There are things that we (almost) always want to remember forever. A wedding is one of them. But here’s the paradox: the more you look at other people’s photos on Pinterest, the less you understand what you want yourself. A noisy banquet for 200 guests in your hometown — or would it be better to have a sunset, sand, and an intimate ceremony somewhere under the palm trees? Or maybe all at once? Having a wedding abroad is not only beautiful, but also… unexpectedly logical. After all, it’s not just a holiday, but a memory that you will stay with. And yes, we have collected five countries where you can arrange not just a beautiful photo shoot, but a real wedding, without cliches. But first, the important stuff.
Is it Worth Leaving at All?
We are used to thinking: a wedding abroad is something for the rich, celebrities or bloggers. But in reality, everything is different. Many couples find this option cheaper and less stressful than a traditional wedding at home. Why?
- Fewer guests → less expenses.
- Ready-made packages from organizers abroad.
- A combination of a wedding and a honeymoon.
And most importantly, you decide everything out of love, and not because “it has to be that way.”
Now, by country.
Italy: for Those Who Want to Feel
You can talk about Italy for a long time. But in short, it is a holiday where all your senses are turned on to the maximum. Weddings are not just held here — they are lived. And it’s not just about the scenery.
If you want an old villa in Tuscany, a cheese table, a sunset over the vineyards and an evening with live music — this is the place. Italians have their own rhythm of life, and it is ideal for a wedding: leisurely, tasty, warm.
Cons:
- some places are booked a year in advance;
- you will have to adjust to the local “siesta” — not everyone works quickly.
Indonesia (Bali): When Form Is not Important, but Energy
Imagine: you are standing barefoot on the shore. The waves are whispering, the sun is setting in the ocean, and the air smells of flowers and incense. Only loved ones are around and there is no formality. This is not a scene from a movie, this is a wedding in Bali.
Bali is chosen by couples who value sensations. Ceremonies here are often held in the format of blessing, without religious ties. And it is very environmentally friendly if you want sincerity, not regulations.
Pros:
- spirituality, aesthetics, relaxation;
- combination of wedding and vacation.
Cons:
- long flight;
- higher prices in season (July-August).
Germany: Strict? Yes, But Only in a Good Way
If you are used to the fact that Germany is about order, paperwork and bureaucracy, then… you are right. But this is not a reason to refuse. Because a German wedding is about calm. When you know that everything will go perfectly.
Here you can find everything: from 19th century castles to Alpine views. And if you like the aesthetics of severity, minimalism and classics — this is your option. Moreover, in Germany everything can be organized without nerves if you work with professionals.
My friend from Kyiv got married in Bavaria in the spring of 2023. Three of us came: she, the groom and their mutual friend, a photographer. The AlexShow agency helped them arrange everything else — they live in Germany, but work with couples from different countries. Without intrusiveness, without pathos. They sent a list of possible places, walked through the documents, suggested musicians, florists. The result is a dream wedding, without a single glitch.
This is not an advertisement. This is just a case of “it works as it should”.
Morocco: For Those Who Want Magic
Marrakech is like being in a tapestry. Patterned courtyards, terracotta walls, aromas of mint and spices. Here, weddings are not a format, they are an immersion into the atmosphere of the East, where you can combine a European ceremony with a Moroccan dinner with music.
Many couples rent a riad — an old house with an inner garden. They hold the ceremony, dinner, and even stay there for a few days.
A nuance: the climate is not suitable for everyone (it is very hot in the summer), it is better to plan for spring or autumn.
Iceland: If You’re Not Afraid to Be Together
Iceland is a country for those who want a wedding not for Instagram, but for themselves. Imagine: a waterfall, wind, cold air and you two. No noise, no rhinestone dress. Just nature and vows.
Couples often choose the elopement format: to escape from everyone and get married together. Iceland is the perfect place for such an escape.
Pros:
- absolute freedom;
- stunning photos.
Cons:
- complex logistics;
- the weather can “play against”.
What is Important to Remember
A wedding abroad is not just “beautiful”. It is about choice. Where, with whom, how. It is about the atmosphere in which it will be easy for you to say important words. And it is not so important whether there will be an orchestra or dancing until the morning.
Wherever you are in the world — if you are honest with each other and yourself, there will be a place.
