Posted on Tuesday, 5 July 2022

Getting hitched but don't fancy your big day being threatened by the inclement British weather? Dreaming of somewhere more exciting?

Many UK couples decide to tie the knot in sunnier climes, giving themselves and loved ones the opportunity to combine a holiday with their matrimonial service.

Having your wedding overseas also means that you're not confined to the UK's warmer May-to-September stretch – which sees a great many churches and venues booked up for wedding ceremonies. And in any case, good British weather is far from guaranteed – even in August!

But where to set one of the most special days of your life?

There are countless possibilities – since getting married is possible in almost any jurisdiction and in any country. But there are some destinations that very much lend themselves to unforgettable marriage ceremonies.

Here are a few of the most popular places to get married abroad...

Hawaii

Known as the Big Island, the US island-state of Hawaii has a wedding setting for every taste. This is not least because 11 climatic zones are found here – and there are only 13 on the entire planet!

You'll even find snow on the highest mountains – but most couples don't head here to have their big day in a blizzard; they come here for the lush, verdant countryside and the idyllic sandy beaches found lower down.

Aside from enjoying the wedding day itself, happy couples and loved ones can explore rainforests and mountains, or enjoy snorkelling and horseback riding.

Thanks to year-round warm temperatures, a Hawaiian wedding can take place when Britain is in the depths of its winter – or indeed any time of year.

 

Mexico

Blessed with 6,000 miles of stunning coastline, it's no surprise that beaches form the primary focus of any holiday to Mexico – and any wedding.

And while there are beautiful interior locations – in the mountains and in the jungle, for example – it's the beautiful beaches that tend to offer the most romantic and well-serviced wedding locations.

Choose to get hitched on either the eastern Caribbean coast, or the western Pacific coast - both offer a multitude of white, sandy beaches.

Numerous superb resorts offer all the catering and organisational services you'll need for a perfect day.

Add to this delicious Mexican food, friendly locals and a range of activities – including golf, snorkelling and exploring Mayan temples – and it's easy to see why Mexico is increasingly popular with British couples.

And while Spanish is the official Mexican language, English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

 

Bahamas

Often mistaken for a set of Caribbean islands, the Bahamas is actually situated south of Florida in the Atlantic Ocean.

But islands such as Grand Bahama, Bimini, Abacos and Eleuthera – along with countless 'out islands' – offer Caribbean-like weather, a wealth of activities, and of course, stunning beaches.

Before and after the big ceremony – which might take place in one of the islands' numerous excellent resorts – you, your partner and your loved ones can choose from the available activities: laid-back snorkelers, passionate divers, keen dolphin-watchers and good old-fashioned beach bums – they'll all be enthralled by the Bahamas.

The warm locals speak English, too, so getting your big day organised won't be a problem.

Most flights to the Bahamas require a change in Miami, so getting there can take a while – but your relatives will surely be glad they made the journey.

 

Jamaica

From low-key hitches to sumptuous ceremonies with hundreds of guests, Jamaica has played host to weddings of all sizes and budgets.

In fact, Jamaica could be the original overseas wedding destination, having become popular decades ago – and yet it has lost none of its allure in all those years.

Beach lovers won't be disappointed with the fine sandy stretches that line Jamaica's shores; the problems arise only when it comes to choosing which beach to hold your ceremony on!

You can even have your wedding in one of the glorious gardens found here, or in one of the majestic old mansions located further inland.

But whichever location you choose for your wedding in Jamaica, you and your relatives can bank on this island's world-class hospitality.

You may well have heard of Sandals' wedding services on Jamaica – the firm has helped countless lovers tie the knot here over the last thirty years, as well as on numerous other Caribbean islands.

 

Las Vegas

If you're looking for a less orthodox wedding setting, then look no further than the bright lights of Las Vegas, set in the sprawling Nevada Desert.

Along with numerous pretty chapels, you can choose to have your wedding ceremony in one of the many luxurious hotels.

And if you don't fancy having a regular clergy-person or celebrant presiding over your big day, then why not have an Elvis Presley impersonator bless you and your partner's loving union?

As far as entertainment goes, Las Vegas is hard to beat. But with booming casinos and busy bars, this city might not seem ideal for older relatives. However, it does in fact offer a range of quieter hotels and resorts – where sipping a cocktail on a pool-side sun lounger will put a smile of most people's faces.

 

Getting hitched? Get covered!

Going overseas for your special day? Get a travel insurance quote for you, your partner and your loved ones, for complete peace of mind while you're away.

And our wedding and civil partnership ceremony cover will put your mind at ease and protect you from the unexpected.

 

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