How to find & book the perfect destination wedding venue
*accessibility is just one of the features to consider when looking for a wedding venue
Planning a destination wedding can be a dream come true, but finding the right venue abroad can be quite a challenge. Not only might you be unable to visit the venue in person, but you’ll also need to consider travel and accommodation for both you and your families. Whether you’re looking to exchange vows on a white-sand beach, in a rustic vineyard, or a historic castle, there are several important factors to consider. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to find and book the perfect venue abroad, key steps to start your wedding planning off right, and how we at WedAwai can make the process seamless and stress-free.
Your online search begins
Most couples, quite understandably, start their search online with simple questions like, ‘How do I start planning my wedding abroad?’ or ‘How do I start planning my wedding?’ Since you’re likely planning for the first time and may not be a wedding professional, this is a great place to begin.
I recommend being as specific as possible with your search, using terms like 'wedding on a beach' or 'wedding in Europe,' or specifying a country like 'Italy – Lake Garda' if you know where you want to get married.
What will likely come up is a long list of companies offering either wedding inspiration with venue directories or UK-based travel agents offering pre-packaged weddings at set prices. If the list feels overwhelming, try refining your search with more specific terms, for example: '50-guest wedding abroad in a palace in Portugal near the airport’
Start with your wedding vision and budget:
When planning a destination wedding, two of the most important questions are: where do we envision ourselves walking down the aisle, and what is our wedding budget?
These two factors are crucial, as they will help determine which country you'll be getting married in and when.
Are you dreaming of a barefoot beach ceremony, a luxurious white wedding in Santorini, or a rustic yet elegant villa in Malta? The possibilities are endless, so it’s important to have a clear vision of what you want the experience to be—not just for yourselves, but for your loved ones as well. It is good to note that sometimes Pinterest and Instagram provide more confusion than clarity as all the photos there look breathtaking.
Your budget will then shape where and how your dream can become a reality, as costs can vary significantly from country to country, and even from region to region. Some couples choose to plan over a few years to allow for more comfortable budgeting.
Keep in mind that 60% to 70% of your budget will likely go towards the 'big three'—the venue, catering, and your wedding planner or coordinator, which form the foundation of your celebration
Let the games begin:
First things first, it’s always advisable to have a local wedding planner or venue coordinator for your wedding abroad. They understand the local customs, know reliable suppliers, and will be great support from the moment you start planning. However, finding the right local professional to work with can be a big task on its own. Fortunately, at WedAwai, all of our venues come with experienced planners and in-house coordinators, so you’re covered from the start.
As I have mentioned before, your online search will come up with plenty of websites, some of them are great at inspiring you and making you dream big with boutique venues around the world like Wedinspire and The White Edit. These are wedding venue directories and you can contact the venue via these websites for a quote. Another great way to book a wedding abroad is via a travel agent who will like to talk to you and offer you a suitable venue with their package, like the Perfect Weddings Abroad, or The Wedding travel company. You can also look at very budget-friendly options or ideal for elopement weddings with TUI. As these are travel agencies you then need to book your holidays with them and those are not always super flexible.
Locating the ONE for you:
You’ll have a better chance of finding 'the one' wedding venue if you remain flexible in a few key areas.
Can you adjust one of these: your wedding date, season, location, or guest count?
If so, you might discover an amazing venue in a different country or region, or even within your budget just outside peak wedding season. Sometimes, choosing a date at the end of April or the beginning of October can lead to significant discounts—not just on the venue, but on travel as well.
Once you’ve shortlisted your venues, try scheduling a call with the wedding planning team. It will give you a better sense of their personality and how organized they are. Plus, constant back-and-forth emails can become tedious over time.
Do you need to visit the venues in person? Not necessarily!
Most couples don't visit the venues—they rely on photos, Google Maps, and their planner’s advice to make their decision
Where do we fit in?
At WedAwai, we provide the foundation for your dream destination wedding by offering a venue that includes catering and a dedicated wedding planner.
We believe in full transparency, so you'll see all pricing upfront to help you budget with confidence. You'll receive confirmation of your wedding date within hours, and our easy booking system allows you to secure your venue by paying the deposit via our seamless payment link.
You are also welcome to set up a payment plan with us if a monthly direct debit helps you.
Your wedding planner will assist in selecting local vendors and suppliers, or you are welcome to book your own.
Plus, all of our venues are top-notch, as they’ve been hand-picked by us!
We're also thrilled to be training an AI wedding planner who will assist you with any questions and guide you toward your amazing venue. But don't worry, our team is still here to support you every step of the way!
So, Are you ready to find the one for you? Then start browsing or ask our AI Planner here.
