wedding Price Abroad
It’s the all-important question… what is the average wedding price abroad?
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What is the Average Wedding Price Abroad?
Let’s get to the bottom line: what does it cost to get married abroad in 2025?
If you found this page by typing “wedding price abroad” into Google, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most searched terms for destination wedding planning. But while average costs can be helpful, they’re only part of the picture. Here’s what you need to know…
In 2025, the average cost of a wedding abroad is approximately £21,000, though this varies greatly depending on your chosen destination and guest list size. For example:
- Portugal: from £20,000 for 50–60 guests
- Greece (Santorini): from £25,000–£40,000
- Italy/France (château weddings): often £45,000–£100,000+ for 60–100 guests
- Spain: from £30,000–£60,000
- Eastern Europe (e.g. Croatia): from £15,000–£25,000
By comparison, a UK wedding now costs around £20,822 on average (Bridebook, 2025), and this figure can climb beyond £26,500 when including the honeymoon and engagement ring.
If you’re planning a smaller guest list or a more streamlined celebration, a wedding abroad can offer exceptional value, not just savings.
Real Wedding Budget Breakdown Costs
While average figures offer a general idea, they rarely reflect what individual couples actually spend. The true wedding price abroad comes down to your priorities, preferences, and what you’re realistically able (and willing) to invest.
Your guest numbers, destination, time of year, and choice of vendors will all have a major impact. For example, the same budget that hosts 100 guests in Portugal might only stretch to 30 guests in Santorini.
That’s why it’s so useful to explore our Real Wedding Budget Breakdowns, where couples share real costs for their weddings abroad. Whether you’re planning a £12,000 celebration in Cyprus or a £60,000 affair in Italy, these insights will help set clearer expectations.
Does a Wedding Abroad Cost Less Than a Wedding at Home?
If you go by the numbers—yes, it can. A destination wedding often costs less than a UK wedding when planned strategically.
However getting married abroad doesn’t automatically mean that it will cost you less. In some cases, costs can match or even exceed a wedding at home, especially if you’re aiming for a luxury experience or bringing a large group of guests.
The biggest money-saver? Guest numbers. Fewer attendees usually means lower overall costs. And while local vendors abroad may not always be cheaper, couples often find they get more for their money—like stunning venues, multi-course meals, and extended celebrations.
Also consider: weddings abroad often span multiple days, from welcome dinners to pool parties and post-wedding brunches. If you plan to include these extras, build them into your wedding abroad budget early on.
Setting a Wedding Budget
Before researching destinations or suppliers, start by agreeing with your partner on two key points:
1. What can you afford to spend?
2. What are you comfortable spending?
Once you’ve defined this number, that’s your personal wedding abroad cost—not the average you see online.
Decide what your total budget will cover. Will it include:
- Flights and travel for you (and/or guests)?
- Accommodation before and after the wedding?
- Honeymoon costs?
- A follow-up celebration at home?
Top Tip: Use our Pre-Wedding Vision Worksheet, Hidden Costs Checklist, and Budget Spreadsheet & Payment Tracker—part of our Success Bundle—to set and manage your destination wedding budget like a pro.
Researching Wedding Supplier Costs
Once your budget is in place, start exploring the cost of key wedding services in your chosen destination. We recommend using our Destination Wedding Cost Estimator to gather quick ballpark quotes for:
- Ceremony packages
- Venues and accommodation
- Photography/videography
- Planners and coordination
Choosing the right destination wedding suppliers is one of the most important planning steps. Take your time, read reviews, ask questions, and avoid rushing into decisions.
Top Tip: Our Cost & Budget Tips articles and Real Wedding Stories feature real quotes and insights from couples who’ve been where you are now.
The Factors That Have the Biggest Impact on Your Wedding Abroad Budget
While every wedding is unique, these four factors usually have the biggest influence on your final wedding price abroad:
1. Wedding Destination & Location
Popular destinations like Italy, Greece, and France are beautiful but can be expensive—especially in peak season. Countries like Portugal or Croatia often offer similar charm for less.
Top Tip: Explore our guide to choosing the right wedding abroad destination.
2. Number of Guests Attending Your Wedding Abroad
Most couples naturally keep their guest list smaller when getting married abroad. While this can reduce costs, it’s important to be mindful that it may increase expenses for your guests—so consider helping with accommodation or transportation where possible.
Top Tip: We cover guest-related planning in our guide: Important Considerations and Costs for Guests Attending a Wedding Abroad.
3. Your Wedding Date
Peak season (summer months in Europe or winter for tropical destinations) comes with higher prices for venues, travel, and accommodation.
Top Tip: Learn how your wedding date affects your costs in Choosing a Wedding Date for Your Wedding Abroad.
4. How You Plan Your Wedding Abroad
Whether you book a package, use a planner, or take the DIY route, your approach will affect both your budget and your stress levels. While DIY might seem cheaper, it often becomes time-consuming and logistically challenging—especially without local knowledge.
Top Tip: Check out How to Organise a Wedding Abroad for planning advice and tools.
Cost Considerations
If budget is a concern, many wedding abroad packages are designed to provide maximum value for money. These often include the venue, ceremony, flowers, and a planner—and can start from around £5,000 for smaller weddings in certain destinations. For a detailed list of weddings abroad package prices in some of the more popular wedding destinations click here.
You might also consider Wedding Gift List Services that allow guests to contribute to your wedding or honeymoon fund—a great way to offset some expenses.
Top Tip: Browse our full list of Creative Cost-Saving Ideas to help reduce the overall price of your wedding abroad.
Understanding Wedding Abroad Costs in More Detail
Want a deeper dive? Watch our conversation with Destination Wedding Planner Nadia Wood from Amulet Events. She shares how planners approach pricing, where the biggest costs lie, and how to stretch your budget without compromising on quality.
If cost isn’t your top concern, you’ll still enjoy the bonus of excellent value for money—especially in countries where gourmet food, beautiful venues, and luxury experiences come at a lower price than at home. As just one example, in parts of Continental Europe, you can enjoy exquisite local wines, breathtaking views, and five-course dinners—all for significantly less than you’d pay in the UK.
Explore More: Destination Wedding Cost and Budget Guides
Each of our Destination Planning Starter Guides have an overview of the average wedding cost and budget breakdown. Your can also find additional information in the following guides:
Ready to Start Planning?
Get a Ballpark Figure. Begin building a realistic price estimate by researching the cost of key suppliers. We recommend gathering 3 to 5 quotes for each supplier to get a solid sense of the market.
Use our Vendor Finder to help you obtain quotes and assess your options. This step will give you clarity on what’s possible in your chosen location and may also influence your guest list size.
Top Tip: By filling out Vendor Finder form with a few details about your wedding — where you’re getting married, the key suppliers (planners, venues, photographers, etc.), those that match your requirements will contact you directly.
Want to Master Your Wedding Budget?
Planning a destination wedding means balancing dreams with dollars. Our Wedding Budget Essential Guide helps you:
✅ Create a realistic budget
✅ Track spending
✅ Get the most out of every euro
👉 [Learn More: Master Your Destination Wedding Budget Essential Guide}
Planning Steps & Key Considerations
Whether you’re just exploring ideas or need extra guidance, these resources offer practical advice and inspiration. Click any of the boxes below to explore top wedding locations, expert tips, and insights to help you plan your perfect wedding abroad with confidence.