwealth

The rules for marriages in Commonwealth countries are slightly different. The UK doesn’t

issue certificates of no impediment (certificates confirming no objections to your plans to

marry) for marriages that take place in Commonwealth countries. You also won’t be able to

deposit a copy of your marriage certificate at the General Register Office. Contact the

consulate of the country where you plan to marry for specific information.

Caribbean

Many Caribbean islands are territories of European nations and have very specific rules for

documents you’ll need to show before your marriage is allowed to go through. If you’re

getting married in Aruba, for example, you are required to contact the Dutch Embassy in the

UK before you make any plans. Some Caribbean countries, like Barbados and the Bahamas,

are part of the Commonwealth, so they’ll have the same requirements and issues as

mentioned above.

USA

Each state has different requirements, so it’s important to check the rules that apply to the

location where you’ll be having your wedding. You might also have to be in the state for a

certain amount of time before you are able to marry there. There are no consular facilities for

British travellers to register a marriage or get the legal documents necessary to marry, but a

nearby consulate or embassy might be able to deposit your marriage certificate at the

General Register Office.

European Union

In France, you’ll need to choose between marriage or civil partnership, and if you decide on a

religious wedding, you’ll have to have a civil ceremony first. Before you arrive, contact the

local town hall in the location of your wedding, as they’ll be able to tell you specifically which

documents you must have prepared.

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7 Getting Married Abroad

DRESS ADVICE, FROM CHOOSING TO PACKING Francesca Cribb, Site Editor of

www.hitched.co.uk, talks dresses for an

overseas wedding…

When planning a wedding abroad, it’s

important to make sure you choose a

wedding dress that is suitable for the

weather and environment. We’ve come up

with five ways to make sure your wedding

dress is perfect for an overseas wedding…

Get the fabric right – light, floaty

material will keep you cool in the

hot sun.

If you’re marrying in the sand, kick

off your heels and opt for sandals.

Think about transporting your

gown; a shorter dress may be easier

to pack.

Let your location inspire you! Exotic

flowers in your hair, ruffles and

bright colours work well with a

sunny back drop.

Check the forecast – just because

there’s a beach doesn’t mean it will

be hot.

We have even more ways to inspire you no

matter what sort of wedding you’re

planning at hitched.co.uk.

Travel tips for taking your wedding dress

abroad, from The Empty Box Company…

Brides often contact us the week they are

flying saying: “I have suddenly realised: what

will I do if my luggage gets lost? I won’t have a

wedding dress!”

Our advice is take your dress as hand luggage

in a sturdy Travel Box, that will survive the

journey, crushing, spillage, changes in

humidity, that will fit in overhead lockers.

Here are some top tips for taking your dress

abroad:

Don’t be too concerned about packing the

dress: it’s only for a day and the dress can

be packed carefully with acid free tissue.

Ensure you have a very sturdy box to

withstand being dropped, spilled drinks,

and baggage pressed on top. If you use a

hand-luggage suitcase, line it with acid-

free tissue as the lining could affect the

dress.

Pack your dress separately from any

toiletries or make-up in case of leaks.

When you arrive, take the dress out and

hang it somewhere safe, fluffing up any

layers. If there is any severe creasing,

wedding destination hotels usually offer a

pressing service.

If the dress has many layers, it may not fit

within hand luggage requirements. It

might be possible to ask for cabin space or

we’ve known brides to buy an extra seat!

Do consider this when choosing the dress;

slender styles are easier to transport – and

you might be grateful for a dress without

layers at a very warm destination.

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8 Getting Married Abroad

SELECTING THE HOTEL Agnes Los, Content & Community Coordinator at Confetti, shares advice on picking the

correct hotel for your wedding.. .

Every single bride needs one

thing for her wedding – a place

to get married! On home soil or

abroad, the choice of venue

dictates everything – the

budget, the number of guests,

the season and sometimes even

the wedding theme. But what

do you do when you’re a bride

heading abroad? No surprise –

the Internet is your best friend.

Sicily, Italy (Image courtesy of Phil Drinkwater @ Phil Drinkwater Wedding Photography)

Google the venues available at your chosen destination and make a list of potential

options. Then, narrow down to a few top choices. At this point you are looking at location,

wedding packages, and whether you like the look of the hotel.

