Destination weddings have officially become the chicest way to see the world, for both guests and couples. Picture sipping Champagne on a sun-drenched terrace in Malta, moments before your best friend walks down the aisle. It’s no wonder almost 7 million Brits have a dream to attend weddings in some of the world’s most fascinating countries.
Dream Wedding Destinations
According to Booking.com’s recent survey, destinations such as Norway, Mexico, and Thailand are on Brits’ wedding destination wish list, with Malta ranking at number one.
Malta is renowned for its beautiful Mediterranean beaches, rich history, and stunning architecture, with the UK being the largest source of tourists for the island. It has some of the most alluring wedding venues and beaches for couples to spend their special day. From Sheer Bastion, a beautiful venue with spectacular views of the Grand Harbour and Birgu City, to historic venues such as Villa Bologna in the heart of Malta with a fine Mediterranean garden vibe.
Weddings Abroad Transform Into Luxury Travel Experiences
Nearly 7 million Brits are embracing destination weddings as the ultimate blend of celebration and exploration. Malta leads as the top choice, offering Mediterranean beaches, historic architecture, and stunning venues like Sheer Bastion overlooking Grand Harbour. Guests willingly travel over six hours and spend an average of £858 per person, transforming wedding invitations into opportunities for cultural immersion, five-star luxury, and unforgettable adventures in sought-after locations worldwide.
From California Vineyards to Florida Keys Dream Ceremonies
American wedding destinations captivate British couples with diverse backdrops ranging from Vegas glamour to New York sophistication. California’s coastal cliffs and rolling vineyards host celebrity-favored venues like San Ysidro Ranch, while Florida combines white-sand beaches with attractions from Disney World to Clearwater Beach. Over half of wedding guests extend their stays into full holidays, adding pre-wedding spa treatments, Michelin-starred dining, and destination exploration to create luxury getaways that deliver lifetime memories alongside vows.
Why Weddings Abroad are the New Luxury Getaway for Brits
Brits are willing to travel over six hours to celebrate ceremonies, looking for five-star escapes, sun-soaked serenity, and cultural immersion. Attending weddings abroad allows people to explore a place they’d never have visited otherwise. Over half are turning these wedding trips into full holidays, with pre-wedding spa days, sunrise hikes, Michelin-starred dinners, and exploring the surrounding areas of the wedding destination. People want to immerse themselves in deep, memorable experiences that will be cherished for a lifetime, surrounded by the people they love.
Cost is no longer a deciding factor in attending destination weddings, a third of Brits who took part in Booking.com’s survey insisted that they’re more than happy to splash out on weddings abroad, with the average cost per guest reaching £858. They are willing to treat themselves to a little luxury while making the most of the destination and creating an experience they will never forget.
America Dream Weddings
The US is the most visited wedding location, with the likes of Vegas, New York, Florida, and Napa Valley all being popular places, as they offer something different and unique for Brits. Vegas is a classic option, while New York provides an elegant and city chic element. There are plenty of scenic choices for destination wedding venues in the US. Couples can find a backdrop that speaks to them among arid desert landscapes, lush islands, and city night lights. A lot of venues double as hotels, allowing guests to enjoy the same luxury as the couple, and for the whole wedding party to spend quality time together.
Central California is a hidden gem when it comes to wedding locations in America — from coastal cliffs and rolling vineyards to redwood groves and charming small towns. Californian venues such as San Ysidro Ranch have seen many celebrities get married, including the likes of Jessica Simpson and Gwyneth Paltrow. It displays a beautiful wedding lawn and rose garden set on a breathtaking backdrop of green mountains. It also offers guests luxury accommodation with 38 adorable cottages that offer privacy for the wedding party.
Florida is also another prime destination for weddings abroad. A state full of life and energy, think sunshine, palm trees, and magical amusement parks. Not only do couples get to tie the knot amidst white-sand beaches, crystal water, tropical gardens, and glamorous resorts, but guests also get to explore this bucket list destination from Walt Disney World and Universal Studios to the Florida Keys and Clearwater Beach. It’s ideal for a laid-back, sun-soaked celebration with a mix of exploring and vibrant energy.
It offers decadent wedding venues such as Little Palm Island Resort, located in Little Torch Key. This private island offers jaw-dropping settings, allowing guests to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It includes an Indonesian-theme spa and private bungalows that accommodate up to 60 guests, allowing couples to book out the resort for a private island wedding.
How to Create the Ultimate Wedding-cation
If you’re planning to turn a wedding abroad into a full-blown wedding-cation, Booking.com is the perfect place to start, offering access to luxury resorts, romantic destinations, and curated experiences to elevate your celebration. Discover wine regions, spa days, or private boat tours in your wedding destination to make the most of your stay.
So, the next time an invitation lands in your inbox promising vows in the vineyards of California or a barefoot ceremony on a Maltese beach — don’t hesitate! Say yes to the wedding abroad, but also to the adventure and the memories waiting to be made. It’s an excuse to explore somewhere unforgettable, reconnect with people you love, and curate a luxury escape that will stay with you long after the last toast.
