Spain is one of the most popular places in the world to get married, and for good reason. Clifftop fincas in Mallorca, palm-lined estates on the Costa del Sol, historic haciendas in Andalusia. The settings are extraordinary. The paperwork, unfortunately, is not so romantic. Here is the part most couples only discover once they start planning: the majority of destination weddings in Spain are symbolic ceremonies, not legal marriages. Spain's...
The UK offers some of the most characterful wedding settings in Europe, from medieval castles and stately homes to grand city hotels and rugged coastline. It works equally well for couples marrying close to home and for international couples who come for its heritage, royal associations and easy access. England and Scotland each bring something distinct, so the right choice depends on the style and setting you picture. This guide is the...
Scotland is one of the simplest and most flexible places in Europe to get legally married, which is exactly why so many couples choose it for destination weddings. There’s no residency requirement, the paperwork is manageable and you can choose from civil, religious or humanist ceremonies - all fully recognised under Scottish law. If you're just starting to explore the country as a wedding destination, you may also find our Ultimate Guide to...
This guide showcases 8 of our top wedding venues in Abu Dhabi, based on properties we’ve personally visited during our trips in either 2019 or 2025. Seeing each venue firsthand has given us a clear understanding of their service levels, guest experience and how they operate for destination weddings. If you’re looking for a deeper overview of planning in the region, you can read our Ultimate Guide to Getting Married in Abu Dhabi. Below is...
Thanks to its incredible culture, venues and food, Marrakech is one of the hottest up-and-coming wedding destinations in the world. We spoke to Bruce Russell, international wedding planner with a team based in Morocco, to get his recommendations on marrying in Marrakech. Marrakech is one of those destinations that just sounds exotic. Saying the city’s name out loud brings to mind old world charm, a sense of mystery, and cultural traditions...
On our recent trip to review the best destination wedding venues in Abu Dhabi, we were also keen to understand the wedding traditions and cultural practices that shape celebrations in the United Arab Emirates. For anyone starting to research the region, our Ultimate Guide to Getting Married in Abu Dhabi offers a helpful overview of the legalities and planning considerations.
The Legal Framework
The government actively encourages Emirati men and...