Once you’ve narrowed it down to your favourites, research online reviews, feedback and

testimonials left by other brides – this will give you an indication of the quality of service

you may expect to receive. Don’t just look for wedding info – look for overall reviews,

everything from service to cleanliness.

Check each location for accommodation – chances are, you and your wedding party are

staying there for at least a few days, so rooms are essential.

Find two or three local wedding planners and email them to arrange a telephone chat.

Tell them you are looking to possibly get married in the area – do they know the venues

you have chosen, have they worked there before, and can they tell you anything you

should know? This will help you narrow down your choices to just two or three. At this

point you should also consider hiring a planner to help you arrange the rest – it’s highly

recommended.

Call each venue and speak to the staff. What is your impression – are they helpful, can you

communicate easily, do they have a dedicated wedding coordinator, etc.?

If at all possible, arrange a weekend getaway to visit your venues in person.

Discuss your final choice with your wedding planner, including accommodation and any

possible deals they can help you get – then make the booking.

Now you are ready to send out your save-the-dates!

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9 Getting Married Abroad

TIPS FROM THE TOP Making the decision to get married abroad is truly exciting, but there are numerous

things to consider. Danielle Coplans from The Wedding Girl’s SOS gives us her top ten tips

to a successful overseas

wedding…

1) When choosing the

destination for your wedding,

make sure you pick

somewhere that means

something to you as a couple.

Did you get engaged there?

Did you take your first special

holiday together there? Is it

somewhere you have always

wanted to go together?

Sicily, Italy (Image courtesy of Phil Drinkwater @ Phil Drinkwater Wedding

Photography)

2) Once you have picked your destination make sure you research the right time of year to

have your wedding there. You certainly don't want to arrive to find that it is hurricane

season. Also, on the other hand, having your guests sit in 40 degree heat is not a pleasant

experience either! Take into consideration what time of year will be most convenient for

your guests. Remember prices shoot-up in peak season and school holidays, and so perhaps

try avoiding the most expensive periods.

3) Now it's time to talk budget. Once you have figured out how much you want to spend in

total this will help you decide on all the important factors like venue, guest list and your

dress. Decide on your top three things that are most important to you as a couple and allocate

the amount you want to spend on these. By doing this it will be much easier to see how much

you have left over for everything else. Put everything in a spreadsheet and make sure you

stick to your budget.

4) Now it's time to think about who you want to invite. Remember that not everyone will be

able to afford to attend an overseas wedding, meaning not all your friends and family will

necessarily be able to share your special day with you. Try to be understanding about this

and make sure you give your guests as much notice as possible, so they have time to plan and

save for the wedding.

5) If your chosen venue doesn't have an in-house wedding co-ordinator think about hiring a

local wedding planner. This may seem like an extravagance but when planning a wedding

abroad a good local planner will be worth their weight in gold, especially if English isn't the

first language in your chosen destination.

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10 Getting Married Abroad

6) Remember this might be the only holiday that your guests take for the year, so why not

organise some fun activities to do while they are there. Think beach volleyball and a picnic, or

why not organise a food and wine tour of the local area. Make your guests feel welcome by

leaving little welcome packs in their hotel rooms, with a hand written thank you card, a map

of the local area, and perhaps some suggestions for good local restaurants. You could also add

a little local treat, like a mini bottle of Limecello or a sweet/chocolate.

7) It's a really nice idea to host a lunch or dinner the day before the wedding. This can be as

formal or informal as you

like, but it's a nice

opportunity for your guests

to get to know each other

before the wedding,

especially for those who may

have come alone and don't

know anyone. You could

organise a picnic on the

beach or a sunset BBQ, and

why not play some games

that help guests learn a bit

about each other or how

they know the two of you.

Sicily, Italy (Image courtesy of Phil Drinkwater @ Phil

Drinkwater Wedding Photography)

8) Think about the timing of your wedding. Is noon the hottest time of day at your

destination? If so, why not push your ceremony back to 4pm and have a sunset reception,

evening meal and dancing? This way you get to avoid having your guests scorching in the

midday heat, not to mention you will have much more time to pamper yourselves in the

morning.

