Planning a wedding abroad from the UK or US?
A destination wedding should feel exciting, not overwhelming. But when your venue, suppliers and guests are all in another country, planning from afar can quickly become complicated.
As a UK-based, English-speaking destination wedding planner, Bella Olah Weddings helps couples from the UK, US and beyond plan beautifully considered celebrations across Europe - combining creative direction, strategic planning and trusted local expertise.
From finding the right destination and venue to coordinating the details that make a wedding feel entirely yours, we bring calm, experienced oversight to celebrations across Italy, France, Spain, Croatia, Hungary and beyond.
Planning a Wedding Abroad: Where Do You Start?
There is something wonderfully romantic about getting married somewhere that feels different from home.
Perhaps it is an Italian villa overlooking the Mediterranean, a French château surrounded by countryside, or a historic European estate that gives your celebration a sense of place.
But choosing a destination wedding involves more than finding somewhere beautiful.
1. Choose the right destination
Think about the experience you want your wedding to create.
Do you imagine long lunches overlooking the sea, an elegant château weekend, a historic city celebration or an intimate gathering surrounded by dramatic scenery?
Consider the season, accessibility, accommodation, atmosphere and the type of celebration you want to create alongside the setting itself.
Explore our destination inspiration for Italy, France, Spain, Croatia and Hungary to begin narrowing down the possibilities.
2. Find a venue that works for your wedding
A beautiful venue is only part of the picture.
The right venue needs to work for your guest numbers, accommodation requirements, ceremony, dining, entertainment and overall wedding experience.
Restrictions around music, catering, suppliers and timings can also have a significant impact on what is possible.
When you are planning from another country, understanding these details before committing to a venue is particularly important.
3. Understand the ceremony options
Getting legally married abroad can involve different documentation and requirements depending on the country and your circumstances.
Some couples choose a legal ceremony in their home country followed by a symbolic celebration abroad, while others prefer to complete the legal process at their destination.
The important thing is to understand your options early, so the ceremony fits naturally into the wider wedding weekend.
4. Plan from another country
Planning remotely does not mean you need to manage everything yourself.
For couples based in the UK or US, having an experienced English-speaking planner who understands both the expectations of international couples and the way local European suppliers work can make a significant difference.
From venue communication and supplier recommendations to contracts, logistics, timelines and on-the-ground coordination, a destination planner becomes your trusted point of contact throughout the process.
5. Think about your guests
A destination wedding is also a destination for your guests.
Travel connections, accommodation, transfers and the amount of time you are asking guests to spend away from home all influence the experience.
Many of the most memorable destination weddings are designed as a wedding weekend or multi-day celebration, giving everyone the opportunity to enjoy the destination rather than simply arriving for one day.
Welcome drinks, relaxed dinners, beach days, boat trips and post-wedding gatherings can all become part of the experience.
6. Build a realistic destination wedding budget
Destination weddings can vary enormously in cost.
The venue and guest numbers are obvious considerations, but travel, accommodation, catering, entertainment, production, flowers, photography and additional events can all influence the final investment.
Rather than choosing a destination based solely on the venue price, it is worth considering the complete wedding experience you want to create and building your budget around that.
Planning from the UK or US?
You do not need to live in Europe to create a beautifully organised European wedding.
Whether you are planning from London, New York, California or elsewhere, working with a UK-based, English-speaking destination wedding planner gives you a familiar point of contact while your wedding is brought to life with trusted venues and suppliers across Europe.
For American couples in particular, choosing a European planner who understands the expectations of international weddings can provide reassurance throughout the process - while allowing you to enjoy the creative side of planning rather than becoming consumed by logistics.
How Do You Decide Where to Get Married?
Choosing your destination is about more than finding the most beautiful photograph.
The right location should reflect the atmosphere you want, work for your guest list and season, suit your budget and offer the kind of venue and wedding experience you have in mind.
Italy might mean a romantic lakeside villa or dramatic Amalfi Coast setting. France could offer château elegance and timeless countryside. Spain and Croatia bring Mediterranean sunshine, character and beautiful coastal settings, while Hungary offers distinctive architecture, heritage and a less expected European setting.
If you know you want a destination wedding but do not yet know where, you do not have to choose alone.
Destination Mapping & Venue Sourcing
My Destination Mapping & Venue Sourcing service helps you identify the destinations and venues that genuinely fit your celebration - rather than spending months searching through hundreds of possibilities.
I consider your guest numbers, style, priorities, budget and the experience you want to create before narrowing down the possibilities and introducing you to the venues worth considering.
Explore Destination Mapping & Venue Sourcing >
Ready to Plan Your Wedding Abroad?
Whether you are dreaming of Italy, France, Spain, Croatia, Hungary or somewhere else in Europe, the right planning approach can turn an idea into a celebration that feels effortless, personal and completely your own.
Bella Olah Weddings creates refined destination weddings for couples who want more than a beautiful venue - they want an exceptional European wedding experience, thoughtfully planned from beginning to end.