So You’re Thinking About Getting Married in Another Country…
First of all?
I get it.
There is something undeniably romantic about saying your vows on a cliff in Iceland, barefoot on a beach in Italy, or tucked into the mountains of Switzerland.
It feels cinematic. Intentional. Wildly different from a banquet hall at home.
But here’s the truth no one talks about enough:
Destination weddings are magical.
They’re also not for everyone.
As a photographer who dreams in airports and chases light across provinces and oceans, I want to give you the real pros, the cons, and the things you absolutely need to know before booking that flight.
The Pros of Getting Married in Another Country
1. Built-In Intimacy
When you ask people to travel internationally, your guest list naturally shrinks.
And that’s not a bad thing.
You end up surrounded by the people who really matter. The ones willing to take vacation time, book flights, and show up fully for you.
It becomes less about entertaining 150 people… and more about experiencing something unforgettable.
2. The Experience > The Event
A destination wedding feels less like a 6-hour production and more like a multi-day memory.
Welcome dinners.
Exploring together.
Morning-after swims.
You’re not just planning a wedding day you’re creating an experience.
3. The Backdrops Are Unreal
From waterfalls in Iceland to cliffside vows on the Amalfi Coast, the scenery does half the work for you.
As a photographer?
This is where destination weddings shine.
The landscapes are honest. Epic. Emotional.
And you don’t need excessive decor when the earth is already decorated.
4. It Feels Like You
For couples who are non-traditional, adventurous, or just don’t feel connected to the “big hometown wedding” model going somewhere else can feel like freedom.
No expectations.
No pressure.
No seating chart politics.
Just intention.
The Cons (Because Yes, There Are Some)
1. Legal Paperwork Can Be Complicated
Every country has different marriage laws.
Some require:
- Residency for a certain number of days
- Translated birth certificates
- Blood tests
- Specific documentation timelines
In places like France or Mexico, the legal process can be more involved than couples expect.
Tip:
Many couples legally marry at home first, then do a symbolic ceremony abroad. It simplifies everything.
2. Guest Costs
Flights.
Hotels.
Time off work.
Not everyone will be able to come and that can be emotionally hard.
You need to be okay with the fact that some important people might not be there.
3. Weather & Travel Risks
International travel means:
- Delayed flights
- Lost luggage
- Currency differences
- Language barriers
And weather? You don’t control it.
Iceland might give you sun… or sideways rain and wind that feels like it’s testing your vows.
(That said some of the most powerful photos I’ve ever captured happened in unpredictable weather.)
4. Vendor Coordination
If you’re bringing vendors from home (photographer 👋🏼), you’ll need to factor in:
- Travel fees
- Accommodation
- Gear insurance
- Backup plans
If you’re hiring locally, you may not meet them in person until the week of.
Communication becomes everything.
The Basic Need-To-Knows
Here’s the foundational checklist couples often overlook:
✔ Research Marriage Laws Early
Check embassy websites directly for accurate information.
✔ Budget for Exchange Rates
Currency fluctuations can shift your overall cost more than you expect.
✔ Buy Wedding Insurance
Especially if traveling internationally.
✔ Plan Buffer Days
Arrive 2–3 days before your wedding.
Jet lag is real. So is travel stress.
✔ Consider Your Dress + Attire
Wind. Sand. Hiking terrain.
That 10-foot cathedral veil might look incredible on a cliff… but it will need securing.
So… Is a Destination Wedding Worth It?
It depends on who you are.
If you:
- Crave experience over tradition
- Don’t mind a smaller guest list
- Value adventure
- Are okay releasing control
Then yes. It can be wildly beautiful.
But if:
- Having everyone there is deeply important
- Logistics stress you out
- You want simplicity
Then there is nothing wrong with staying closer to home.
There is no “better.”
There is only what feels like you.
Final Thoughts From Me
As a travel-obsessed wedding photographer who believes weddings should feel like the couple, not the expectation, I will always say this:
Choose the location that makes your shoulders drop and your chest feel open.
Whether that’s Ontario forests, East Coast cliffs, or somewhere far across an ocean.
The magic isn’t in the country.
It’s in how it feels when you’re standing there together.
If you’re considering a destination wedding and want someone who understands the beauty
and the reality of it....let’s talk.
Where would you get married if you could choose anywhere in the world? 🌎
Rebekah Shield
Sagebrush Photography