9) No matter where you get married one of the most common things a couple say is that the

wedding went by so quickly. Make sure you and your new husband take time to step back

and enjoy some alone time together. Why not go for a little stroll along the beach or find a

quiet spot where you can sit and watch your guests enjoying themselves? These are the

moments you will always remember and cherish for the rest of your life

10) Most importantly, make sure you have looked into all the legalities before booking

anything. Will your wedding actually be legal once you return to the UK? Do you need to

submit any papers before the wedding? Do you need to stay in the country for a certain

period before the wedding takes place? It is very important to find out all these things well in

advance to avoid any disasters once you are there.

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11 Getting Married Abroad

Jumping for Joy, Dominican Republic (Image Supplied by Ian Southworth @ Peartree Pictures)

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12 Getting Married Abroad

CELEBRITY WEDDING STYLE

Kiera Knightly & James Righton

A pale pink Chanel clad Kiera Knightly married her Klaxons rocker beau James Righton in the

spring of 2013 in a very small and intimate, but celebrity filled ceremony in France. They

chose a secluded village in Mazan, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside,

and the weather was absolutely perfect. This was the complete opposite of many celebrity

weddings, with the casual couple looking loved up and, most importantly, stress-free.

Wayne & Coleen Rooney

Married in 2008, Wayne Rooney and Coleen McLoughlin spent £5 million on their nuptials

but they received £2.5 million for the exclusive photos of their big day in Italy. They first had

a civil ceremony with just a handful of witnesses, followed by a Catholic service and reception

for 65 guests in Portofino. Flying their guests in by private jet, they took advantage of the

stunning Mediterranean location with a yacht cruise on the eve of the party, which sounds

lovely to us.

“My favourite celebrity wedding abroad was definitely Britney in Vegas with her high

school sweetheart because it was just so mad and came completely out of the blue.

Obviously it didn't end very well, but for a moment we were all so happy for her finding love

with a nice boy from home (even if he wasn't Justin). The ceremony was done for less than a

hundred bucks in a place that anyone can book, if they especially fancy a Britney-themed

wedding. Also, I heard that the girl who snapped the picture of the newlyweds and broke

the story paid her college fees off with the profit, so at least SOME good came from it.”

Gemma Exley, Editor of Holy Moly!

David & Victoria Beckham

David Beckham married Victoria Adams in 1999 in a match made in celebrity heaven. They

spent £500,000 on their wedding in the stunning Luttrellstown Castle, just outside of Dublin,

Ireland, which dates from 1420. There were around 30 guests at the ceremony, 230 for the

reception, and relatively few members of the press in attendance as they’d secured a deal

with OK! Magazine. Victoria wore a champagne coloured strapless Vera Wang gown with a

massive train, and David wore an ivory and cream suit. How can anyone forget the most

famous photo from the day of them sitting on their golden thrones?

Tom Cruise & Katie Holmes

A celebrity wedding if ever there was one, Tom and Katie tied the knot in Odescalchi Castle,

outside Rome in 2006. Katie wore an off the shoulder Armani gown and Tom chose a classic

black suit. Jennifer Lopez and Marc Antony, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, David and

Victoria Beckham and Brooke Shields attended the event. The Scientology ceremony was 15

minutes long, and the guests were treated to a dramatic fireworks display that could be seen

above the castle walls.

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13 Getting Married Abroad

HAVE YOU CONSIDERED THE ISLAND OF NEVIS? Tina Reading, Editor of Ultimate Wedding Magazine reveals her favourite overseas

destination...

Being the Editor of a

national wedding

publication, I do get asked

many times what my

dream destination is.

Where is my ultimate

hideaway? And it has to

be Nevis, for a multitude

of reasons. You can be as

active or as lazy as you

want, in the most

beautiful surroundings. It

is completely unspoilt,

and you are greeted like

you are a member of the

family. For a destination

wedding it is perfect!

Equally as a honeymoon

for some much needed

rest!

If you want to discover the real Caribbean, where the beauty of the island is matched by the

charm and friendliness of the people, then head to the tiny island of Nevis.

Measuring just 36 square miles, the ’Queen of the Caribees’ is truly a gem with beautiful

beaches and a dormant volcano, Nevis Peak. Cloaked in rainforest, it is home to interesting

flora and fauna, including colourful birds and green vervet monkeys. Intrepid visitors can

climb the 3,232 feet high Peak to enjoy spectacular views of the island and further out to St

Kitts and Montserrat. Gentler exploration is also possible with short nature hikes through

the rainforest on the lower slopes.

