Destination weddings tend to be especially romantic—a seaside wedding ceremony or reception with mountain views is beyond memorable. But if your destination wedding is in another country, you’ll have plenty of un-romantic tasks at hand.

Between traveling and legalizing your marriage, there’s a lot to take care of. But if you prepare far enough in advance, the whole experience should be stress-free!

That's why, in this article, we'll explain how to plan a destination wedding.

Picking the right spot for your dream destination wedding is like choosing the cherry for your sundae – it's got to be just perfect.

Whether you're dreaming of a beachfront bash, a romantic European getaway, or a mystical mountain retreat, the backdrop sets the stage for your event. Think about the kind of photos you want, the atmosphere you're going for, and, of course, the kind of memories you want to create.

Next, check out the typical weather patterns for your desired destination around your chosen date. You might love the idea of a winter wonderland wedding, but make sure you and your guests are up for the chill. And sure, that remote island might look like paradise, but if getting there requires three flights and a boat ride, think about how this will impact you and your guests.

All countries (the U.S. included) have specific laws regarding marriage. Some aren’t a big deal (like requiring a certain number of witnesses), but others could impact your wedding in a big way (like needing to be in the country for a week before saying your vows).

Each country is different, though, so you’ll have to spend some time learning the local laws. Your first stop? The nation’s tourism office.

When it comes to destination weddings or honeymoons, dreaming big is the easy part – it’s the budgeting that can bring you back down to earth with a thud. But don't worry! With a little savvy planning, you can have your (wedding) cake and eat it too, without breaking the bank.

Start by laying out all possible expenses. We're talking travel costs, accommodation, food, local transportation, venue and vendor fees, and those unexpected little extras that always pop up. Oh, and don't forget the cost of any activities or outings you're planning.

Travel and stay expenses can eat up a big chunk of your destination wedding budget. Look for flight and hotel deals early, and consider alternative accommodations like rental homes or boutique inns. They can often be more cost-effective, especially for larger groups. And hey, sometimes they come with a kitchen, helping you save on those food bills!

Again, you’ll need to research this. Some countries charge a fee (which you’ll have to pay in local currency) and require different identification documents. You might even need written permission from your home state. Plus, it could take a few extra days to have the paperwork ready, so plan in advance.

Want to avoid dealing with all this legal stuff on unfamiliar turf? We don’t blame you. Consider your destination wedding more symbolic than legal—and make the legal stuff happen before or after the actual ceremony when you’re back home. It may not seem that romantic, but in the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t make a huge difference and it could save you a TON of stress. 

Not to freak you out, but the destination wedding planning process is much harder than planning a wedding in your hometown. While you can do some things from afar, it’s tough to tackle everything from behind a phone or computer screen. A local wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings or the resort’s event coordinator could be a major lifesaver.

He or she will know the local vendors (from choosing the wedding venue to finding the best catering) as well as the ins and outs of the local laws — one less thing for you to worry about! Wedding planners can also help you develop a destination wedding planning checklist or a wedding website so you can easily follow up with everything you need to do.

Also, update your passport. And don’t procrastinate on this one! Processing a new passport can take up to six weeks. But wouldn’t you rather have it in your hands long before the big day? Plan to get your passport as soon as you decide on an out-of-the-country wedding. (You’ll also need it for planning trips!)

International travel can be pricey—but the sooner you book, the more you’ll save! As soon as you set the wedding date, determine when you want to arrive. We’d recommend at least two days before the actual wedding and in time for your rehearsal dinner, but remember to check those residency laws.

And don’t only think about flights—how will you get from the airport to the resort? The further in advance you can plan, the better. For both you and your wedding guests.

Can’t wait to sign your new name? You really should. If you change your name before your destination wedding, things might get complicated. Your passport and ID might have the wrong name, which could cause some confusion.

Be sure to also book your travel under your maiden name. When you get home, you’ll have plenty of time to legally make the switch. Until then, you and your new spouse can enjoy using the new name (just not on paper!). 

Some countries require all travelers to have certain vaccinations (and documentation). Make sure you are up to date! Generally, the required vaccines are common in the U.S. too, so there’s a chance you’re in the clear. But if you’re going somewhere particularly exotic, a new medication may be in your future. P.S. You may want to warn your guests and wedding party to check their medical history, too!

You’re going to take a ton of stuff with you — and plenty of it will be valuable. Don’t just throw everything into your suitcase at the last minute! You’re bound to be held up at the airport security checkpoint if you do. Think it through.

If you have a special cake knife, stow it in checked luggage, not your carry-on (unless you want TSA to tackle you to the ground). You may want to keep delicate champagne glasses with you — those suitcases get thrown around quite a bit!

Plus, we’ve all heard petrifying stories about someone’s checked bag being picked over. You can’t necessarily prevent that, but you can protect yourself by leaving your prized possessions out of checked luggage. Your wedding dress, rings, and other valuables should go in your carry-on or purse.

Now you know how to plan a destination wedding. Once all of these less-than-romantic details are settled, you can dive into the fun part of planning your dream wedding or a fun honeymoon! Bon voyage!