More and more Australians are choosing to elope overseas or plan destination weddings. It’s a trend that’s been building for a while, but now it’s picking up serious steam.
In the wedding industry, we’ve been shouting from the rooftops for years: “It’s your wedding—do it your way!” And now it looks like couples are really taking that to heart and running with it.
People’s attitudes toward weddings are definitely shifting. It’s less about trying to please everyone or ticking off the “traditional” boxes, and more about creating an experience that reflects who you are as a couple.
Personal preference? Check. Memorable experience? Double check. Traditions? Optional.
Why are so many Australian couples jetting off overseas to say “I do”?
Here’s my take:
The Need for Something Different – Couples are chasing those one-of-a-kind, unforgettable moments. They want a wedding that’s theirs—personal, unique, and totally memorable.
Keeping It Intimate – Eloping or having a smaller destination wedding means fewer guests, less stress, and more time to actually enjoy each other. Who needs the pressure of a 200-person guest list, right?
The Travel Bug Is Back – Post-COVID, everyone’s itching to travel, and couples are no exception. Now that restrictions are gone, they’re using their weddings as the perfect excuse to tie the knot somewhere stunning.
Surprisingly Affordable – Believe it or not, a wedding in an exotic location can sometimes be easier on the wallet than a big, traditional one. Fewer guests + all-inclusive venues = less financial stress.
Social Media FOMO – Let’s face it: Instagram and Pinterest have seriously raised the bar. All those dreamy destination wedding pics are giving couples major wanderlust, and they want in on the action.
International Love Stories – Many Australian couples are choosing to get married in the other partner’s home country, making it a meaningful way to honor their backgrounds and include family members who may not be able to travel to Australia.
I married Danika and Drew on Merewether Beach, and afterward, they jetted off to Danika’s hometown of Washington for a magical forest wedding.
Destination Wedding Dilemmas
Getting married overseas can be a total dream, but let’s be real—it’s not all sunsets and cocktails. Here are some of the potential headaches couples might face:
Legal Hoop-Jumping
Complicated Rules: Every country has its own marriage laws. For example, in Italy, you’ll need to complete a “pubblicazione” (a public announcement of your intent to marry) at least two weeks before your wedding. In Bali, you’ll need a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) from the Australian embassy to prove you’re free to marry. Figuring out these requirements can feel like navigating a maze!
Lost in Translation: If you don’t speak the local language, dealing with legal forms can be tricky. In Greece, for instance, you might find that many officials speak limited English, so understanding what documents you need can feel like playing charades—definitely not ideal when you’re trying to make your day perfect!
Paperwork Overload
Document Drama: You might need everything from birth certificates to passports. In Fiji, you’ll need to provide your birth certificates and proof of any previous marriages being dissolved, which must be translated into English if they’re in another language. Some countries may require that documents are apostilled (a type of certification) as well, which can add to the workload!
Deadlines Looming: Countries like the United States often have specific timelines for submitting your marriage license application. For example, you typically need to apply in person and may only have a limited window to get it done—pressure for any last-minute planners!
Vendor Roulette
Trust Issues: Finding reliable local vendors can be tough. If you’re planning a wedding in South Africa, you might come across gorgeous venues online, but if you can’t visit beforehand, how do you know they’ll meet your expectations? The risk is real, and it’s a gamble you don’t want to take!
Quality Control: Since meeting vendors in person isn’t always possible, consider the story of an Aussie couple who thought they had booked a reputable photographer for their wedding in Mexico. Unfortunately, when the day came, the photographer didn’t show up. Always do your research and get recommendations!
Travel Drama
Pricey Flights: Destination weddings are stunning, but getting your guests to a place like Bali can be expensive. Factor in flights and accommodation, and you might find that some friends can’t afford to join.
Group Chaos: Coordinating travel for everyone can be a nightmare, especially for a destination wedding in the UK. When planning a destination wedding in the UK, especially in popular areas like the Cotswolds or Cornwall, getting everyone on the same page can be a logistical challenge. With flights to London and then connecting trains or drives to your venue, it can feel like herding cats. Plus, accommodation options might be limited, and costs can vary wildly depending on the season, making it tough for guests to find affordable stays. You’ll need to play travel agent to ensure everyone books their flights and rooms—no easy feat when everyone has their own ideas of when and where to stay!
