How We Found Our Perfect Wedding Destination - And How You Can Find Yours
A story, and a guide, for every couple dreaming of something beautifully different.
Our Story
When my now-husband proposed, one of the first conversations we had, once the excitement had settled - was about what kind of wedding we actually wanted.
A traditional UK wedding, we quickly realised, simply wasn’t for us.
This was a second marriage for both of us. We knew what we wanted; and perhaps more importantly, what we didn’t. We had no desire to feel obligated to fill a room with people we rarely saw. We wanted something intimate. Something relaxed. Something that felt genuinely, unmistakably us.
We love sunshine. We love travel. And we wanted to celebrate surrounded only by the people who truly matter most.
Choosing the Feeling First
Before we ever thought about destinations, we focused on how we wanted our wedding to feel.
We imagined ourselves outdoors, saying our vows in warm sunshine, with the sea nearby and a beautifully relaxed atmosphere all around us. Long, balmy evenings. Laughter that lasted into the early hours. And when we looked back on it all in years to come, we wanted to feel joy, not exhaustion.
We also knew we didn’t want it to be over in a day. We wanted our wedding to be a shared experience - a celebration that unfolded over several days, giving everyone time to connect, explore, and simply enjoy being somewhere beautiful together.
Finding Our Place
In the end, the decision felt natural rather than difficult. We chose sunshine. We chose intimacy. We chose experience over expectation.
In September 2025, we got married on the stunning Greek island of Skiathos - surrounded by 28 of our favourite people. It was everything we had hoped for, and more.
If you’d like to read the full story of how our day came together, including how we chose our venue and our wonderful local wedding planner, you can find it here.
Finding Your Perfect Destination
Choosing where to get married is one of the most exciting decisions you’ll make together. It’s where your story will unfold, your memories will be made, and your photographs will live forever.
There’s no single right answer - only the answer that’s right for you. But there are a few thoughtful questions worth asking before you fall too deeply in love with any one destination.
Start with the Feeling
Before you scroll through destination lists, close your eyes and picture your perfect day. Do you see yourselves barefoot on a sun-warmed beach? Surrounded by mountains and open sky? Celebrating in a romantic city layered with history and charm? Or nestled in a luxurious resort where every detail is taken care of?
That vision, however clear or hazy, is your most important compass. Let it guide you towards the destinations that suit who you are as a couple.
Think About Who You Want There
If sharing your day with loved ones matters, and for most couples it does, accessibility is everything. A destination that’s difficult or expensive for your closest people to reach may start to feel less magical once the logistics come into focus.
Consider travel time and ease of connection, the range of accommodation available at different price points, and whether your chosen venue can comfortably host everyone you’d love to have there. The right destination should feel welcoming not just to you, but to everyone celebrating alongside you.
Legal or Symbolic: Know the Difference Early
This is one of the practical details that’s easy to overlook in the early stages of dreaming. Some couples wish to be legally married abroad; others prefer to handle the legal formalities at home and enjoy a symbolic ceremony in their chosen destination, with all the freedom and flexibility that brings.
Every country has different legal requirements - residency periods, translated documents, local registration processes - and these can vary considerably in complexity and cost. Exploring this early prevents surprises later and allows you to plan with clarity from the outset.
Timing and Weather
A destination can look and feel entirely different depending on the time of year you visit. What is idyllic in one season may fall into a rainy period, extreme heat, or even a hurricane window in another. It’s worth understanding dry and wet seasons, typical temperatures and humidity, and the quality of light at different times of day, particularly for photography.
Choosing the right moment to visit can make your destination feel even more extraordinary.
Be Clear on Budget and Where to Invest It
Destination weddings can be beautifully simple or wonderfully extravagant and everything in between. What matters is understanding the true cost before you commit. Beyond the venue and ceremony, there are flights, transfers, accommodation, local suppliers, legal fees, and currency considerations to factor in.
Some destinations appear affordable at first glance but carry hidden costs once the full picture comes together. Knowing where to invest and where to save, and having expert guidance to navigate those choices makes all the difference.
Local Support Makes the Difference
Some destinations have a rich, well-established wedding industry: experienced planners, talented photographers, and reliable suppliers who have orchestrated celebrations like yours many times before. Others require considerably more coordination.
Understanding the local landscape - what’s included in venue packages, the quality of available suppliers, and any language considerations - is essential groundwork before you fall in love with a location. The right support on the ground can make the entire experience feel effortless.
Why a Luxury Travel Concierge Makes All the Difference
Planning a wedding abroad is one of the most exciting things you’ll ever do. It’s also one that comes with many moving parts.
As a luxury travel concierge who specialises in destination weddings, I’m here to make the entire journey feel as joyful as the day itself. From identifying destinations that truly fit your vision to handling travel logistics for you and your guests, navigating legal requirements, and securing the kind of added value that simply isn’t available through a standard booking platform - I take care of every detail so that you don’t have to.
Perhaps most importantly, I remain by your side throughout, including while you’re there. If plans shift or something unexpected arises, you’re never navigating it alone. You have someone in your corner, ready to step in and find solutions quickly and calmly.
Working with someone who truly understands destination weddings means you can focus on what matters most: imagining your day, savouring the experience, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
A Final Thought
Choosing your wedding destination is about finding the perfect balance between heart and practicality.
It’s not simply about the most beautiful beach or the most impressive venue - it’s about choosing a place that reflects your love, honours your vision, and feels completely, wonderfully right.
When you find that balance, your destination becomes something more than a location.
It becomes part of your story.