Marrying abroad - some top tips

Weddings abroad are becoming increasingly popular but there are a number of important issues to bear in mind if this is a route you are considering going down. Lisa Burton, a Bridal Expert who has organised over 600 destination weddings, offers her expert advice for planning your dream wedding abroad.

The ideal wedding abroad is different for everyone. What once used to be a simple beach wedding can now be an idyllic private beach with flower arch and red carpet.

For those wanting a city chic wedding, there is leafy Central Park in New York where the sounds of the city are just a heartbeat away. For a breathtaking sunset wedding you don't need to travel far. In just four hours you can reach the Greek islands and Cyprus.

Pros and cons of marrying abroad

A wedding abroad is an ideal solution for those couples on a tight budget. It's less formal and can be more intimate with only close family and friends. The climate can be kinder (or colder for those who want a snowy winter wedding) and you can have a wedding and honeymoon in one.

However, you need to consider if those closest to you can afford to attend. How much notice will they need to save up? Do you like being in control? Then handing over your plans to someone else in a different country may not be for you. Will the wedding be legal when you get back to the UK? Not all destinations allow for a legal wedding.

The venue

So how do you choose the perfect wedding venue abroad? Here are some key points to consider:

- What type of venue do you have in mind? A soft sandy beach, a leafy garden, a statuesque castle or perhaps a private boat?
- What type of climate would you prefer, snow or sunshine?
- Would you like a relaxed beach-side wedding or an exciting busy destination like New York?
- How far do you want to travel? Do you want something close by that guests can easily reach, with cheap flights and good accommodation rates or do you fancy exotic distant shores?
- Would you like a destination where English is widely spoken?
- Is your faith important to you? Would you like a religious ceremony? Not all faith ceremonies are available in every destination. If you want a religious ceremony, find out what paperwork is involved and if any work in the UK will be needed (preparation courses).

Once you have answered these questions, you can narrow the search and start looking at more specific destinations.