Nevis is like an island where time has stood still. There are picturesque colourful villages to

explore as well as the quaint capital of Charlestown and deserted beaches. Wherever you go

you will be given a warm welcome. Look out for the island’s ‘superstar’ taxi drivers Marlon

Brando and Calvin Klein.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, Nevis was a centre for sugar production and today many of the

plantation houses have been converted into hotels. Ruins of others can still be seen dotted

around the island.

Nisbet Plantation Beach Club is one such former plantation, which is now a boutique hotel

combining the charm and character of the ‘old Caribbean’ with a peaceful atmosphere and

friendly, attentive service.

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14 Getting Married Abroad

The hotel has just 36 air-conditioned rooms, located in plantation-style cottages in 30 acres

of grounds, and is the only historic plantation inn in the Caribbean to be set directly on the

beach.

The resort’s history stretches back to the 18th century, when it was a sugar plantation and

the family home of Fanny Nisbet who met and married naval hero, Lord Nelson, on Nevis in

1778.

Today the historic Great House features a cocktail bar and award-winning restaurant while

traditional afternoon tea is served on the terrace. The ruins of a sugar mill and the outdoor

bread ovens are also to be found on the grounds.

Nisbet Plantation offers travellers the chance to escape all the stresses and strains of

everyday life. There are no TVs or radios in the bedrooms, but there is free Wi-Fi for those

who feel the need to be connected to the outside world.

The white sand beach is a favourite place to while away days lazing in hammocks slung

between the palm trees. There is also a freshwater swimming pool and hot tub by the beach.

A beach bar keeps you fed and watered during the day.

There is the chance to try snorkeling from the beach or venturing out to the reef that lies a

little way off shore. The hotel provides complimentary use of snorkeling equipment.

The Palms Spa offers pampering while for the more active there is a fitness centre, tennis

court and even the chance to go cycling around the island with the general manager, Andrew

Hall.

The resort offers fun extras such as scooters for touring the island, GPS units to track

progress while climbing Nevis Peak or capture holiday memories using FlipVideo cameras.

Whether you use the FlipVideo or not, you will come home with fond memories of an island

and resort where you have been welcomed with open arms and leave not as a visitor but as a

member of the family.

If you would like somewhere a little closer to home, the Ultimate Wedding Magazine team

suggests Pura Vida Beach Club, located in Santa Eulalia, Ibiza.

Pura Vida is the ultimate beach club and fine dining restaurant which benefits from

exceptional service and friendly staff. The venue itself can help plan, organise and deliver

anything and everything necessary to ensure you have the perfect wedding day. Invitations,

villa and hotel research, decorations, flowers, make-up and hair stylist, DJ, entertainment,

boats, limousine and transfers ….. Whatever you need, they can take care of it!

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15 Getting Married Abroad

REAL LIFE WEDDING ABROAD Carla Forder, a marketer from Sussex, opted for a winter wedding in the Alps. She

married her husband, Mark, at Hotel Romantik in Zell am See, Austria in January 2012.

One key decision

behind getting

married abroad

was the cost. We

also wanted a

smaller wedding,

attended by close

friends and family,

so it worked from

that point of view.

My sister-in-law

also married

abroad. Her

wedding was in

Florida, and the

temperature was

unbearable. We thought a winter wedding would be more suitable as guests could dress to

keep warm. We then opted for Austria to tie the wedding in with our annual ski holiday, to

add an element of fun.

The surroundings allowed us to have very different elements to the day: We had a ceremony

in the town hall, photos by the lake, snowy fun on the mountain (snow angels in my wedding

dress and sledging), dinner in the hotel, traditional Austrian music and dancing on the

tables! Everything reflected our fun personalities.

Also due to the mountains, we experienced a number of different climates all in a day –

snowing in morning, beautiful sunshine for photos and a full blow snow storm for sledging!

We had a wedding planner, and the hotel provided food, horse and carriage, drink,

photographs, hair and make-up, and music. All we had to do was turn up – making it a stress-

free wedding.

The wedding was fantastic value for money, and we got to spend a whole week with our

family and friends. Unfortunately, my sister was unwell and unable to travel at the last

minute. However, the Austrians were very helpful and rigged up cameras in the town hall, so

she could still be involved from her hospital bed. I’m glad I married abroad - I would not have

changed a thing.

