The Pros & Cons of a Destination Wedding

Should I Have A Destination Wedding?

Always dreamed of getting hitched in a Mexican hacienda, a Thai beach resort, or an Italian villa overlooking the Tuscan hills? From the on-holiday vibes to slipping straight into honeymoon mode, it’s easy to see why couples say ‘I do’ in a dream location. So, if you and your boo have a roaring taste for adventure, here are some considerations to toss up:

The pros of a destination wedding

Planning a wedding requires a whole lotta logistics, so when you throw in a legal ceremony in another country, let’s just say there’s some extra paperwork and research to get in order! For many couples, all of these extra hoops are well worth it – plus it’s a great excuse to actually go on that honeymoon of yours (‘cause you’re likely halfway across the world already!)

Want more where that came from? Here are the perks of an overseas wedding:

Enjoy a small, selective guest list

The beauty of a destination wedding is that you can party with your favourite people – and you don’t have to offend anyone by cutting them out of the guest list (here’s looking at you, extended cousins! Sorry, not sorry.) There is a mutual understanding among humans that a destination wedding means a smaller guest list. See, not everyone is going to fork out thousands of dollaroos to attend a wedding. So, if you’re secretly hoping for a small turnout (and you sneakily want people to RSVP no), then a small guest list belongs on this ‘pros’ list of yours.

It might be a more affordable option for you

In Easy Wedding’s 2024 survey of over 4,000 engaged and recently married Australian couples (2024-26), they found the average wedding in Australia costs $35,315, with an average guest list of about 88 – so around $400 per guest. For destination weddings, the per-person cost is similar, with most venue packages starting at a minimum of $300 per guest. Since couples often invite fewer guests, the overall budget tends to be smaller. (Of course, don’t forget to factor in airfare, visas, and other travel expenses… but with fewer guests, it can end up being more affordable for some.) And if you end up spending a bit more than you would at home, many couples feel the extra cost is worth it for the luxury of getting married in a dream location.

Stunning landscapes = stunning pictures

A dream location not only sets the stage for a magical wedding but also ensures your photos will be unforgettable. Whether it’s a breathtaking landscape or stunning architecture, with the right backdrop, every shot feels like a work of art. A skilled photographer will know how to play to the strengths of the surroundings, capturing the beauty and emotion of the moment while making the most of the light, textures and scenery. The result? A collection of images that truly reflect the magic of the day and the uniqueness of your chosen location.

The cons of a destination wedding

The endless paperwork + research

Ah, the endless research. While some countries have zero to little restrictions, others have specific laws or requirements in place, or may even require blood tests (this is necessary for places like Mexico, Cuba and Turkey, among others). If you’re married abroad, you also need to ensure that the marriage will be legally recognised back home. But, as long as you follow all the marriage requirements of the place where you got hitched, and you submit all the paperwork, there’s a pretty good chance your marriage will be legal and recognised at home – but again – you’ll need to do your homework before buying those plane tickets.

Not everyone will be able to attend

Many couples choose a destination wedding for this exact reason – to limit the guest list and keep things small. However, if you’re planning an overseas wedding, remember that many family and friends won’t be able to attend – either for health, financial or other personal reasons. So, if you want all your nearest and dearest with you, it’s something to really think about.

You may not be able to use a celebrant

In some countries, it is customary to be married by a priest rather than a celebrant, especially if the wedding is held in a religious setting. This may not be ideal for interfaith couples and those who aren’t religious. Basically, it’s important to check the country’s customs and legal requirements before choosing your dream wedding destination, as some locations may have specific rules about who can perform the ceremony and the religious or civil formalities involved.

Wrap up

If you decide not to go overseas after all, but still want to make your celebration unique, there are plenty of incredible local wedding destinations just a short drive or flight away! You could choose a charming farm or winery, an interstate getaway, or even host your ceremony at home followed by a destination wedding party with your closest friends and family. It’s your day (or weekend), so make it yours! And don’t forget to capture the moments in photos — because, let’s face it, sometimes Champagne can get the best of us, for better or for worse!