For instance, in the Bahamas, you can get married in church or in a civil ceremony. If you contact your registrar in advance, it may be possible to discuss adding your own vows to the civil ceremony. The US is very flexible about vows, but if you’re going to get married by Elvis or a NYC judge, don’t expect to get more than the standard declarations. However, for a more elaborate arrangement you’ll be expected to write your own personalised statements.

If you’re getting married in Europe, the ceremony will be in the native language. Bear in mind they won’t be a direct translation of the UK vows. You do have to understand the vows you are making, so if you don’t want a translator, then it is advisable to obtain a copy of the vows from your co-ordinator of the embassy beforehand, in order to familiarise yourself with the wording of the promises you will be making.

Pros & cons

Thinking about marrying abroad? Weigh up your options here...

Pros

You can celebrate your special day in an exotic, unusual location, with different food, flowers and music to complement your wedding.
Getting married abroad is generally less expensive than the average British wedding. Many couples buy their own tickets and, while the bride's family may pay for the wedding package, it's acceptable for guests to pay their own way.
You can invite just a small handful of family and friends to the wedding, so you’re only with people that you really want to celebrate with.
Alternatively, you can jet off alone and get married in a romantic, private ceremony.
If you book through a travel operator, they'll do practically all the organising, leaving you plenty of time for dress shopping and planning your honeymoon!
If you’d rather be totally involved in the planning process, you can opt for a tailor-made wedding.

Cons

Friends and family might not be able to afford to travel abroad, or be able take the time to go further afield.
You might upset people who’ve been left off your list -- but you can ease any disappointment by having a big bash when you get home.
You won't have as much control over the organising as you would at home.
You might end up regretting not inviting family members if you jet off alone.
If it's just the two of you, you’ll need to rope in a stranger to act as witness.
Even if you head for tropical climes, you can't guarantee sunny weather.

Unless you head off for a second week somewhere else, you might be stuck on honeymoon with your friends and family!

How to plan a wedding abroad

Finding a far flung wedding venue and organising your big day, really is as easy as finding your passport.

Imagine your wedding day. We bet you picture yourselves gliding down the aisle as man and wife, the envy of all your friends in a fabulous dress and seriously sexy suit… not trailing a soggy, wet veil behind you, armed with a brolly and dreading the grey skies in your wedding photos… right?

Problem is, when you live in England, you can't guarantee the weather and you could get very rich quick by making a bet that it will rain right when you don't want it to!

The answer? Much as home is where the heart is, why not go abroad and enjoy your wedding day in an exotic location where the weather (and pretty pictures) are much more guaranteed?

You might choose to go barefoot on a remote beach or wrapped in fancy fur on a mountain at a ski resort, the world is literally your oyster when it comes to picking your venue and the basics of getting married abroad are a doddle if you follow our advice.

Legal & practical issues of getting married abroad

Make sure you’re prepared for all the paperwork and practicalities of getting married abroad...

Residency and legal requirements

Most countries have rules about residency -- the time you need to have been there for -- before you can get married (check the detailed breakdown for each destination), but this is usually only a few days. If you are using a tour operator, the legalities of your wedding will be dealt with by them. However, it’s a good idea to check that all legal requirements will be taken care of. If you are arranging everything yourself you will need to get accurate advice from the consulate or embassy of the country concerned.

You will most certainly need to supply copies of the following before you travel, taking the originals with you to be produced before your ceremony:

birth certificates
valid 10-year passports
affidavit/statutory declarations confirming single status
Decree Absolute (if you are divorced)
previous spouse's death certificate (if you are widowed)
parental consent if you are under 18 (21 in some countries)

What are Affidavits/Statutory Declarations?

An affidavit or statutory declaration is a legal document that can be obtained from a commissioner of oaths (a solicitor authorised to authenticate oaths). It's important to note that the requirements for a Single Status Statutory Declaration are per person (not a joint declaration). These must state that you are both free to marry, that you are single, divorced or widowed and must be signed and stamped by a solicitor. The declaration should also contain your full name, address, nationality, religion, passport number and occupation. This document must be obtained within three months of your intended date of wedding and must also state your intent to marry in the destination you have chosen. The cost will vary from area to area depending on court charges.

A sample affidavit might read:

I (name, nationality, passport number and occupation) do solemnly and sincerely declare as follows:

I declare that I have always been known by the name ..........

I also declare that I understand that I am free to contract marriage according to the legal requirements for marriage in (destination), and I make this Solemn Declaration conscientiously believing the same to be true and by virtue of the provisions of the Statutory Declaration Act 1835. Declared by (name) at (address) and (date) signed by (solicitor's name and official stamp).

Certificate of No Impediment

Some countries ask you for a Certificate of No Impediment, which is obtainable from the Register Office in the area where you live. You will have to give notice of your marriage in the same way as you would for a civil wedding in the UK and after 21 days you will be issued with the certificate. You will then most likely be required to send a copy of the certificate to the authorities where you plan to marry, taking the original with you when you travel.

Is my marriage legal in the UK?