Mother Nature’s Mood Swings
Weather Woes: If you’re dreaming of a tropical wedding in Hawaii, be aware that sudden rainstorms can ruin your outdoor plans. Have a backup venue ready to go—an indoor option or a tent can save the day!
Busy Season Blues: Getting married during peak season in popular spots like Greece can complicate matters. Expect higher prices and limited availability for venues and accommodations—definitely something to consider when picking your date!
Communication Struggles
Time Zones Are a Pain: If you’re planning a wedding from Australia while communicating with vendors in New York, you might find scheduling a phone call a challenge! Be prepared for some late-night or early-morning chats.
Info Blackout: When you’re dealing with an unfamiliar location like Costa Rica, having limited access to local contacts can make it hard to gather the info you need. Establish a reliable communication channel with your vendors early on to avoid this issue!
Safety & Health
Safety First: Traveling to places like Thailand can come with health warnings (think mosquito-borne diseases). Make sure to stay updated on travel advisories and local laws to ensure you’re prepared.
Health Prep: Depending on where you’re headed, you might need vaccinations before your wedding in South America. Plus, don’t forget about travel insurance—it’s a must-have for peace of mind!
While these headaches might seem like a lot, a little extra planning, some solid research, and keeping those communication lines open with local vendors can make things so much easier. Plus, chatting with couples who’ve already pulled off an overseas wedding can give you some insider tips and help you avoid any potential disasters. Knowledge is power, right?
My Personal Overseas Wedding Story
I married my Australian husband in Dingle, County Kerry, Ireland, long before celebrants were even an option there. We arranged for a local registry office employee to conduct a civil ceremony at our hotel, but since she only worked Monday to Friday, we couldn’t have a Saturday wedding—or even our preferred Friday! As the only registrar for the county, we had no choice but to work with her availability.
To add to the challenges, because we were the first couple getting married at that specific venue, the responsibility to get the venue approved for weddings fell on us, not the venue owner! And, as if that weren’t enough, the law in Ireland at that time stated we couldn’t have an outdoor wedding.
When I discovered that the registrar planned to read from a set script, I felt compelled to make some changes. I worried that my mother would be disappointed—she was already upset that I wasn’t having a traditional Catholic church wedding, so I was determined to make it special and win her over. In the end, I wrote the entire ceremony, infusing it with personal touches and meaning.
The fulfilment I found in creating our unique ceremony sparked my decision to become a celebrant myself!
Worried your Overseas Wedding Won’t Be Legally Valid/Recognised in Australia?
Don’t be! Your overseas wedding will be recognised in Australia, but there are a few conditions to keep in mind:
Legally Valid Where It Happened: Your marriage must be legally recognised in the country where it took place. If the marriage follows the legal requirements of that country, and it’s been registered properly, it’s generally valid here too.
No Contradictions to Australian Law: The marriage must meet Australian legal standards. For example, both parties need to be at least 18, and you can’t already be married to someone else (no polygamy allowed).
Proof of Marriage: You’ll need to provide proof of the marriage, like an official marriage certificate issued by the country where you were married.
You don’t have to register your overseas marriage in Australia, but you should keep your marriage certificate handy for legal purposes like changing your name or applying for visas.
It’s always a good idea to double-check with the Australian government if you’re unsure, but in most cases, if it’s legit where you got married, it’s legit in Australia too!
I married Cheryl + June at Vinden Estate before they returned home to Malaysia for a traditional wedding with their families.
Popular Wedding Destinations for Australian Couples
With all that in mind, let’s dive into some of the hottest wedding destinations for Aussies and what you need to know to get hitched there!
1. New Zealand Wedding/Marriage Requirements
Eligibility: No residency required, and you just need to be at least 16.
Documents Needed: Valid passports, a marriage license application, and if you’ve been married before, proof that it’s over.
Who Registers It? You’ll need to make sure your marriage gets registered with the Department of Internal Affairs after you say “I do.”
2. United States of America Wedding/Marriage Requirements
Eligibility: It changes depending on the state, but generally, both of you need to be at least 18.
Documents Needed: A photo ID and a marriage license application (usually done in person).
Who Registers It? You’ll have to file your marriage license with the right state office to make it official.
3. Fiji Wedding/Marriage Requirements
Eligibility: Both partners need to be at least 18, and if you’re under 21, you’ll need permission from the folks.
Documents Needed: Passports, birth certificates, and proof that any previous marriages are over.
Who Registers It? It’s up to you to register the marriage with the Registrar of Marriages.
