1) First of all, do your homework before you go and get your travel agent to shop around for the best deals and destinations for what you have in mind. There are so many options out there that it can be overwhelming but he or she can advise. You might even choose to go with a wedding specialist but bear in mind that this will almost certainly be more expensive than planning everything yourself.

2) Think about hiring a wedding co-ordinator if your chosen resort doesn’t have one. Your co-ordinator can sort out all those special little touches and iron out any issues. He or she can help to organise the necessary legal paperwork before and after so that you don’t have to. It always helps to have someone who speaks the language on-board too.

But, again, just be aware of the costs involved. Some resorts offer a bespoke service just to input when you need them to and this idea is more likely to keep their fee to a minimum. If you’re leaving the marriage license up to them, make sure it’s definitely in their remit and don’t leave it to chance. Also consider that, if you’re hiring an off-site co-ordinator, they will usually need a couple of months’ notice.

3) Hire a translator for your ceremony – it’s a requirement for many places anyway. Sometimes your wedding co-ordinator will be able to do this as part of his or her role.

4) Invest in a specific wedding dress suitcase to protect your clothes during transit.

5) Don’t worry too much about your guests – just give them the date and time of the wedding, where you are staying and a few overnight suggestions before leaving them to it.

6) Don’t sweat the small stuff – invest in a sweat shield undershirt for the groom to withstand the heat. He’ll perspire less and feel better too.

7) Don’t forget your insurance. Find a policy which covers you best and pay the premium. You don’t want to end up stuck at the airport and entitled to nothing.

8) Talk to your travel agent or do some online research to find out whether or not you require a Visa – most good agents will be able to sort this out for you.

9) Instead of trying to arrange music while you’re overseas, compile a CD with favourite songs that will last the duration of the ceremony or reception.

10) Remember to find out about things like minimum residency requirements for getting married at certain places, such as chapels and public or private parks.

And one final thing! Don’t forget to change some currency before you travel!

The post Top 10 tips for getting married abroad appeared first on MyTravelMoney.co.uk.

You could always elope, of course, and tell no one which distant paradise you’ve made off to. Therefore the most important day of your life can be as idyll as you like and you’ll end up with a wedding album packed full of unique memories to revisit for years to come.

Not only that, but you might just save some money too.

With this in mind – and with wedding season upon us – we thought we’d round up five of our favourite destinations for getting hitched. We hope you’ll be inspired.

1) Cyprus
When it comes to informal weddings, there’s nowhere quite like Cyprus. It’s the perfect location for laid back romance, lazy champagne breakfasts and relaxed evening receptions.

Lots of couples head to Nissi Bay which has one of the most gorgeous beaches on the island and is quiet, clean and safe. But, believe it or not, it’s just a few kilometres from the bustling town of Ayia Napa, which is the perfect party hub to live it up after those nerve-inducing vows and speeches.

Some popular places to tie the knot include the stunning gardens of Adams Beach Hotel, just off Nissi Beach, and Paphos Town Hall. The gardens and beach make for stunning wedding photography and the ceremony can be kept as private as you like.

Paphos Town Hall, on the other hand, is a little more low-key although the building itself is really much grander than it sounds. It’s around 100 miles from Ayia Napa and there plenty of brilliant restaurants and tavernas nearby for small and intimate receptions.

2) Italy
Italy weddings are the epitome of style and sophistication – with a sumptuous selection of castles, villas, civil wedding halls, and public or private parks to choose from.

Some couples choose a romantic lakeside ceremony in the company of close family and friends by the likes of Lake Garda, which is beautifully picturesque.

Or some prefer a stylish occasion in Venice, Rome or Florence, or head off the beaten track to a more rustic retreat in Tuscany.

Above all, Italy is a great place to honeymoon and is within easy reach of the rest of Europe – perfect for exploring some of its finest cities, beaches or even pistes.

3) Jamaica
Not only is Jamaica a stunning tropical paradise, but it’s unbelievably easy to get married there.

Most of the larger resorts have their own wedding co-ordinators to take care of all the finer details, including your marriage license application.

There are some great photo opportunities on the north coast of the island where you’ll find waterfalls, palm trees and more exotic flowers and wildlife than in many other parts of the Caribbean.

And need we mention the glorious, white sandy beaches on which you can exchange your vows?

4) Antigua
If you’re looking for some privacy, Antigua is a great place to escape to – whether it’s for your wedding ceremony, honeymoon or renewal of vows.

You can charter a private yacht on which to enjoy an intimate champagne celebration and many companies will be happy to organise your small but perfectly formed wedding.

This island get-away has so much to offer – not least warm, azure waters; guaranteed year-round sun and calm surf breaks for honeymooners intrepid enough to snorkel, dive and fish.

Another popular place for weddings is the mile-long strip of white sand that is Jolly Beach. It sits at Jolly Harbour on the west coast of the island and is as friendly a destination just as its name suggests.

5) At sea
For a wedding that’s completely different and if it’s been your life’s dream to embark on a luxury cruise, why not combine your ceremony with a five-star honeymoon at sea?

You could tour the Arctic Circle and take in the Norwegian fjords or, if you’d prefer something sunnier, head for the golden coast of Spain, to the likes of Cambrils or Salou in the Costa Dorada – a popular calling point for cruise ships.

You can decide whether to take your vows inland at a port of your fancy – perhaps in a little chapel or registry – or on the ship itself for a marriage that’s not only made in but starts in heaven.

The post Top 5 places to get married abroad appeared first on MyTravelMoney.co.uk.