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16 Getting Married Abroad

INSIGHTS FROM A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER Wedding Photographer Phil Drinkwater has offered his inside advice about what you

need to consider when you’re planning your wedding abroad. There are a lot of things

that might never have crossed your mind and on your wedding day you could do with the

least amount of stress possible…

The style of wedding photography can vary from country to country. Choosing a

photographer from your own country will allow you to keep the memories of your

wedding without compromising on the style of photography you prefer. You’ll also be

able to meet them beforehand in person and explain exactly what you’d like, which may

not be possible with a photographer from your destination country.

When choosing a photographer, make sure you select one who has experience with

destination weddings. There can be some differences (the language/weather/local

customs) between a wedding abroad and one at home and a photographer who is

prepared will make the whole experience smoother.

Allow plenty of time for travel. I recommend flying the photographer out at least a day

early so that any potential delays in travel don’t become major issues. Even minor flight

delays can have large repercussions, especially for long-haul destinations.

Make sure everything is agreed and in writing before you set off for the big day. This

should include what will happen to the fee should the photographer not be able to make

it for any reason. Of course the price should be agreed and whether travel and

accommodation is included. It may be cheaper to include the photographer as part of the

group at the hotel.

Make sure that communication between you and the photographer is good. Tell them as

soon as you’ve found the destination so they can make their arrangements too. This also

allows plenty of time if the plans change.

Another reason for allowing the photographer an extra day to get there is it gives you the

time to take a look around the venue together and make a mental note of some places

that would be good for photos. The photographer may even want to take some test

photos to make sure everything’s working correctly and also to try out good shots for the

next day.

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17 Getting Married Abroad

Ayers Rock, Australia (Image Supplied by Dan Luke @ Dan Luke Photography)

Ayers Rock, Australia (Image Supplied by Dan Luke @ Dan Luke Photography)

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18 Getting Married Abroad

Countryside in the Czech Republic (Image Supplied by Jacob & Pauline @ Wedding Photographer Duo)

A Beach Wedding in Crete (Image courtesy of Jonathan Hilder @ Piers Photography)

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19 Getting Married Abroad

Malta (Image Supplied by Stefanie Trower @ Studio Perfect)

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Tuscany, Italy (Image courtesy of Phil Drinkwater @ Phil Drinkwater Wedding Photography)

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21 Getting Married Abroad

Ayers Rock, Australia (Image Supplied by Dan Luke @ Dan Luke Photography)

Sicily, Italy (Image courtesy of Phil Drinkwater @ Phil Drinkwater Wedding Photography)

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22 Getting Married Abroad

WHAT ABOUT THE HONEYMOON? We asked Anna Ring, from UK-blog Far From The Wedding Crowd, to recommend a

honeymoon location with a difference…

San Francisco is a great place for a honeymoon. First of all, find a romantic hotel - perhaps

the Palace Hotel famous for its fabulously decadent Jazz Brunch on a Sunday. Dress up and

indulge! If things get a little too tough you can always relax in the spa!

Shopping is rather special in San Francisco, particularly around Union Square. All the big

names can be found in and around the area. Just remember the streets are hilly and you will

spend a fair amount of time walking but you’ll find some pretties to fill your suitcase for the

return journey so it balances out!

A must see is Alcatraz, not particularly romantic but is fascinating and rather poignant. Try

and pre-book a night-time visit - even more atmospheric.

However, if you want to indulge in some couple fun, may I suggest a trip to the smaller and

not quite so touristy Sonoma County for a guided tour of the vineyards? Sure it’s not quite to

the standard of the French, but if you like your robust reds you will have fun sampling their

wares. Book a tour and let them drive you

so you can drink all day long. If you’re

lucky your tour may even pass through

one of the amazing redwood parks. We

got to visit Muir Park, and those

Redwoods are beyond epic. They make

you feel like a fairy!

And if you’re feeling a little adventurous,

perhaps a Segway tour? I’ve never

laughed so much in my life. So easy to

ride, so many giggles to be had! You may

even get to navigate your way down

Lombard Street!

Oh and for a deliciously romantic meal,

look no further than Fleur-de-Lys.

Remember to pre-order the soufflé – oh

my…spectacular! A restaurant fully

deserving of its Michelin star.

Just don’t call it Frisco and you’ll be fine!

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23 Getting Married Abroad

CONTRIBUTING PUBLICATIONS This eBook has been put together with special contributions from the following publications: