Why We Chose a Destination Wedding - And Why You Might, Too
When my now-husband proposed, we quickly found ourselves asking the question every couple eventually faces:
What kind of wedding do we actually want?
For both of us, this was our second marriage. We knew we wanted to celebrate. We absolutely wanted our closest friends and family with us. But we didn’t want a huge, high-pressure event filled with endless logistics and unnecessary stress.
We love sunshine.
We love travel.
We love creating memories somewhere beautiful.
And so, a destination wedding felt not only right - but perfectly us.
Once we decided to marry abroad,
the search began.
We wanted somewhere meaningful. Somewhere our guests could travel to without too much expense or hassle. But most importantly — somewhere that felt special.
We had holidayed on the beautiful Greek island of Skiathos several times before, and each visit had left us with unforgettable memories. The crystal-clear waters, relaxed charm and breathtaking scenery captured our hearts every time.
It didn’t take long before we looked at each other and said, This is it.
At less than a four-hour flight from the UK, it also made perfect sense for guests who wanted a short, sunshine-filled escape.
Choosing the Venue & Our Wedding Planner
We fell in love with the beautiful Skiathos Palace Hotel in Koukounaries — a venue with panoramic views over the bay and the most romantic sunset backdrop imaginable.
Through the hotel, we were introduced to local wedding planners, and I chose the one I instantly connected with - a wonderful man named George.
George was, quite simply, a godsend.
He sourced everything: flowers, photographer, DJ, décor - every last detail. His English was flawless, his communication seamless, and he lifted so much of the stress from our shoulders. We brought a few handmade decorations from home for a personal touch, but George orchestrated everything else beautifully.
It was the perfect example of what happens when local expertise meets thoughtful planning.
The Big Day
Our wedding day was everything we had dreamed of - and more.
The weather was flawless. The setting was breathtaking. The atmosphere felt effortlessly magical.
We took 28 of our favourite people with us, and together we created memories we will treasure for a lifetime. Instead of a single whirlwind day, our celebration unfolded over several sun-drenched days on the island.
We hosted our stag and hen celebrations there. We chose our own food and drink packages. We decorated the patio area ourselves for that personal touch.
Our ceremony took place outdoors overlooking the beautiful bay of Koukounaries Beach, with the mountains rising behind us and the sun setting perfectly as we said “I do.”
The photographs - bathed in warm golden light - look like something from a film. But more importantly, the feeling of that moment is something we’ll carry forever.
A destination wedding isn’t just a single day.
It’s a shared experience.
A holiday.
A celebration that unfolds gently rather than rushing by in a blur.
Why a Destination Wedding Might Be Perfect for You
Instead of everything being over in a few hours, you have days to connect, relax, and truly enjoy time with the people you love most.
And yes - choosing a warmer climate does increase your chances of that picture-perfect sunshine
(if that’s important to you).
But destination weddings aren’t just about beaches.
You could say your vows:
On a mountaintop at golden hour
Among rolling vineyards
In a vibrant city like New York City or Barcelona
Inside a historic castle
On a secluded island
Or anywhere else that makes your heart beat faster
The world is full of extraordinary backdrops - and your wedding should reflect you.
Thinking About Getting Married Abroad?
A key decision when planning a destination wedding is whether to have a symbolic celebration or a legal ceremony abroad.
A legal wedding can feel more official and meaningful, but it often comes with administrative hurdles - such as residency requirements, translated documents, or local legal processes, which can vary widely from country to country and add additional cost and stress.
A symbolic ceremony, on the other hand, offers complete flexibility: you handle the legal paperwork at home, then enjoy a stress‑free, personalised celebration in your dream location.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to how much bureaucracy you’re willing to navigate and whether the emotional impact of being legally married in your chosen destination matters more to you than convenience and creative freedom.
If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels meaningful, unique and beautifully personal, a destination celebration might be exactly what you’re looking for.
For us, it was the best decision we could have made - a blend of celebration, sunshine, simplicity and soul.
And we wouldn’t change a single thing.
If you’d love to explore destination wedding possibilities for you and your special person, I’d be delighted to begin that conversation.
