15 Most common FAQs about destination weddings

Considering a destination wedding outside Australia? You’re not alone. Thousands of couples choose to marry overseas each year, and with many reasons to do so. Here are some of the most common questions they’ve asked along the way.

The following questions are answered by our Destination Weddings Expert, Amelia Scatigno, who has helped hundreds of couples plan their dream weddings.

Are destination weddings recognised in Australia?

Yes — provided you do things properly. The federal government has agreements with many countries such that a wedding between two Australians held overseas is considered valid and legal back home. However, it’s important to note that the wedding will not be registered in Australia, even though it is recognised. This isn’t a major issue, though, it just means that if either party decided to change their name, they have to do it by name change/deed poll rather than through the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registry.

Is there any way around this?

From a legal standpoint, no. So, if you want the wedding to be registered at home, you could have the legal ceremony in Australia first (or second) and then have another non-legal one overseas. There’s no need for your guests to be any the wiser, as it doesn’t impact the day you share with them, but it just means you still get your beautiful destination wedding but have a marriage that’s registered in the government’s eyes.

How to choose a location for a destination wedding?

There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for picking the perfect destination, as different aspects will come into play. For example, if your guests are time-poor, you need to look at going somewhere just one flight away. Whereas if they can look at a week or ten days away, you can go somewhere a bit further afield. Personal aspects of your relationship might come into play too. For example, the country where you met, somewhere that’s on your bucket list or a place you’ve holidayed at together.

It’s also worth researching to get a feel for a location’s personality, as even neighbouring islands in the same chain can be very different. For the most part, it’s more important to look at venues than destinations because they’re the key to what you can achieve. Think about what style you want and what experience you want your guests to have and then decide.

Can I have a civil service overseas, or must it be religious to be recognised?

This one depends on the country in question. For example, in Bali, you are required to have a religious ceremony for the wedding to be legal, but local priests will tailor ceremonies to suit different couples. If you feel strongly one way or the other, it’s best to bring that into play when selecting a destination.

What is the biggest misconception about destination weddings?

People sometimes don’t understand how accessible and affordable they can be. They can offer some pretty substantial cost savings, but it’s also about value for money. You can take a traditional high-end wedding and stage it overseas for a fraction of the cost. Also, the experience of a destination wedding is something you just can’t put a price on.

How much does a destination wedding cost?

There is no way to put a precise figure on this, as every single wedding is different. It’ll largely depend on the resort you choose and your guest numbers. You could have much more flexibility with inclusive packages and negotiating power overseas, depending on the destination and time of year.

Are we expected to pay for our guests if we get married overseas?

You are expected to pay for the normal wedding costs, such as the reception, but guests who choose to come will generally understand that it’s up to them to cover their travel, accommodation, and incidentals. One way to offset the cost is to let them know their attendance is all the gift you could ever want. Some couples also arrange a couple of nights’ accommodation for their VIPs, such as their wedding party or immediate family, to say thanks for their support.

How much notice do we have to give guests?

The short answer is, as much as possible, preferably via a save-the-date card. But don’t just send the date and destination. You want to also try to have all the arrangements locked in so you can send guests information on such things as packages for flights and accommodation. It’s also worth considering a wedding website so you can update details as they arise or even give pointers about travel and itineraries for those who plan to turn the trip into a holiday of their own.

How much time should we allow actually to plan a destination wedding?

You can plan a destination wedding in as much or as little time as you’d like. Generally, most couples aim for about eight to fourteen months of planning, but you can do it in as little as four or five months if the venue you love is available.

In budget terms, how does the cost of food and wine compare to an Aussie wedding?

With the food, you can generally tap into amazing menus for much less than you would normally expect to pay in Australia. And that’s part of the attraction. But, on the flipside, you’ll probably face higher beverage costs as most of the wines and/or champagne are generally imported. So usually, the savings in other areas of the wedding are the bigger sell.

Does the fluctuating Australian dollar impact cost at all?

Absolutely. In fact, we recommend people keep an eye on the dollar to pay off more of the wedding costs while it’s strong against the local currency. Having a bit of a buffer for fluctuations is a smart way to anticipate any budget problems. With our destination wedding packages, we actually handle all the payments for you. You pay us in AUD on a set schedule so you don’t even have to think about it.

How do you pick a date for a destination wedding?

It’s a big factor to consider. For starters, if you avoid peak season, you’ll immediately secure some substantial savings. You may also want to avoid major local cultural celebrations and festivals. Weather is another factor to consider to ensure, for example, that you don’t book a wedding when humidity is at its peak or the mercury is at its lowest. Again, it all depends on researching destinations that catch your eye.

How do I get my dress overseas for a destination wedding?

The easiest way is just to take it with you as a carry-on. Make sure you fly with an airline that has business class cabins, as they will then have cupboards on board where they can store the dress during the flight. Most flight attendants are happy to help with this regardless of what fare type you book.

Should I get wedding insurance?

Yes, yes, and yes again. Anytime you go overseas, things can go wrong — no matter how perfectly and carefully you have made plans. It could be anything from the local government to the weather – things that can’t be predicted and therefore avoided. So yes to wedding insurance — it may seem expensive, but it’s worth it for the peace of mind. Just be sure you’re across what they won’t cover and comfortable with the terms.

Do fewer guests RSVP yes to a destination wedding?

Not necessarily. It depends on your guests and how difficult the venue is for them to get to. But, in most cases, the couple has a more edited guest list for a destination wedding, so you end up with a similar response rate but just a shorter guest list. A lot of couples also approach a destination wedding with a multi-tier list so they can send save-the-dates in a few rounds to see what the general response is before going full commitment.

Considering a destination wedding? Our destination wedding and travel team can help.

Access our free wedding planning PDF by sharing your email.