Wedding types — 10 – 80 guests
Destination weddings
Marrying somewhere you have to fly to, with a guest list that turns into a holiday. The difference between a wonderful destination wedding and an expensive mess is one thing: a planner or photographer who actually works in that country.
Typical spend
$25,000 – $80,000
Fewer guests, higher spend per head. Travel, accommodation and a multi-day schedule usually cost more than the ceremony itself.
Guest count
10 – 80 guests
We only pass your brief to vendors who work happily at this size.
Start here
Get matched for your destination wedding — free
Two minutes, no account needed. Up to four vendors per service reply to you.
Always free for couples
Max 4 vendors per service
Every brief checked by a human
What it looks like
Ways couples do this
Italian villas
Tuscany, Lake Como and the Amalfi Coast — a villa for the week, dinner in the courtyard, everyone staying on site.
Greek islands
Small chapels, clifftop terraces and long tables above the water. Strong for 20 to 60 guests.
New Zealand and the Pacific
Short flights, familiar paperwork, alpine or island backdrops. The easiest destination option from Australia.
Worth knowing
Before you book anything
- Do the legals at home first if the local paperwork is complex, then hold the ceremony you want overseas.
- Send save-the-dates at least ten to twelve months out so guests can book flights.
- Budget a scouting trip or a video walkthrough with your planner before you commit to a venue.
FAQs
Destination weddings — your questions
How much does a destination wedding cost?
Most Australian couples spend $25,000 to $80,000 excluding their own travel, for guest lists between 20 and 60.
Is a wedding overseas legally valid in Australia?
A marriage legally performed overseas is generally recognised in Australia. Many couples still complete the legal paperwork at home for simplicity and hold a ceremony abroad.
How far ahead should we plan?
Twelve to eighteen months. Villas and the best local photographers in peak European summer book out earliest.
Other formats