As long as your marriage is legally recognised (validly contracted) in the country in which it takes place, it is deemed to be valid in England and Wales. However, in the light of Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall’s wedding in Bali, which was found to be invalid in the UK, the Law Society advises that anyone getting married abroad should contact the local British embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice. Do not rely on travel agents or any third party to ensure that the ceremony is valid: check it for yourself and be sure of what you are doing. If you are not completely satisfied that your marriage will be recognised in this country then visit a Register Office in Britain to be doubly sure. On your return home you do not need to register your marriage with the Register Office. You can use your foreign marriage certificate to change your name on your documents and with your bank, as you would if you married in the UK. It's a good idea to obtain several copies of your marriage certificate, just in case you lose the original, as it is very difficult to get further copies at a later date.

Marriages solemnised in a foreign country cannot be registered in the UK. However, it is possible, in some instances, for a record of your marriage to be kept at:

The ONS General Register Office
Overseas Section
Trafalgar Road
Southport
PR8 2HH
Tel: 0151-471 4801 email: overseas.gro@ons.gsi.gov.uk

This is not done automatically so it is up to you to contact the office to arrange to send any necessary documentation.

Passports and visas

You should ensure that you have a valid 10-year passport and, as many countries require expiry dates on passports to be a considerable length of time after the return from holiday, it is recommended that your passport is valid for six months after your return to the UK.

In most cases, where it is indicated that visas are required, you are responsible for obtaining these yourselves. The cost, method of obtaining a visa and time necessary to process applications vary considerably between countries and are subject to change. Contact the relevant embassy at the earliest opportunity for the most up-to-date information.

Marriage blessings

If you are already married, many companies offer tropical blessings and renewal of vows services to celebrate your union. The only legal requirement is that you take along your original marriage certificate for authentication, although some destinations will require a photocopy of your certificate to be sent at least six weeks before you travel. Most of the services that are provided for weddings can be requested for your blessing service.

Choosing a tour operator

Whether you want to get married aboard a Kenyan dhow or on a scuba diving holiday in Florida, a tour operator will be able to organise your full wedding-abroad package

The most fuss-free way to organise a wedding abroad is to book with a tour operator specialising in arranging weddings. A wide variety of well-known tour operators now specialise in weddings, with dedicated wedding personnel who can answer all your queries and arrange every detail.

Looking at brochures

Have a browse through a variety of brochures to get inspiration and see what’s out there. While most companies have standard wedding packages, destinations on offer can vary between brochures, as can details such as the standards of hotels, the choice of hotel restaurants, and where you can have your ceremony. So be selective, and don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you like.

Before you book

Decide on a budget before choosing a destination.
Decide what kind of destination you’re after -- hot or cold, exotic or cultural?
Think about how far you want to travel, and the practicalities of long flights.
Bear in mind what time of year you want to get married -- is it hurricane season, or should you expect rain?
Narrow down your choice to one particular tour operator and call up a sales consultant to discuss their brochure.
Check exactly what's included in the wedding package and if you can alter certain aspects of it -- you may decide to organise a different photographer or florist, or to take your own wedding cake.
Check where the ceremony will take place, and if the hotel restricts the number of weddings that take place each day.
Ask if the hotel has an in-house wedding co-ordinator.
Does the hotel have an email address for easy communication through different time zones? This will help save on expensive phone bills.
Find about what will happen if it rains. Can the date of your wedding be changed or is there an indoor venue?
Check that the legal side of things are properly covered, and what documentation you’ll need to take with you.
Get absolutely everything in writing.

When to book

Try to book a minimum of 12 weeks before departure to allow enough time for arrangements to be made and the necessary documentation completed. There will be more administration to be completed once you arrive at your destination, which can take up to three days, and you will also need to comply with any residency requirements.

DIY weddings abroad

It is possible to arrange your own wedding abroad, but this will involve researching legal requirements, residency rules and organising all the details from a distance. If you prefer to be in control, then your first step will be to contact the consulate or embassy of the country where you intend to marry for advice.

It's wise to take out an insurance policy over and above your holiday insurance to cover every possible eventuality, from the loss of your dress to a hurricane preventing your wedding from taking place.

Who to invite

Just family, or should you invite close friends as well? Or would you rather have a romantic ceremony for just the two of you?

One of the first things to think about when planning to get married abroad, is who you would like to share your day with you. The nature of your wedding probably means that you’ll be keeping the guest list small, so think carefully about who you want there, and who could be left off the list without causing offence.

Bear in mind that whoever you do end up inviting will need plenty of warning. Guests will probably be expected to pay for their own travel and accommodation, so be sure to make this clear from the start and to help them with as much information as you can. Don't be upset if they decide they can't make it -- they're sure to celebrate with you on your return.

If you choose to go alone, you're bound to disappoint some members of your family and friends who won't be there on the day. To make up for it, arrange to have a blessing service or reception party when you return. At the very least, have a video made of the day so that you can share your special moments with those unable to be with you.

Stay healthy

Health services, hygiene and risk of disease vary throughout the world. You should take health advice as early as possible and ensure that vaccinations or preventative measures, such as malaria tablets, are taken in plenty of time to be fully effective by the date of travel (usually a month or more prior to departure). Pick up a copy of the Department of Health free leaflet E111, available from post offices, your GP or a specialist clinic.