4. Italy Wedding/Marriage Requirements
Eligibility: As long as you’re both 18, you’re good to go—no need to live there.
Documents Needed: Passports, a declaration of intent (called a “pubblicazione”), and any necessary divorce papers.
Who Registers It? After the wedding, you’ll need to pop by the local town hall (Comune) to make it official.
5. Indonesia/Bali Wedding/Marriage Requirements
Eligibility: You’ve both gotta be at least 18.
Documents Needed: Passports, a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI), and a letter from the Australian embassy.
Who Registers It? You’ll need to register your marriage with the local civil registry office to make it stick.
6. Greece Wedding/Marriage Requirements
Eligibility: Both partners must be 18 or older.
Documents Needed: Passports, birth certificates, and a Certificate of No Impediment.
Who Registers It? The responsibility is on you to register the marriage with the local municipality.
7. United Kingdom Wedding/Marriage Requirements
Eligibility: Both of you need to be at least 16, but if you’re under 18, you’ll need parental consent.
Documents Needed: Passports, and possibly proof of residency, depending on where you’re getting married.
Who Registers It? You’ll need to give notice at a local register office, and make sure the marriage is officially registered.
8. India Wedding/Marriage Requirements
Eligibility: Females must be at least 18, and males need to be at least 21.
Documents Needed: Passports, visas, and a marriage registration application.
Who Registers It? You’ll need to register the marriage under the Special Marriage Act or relevant personal law.
9. South Africa Wedding/Marriage Requirements
Eligibility: Both partners need to be at least 18.
Documents Needed: Passports, proof of residency, and a Certificate of No Impediment.
Who Registers It? You’re responsible for making sure your marriage gets registered with the Department of Home Affairs.
Unlike Australia, where your celebrant handles the paperwork, in many other countries, the responsibility is all on you. And, here’s the kicker: the place where you need to register your marriage might not even be close to your wedding venue. In some cases, you’ll have to trek to the capital to get it done—talk about a buzzkill for your post-wedding bliss!
So, do your homework! Make sure you know what’s required and check those local regulations. And don’t hesitate to ask your overseas celebrant or local authorities if you’re confused—they’re there to help!
Simplifying the Process: Getting Married in Australia First
But here’s a game-changing idea: Why not just get married in Australia before you jet off to get married overseas? Seriously, it’s what a lot of couples do because it makes life way easier and reduces so much stress around the legal stuff! And, full disclosure, I love this option because I get to marry you!
When we do this, you’ve got two choices:
Legals-only ceremony: This is the no-fuss, let’s-get-this-done option. It’s super quick—just a few minutes—and we don’t even need to stand up! We can sign the papers in my office or even at your local pub. It’s all about making it official without any ceremony vibes.
Elopement ceremony: Now, if you want something a little more special, the elopement is where it’s at. It’s a proper intimate ceremony (usually along Newcastle’s stunning coastline), and I’ll write a love story just for you. You can even swap rings and vows if you want, or save that for your overseas wedding. I guide you through all the choices, so you can have the best of both worlds!
Most couples choose to do the legal ceremony before they head off overseas, but hey, there are no hard rules! Sometimes, I’ll even do the legal stuff after they come back from their big trip. I’m here to do whatever suits you.
Conclusion- Australians getting Married Overseas
As you can see, planning a wedding overseas is a thrilling adventure filled with possibilities—but it’s not without its challenges. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can navigate the legal hoops, paperwork, and logistical hurdles to create a celebration that’s uniquely yours. Remember, it’s all about embracing the experience and prioritizing what matters most to you as a couple.
Whether you choose to say “I do” on a sun-kissed beach in Fiji, amidst the rolling hills of Tuscany, or in the vibrant streets of Mexico City, every detail can reflect your love story. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to lean on your celebrant (like me!) for support. We’re here to help you make sense of the requirements, ease the stress, and ensure your wedding day is everything you dreamed it would be.
So, gather your passports, do your research, and let your wedding be a true reflection of your journey together. The world is your oyster, and your dream destination wedding is just a few planning steps away. Happy planning, and here’s to the adventure of a lifetime!
Feel free to reach out and share your wedding plans with me! I have the pleasure of marrying couples all across NSW and can recommend stunning locations in and around Newcastle, the Hunter Valley, Central Coast,Port Stephens, or Sydney for your legals-only ceremony or intimate elopement. Let’s get you hitched before or after your big wedding overseas.