Cheapest places to get married abroad
Planning a wedding abroad doesn’t have to mean stretching your budget to breaking point. Some of the best wedding locations abroad are surprisingly affordable - especially when you know where to look and how to make the most of your spend.
From sun-soaked coastlines to laid-back island settings, there are plenty of destinations that balance beautiful backdrops with realistic price tags. If you’re searching for the cheapest place to get married abroad, it often comes down to choosing the right region rather than the most obvious one.
That’s where villas come into their own. Bringing everyone together in one place can help keep costs down while turning your wedding into a full experience, not just a single day. The destinations below are a great place to start.
Algarve (Portugal)
Sunshine is pretty much guaranteed, but the real win here is how easy everything feels. The Algarve has weddings down to a fine art, with planners, venues and suppliers all working like clockwork.
There’s loads of choice when it comes to larger places to stay, so getting everyone under one roof is surprisingly doable. Split the cost across a group and it quickly becomes one of the best-value options in Europe.
Costa Blanca (Spain)
Not as flashy as some Spanish hotspots, and that’s exactly the point. The Costa Blanca keeps things relaxed, both in vibe and in price, which makes it ideal for couples who want something low-key but still special.
You’ll generally get more space for your money here, which makes a big difference when you’re travelling as a group. It’s an easy way to keep costs down without it feeling like a compromise.
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Costa del Sol (Spain)
A classic that just makes life simple. The Costa del Sol is easy to get to, easy to plan and full of options, which takes a lot of pressure off the logistics.
Look just beyond the busiest resorts and you’ll find plenty of great-value places that work well for groups. With beaches, restaurants and venues all close by, everything slots into place without too much effort.
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Crete (Greece)
Crete gives you options - and lots of them. As the largest Greek island, it has more availability and often better prices than its trendier neighbours.
It’s well suited to stretching your wedding over a few days, rather than packing everything into one event. That extra flexibility can make a real difference, both in terms of budget and the overall experience.
Rhodes (Greece)
Rhodes has that classic Greek look - whitewashed buildings, blue skies and a bit of history thrown in - without the eye-watering costs. It’s well set up for weddings, so the planning side feels refreshingly straightforward.
Keeping everyone together is easier here too, which naturally helps manage spending. If you want something reliable, good-looking and reasonably priced, this is a strong contender.
Paphos (Cyprus)
If you want things to be simple, Paphos is hard to beat. The legal process is one of the most straightforward for UK couples, which can save both time and money before you even arrive.
There’s also a good range of accommodation suited to groups, so you can turn the whole thing into more of a shared holiday. It’s a great choice if you want everything to feel smooth from start to finish.
Puglia (Italy)
Italy, but without the usual price shock. Puglia is all rustic charm, sun-baked countryside and seriously good food, with a more relaxed feel than the country’s headline destinations.
Staying somewhere characterful often means you can base the whole celebration in one place, rather than hiring separate venues. It’s a smart way to keep costs under control while still getting that Italian atmosphere.
Dalmatian Coast (Croatia)
If you like the look of Italy but not the price tag, Croatia is a smart swap. The Dalmatian Coast brings clear water, historic towns and plenty of standout scenery, often for less.
There’s a strong mix of modern, well-designed places to stay that suit groups, which helps keep everything centralised. It’s a great way to get that big occasion feel while keeping spending in check.
Dalaman Region (Turkey)
This is where your budget really starts to go further. The Dalaman region is known for generous properties and modern setups that feel a step up, without the higher price tag you’d expect elsewhere.
Day-to-day costs, from catering to services, are also typically lower, which all adds up. If you want more for your money without scaling anything back, this is a strong option.
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Things to consider when getting married abroad
Legal vs symbolic ceremonies
Not every destination makes the legal side of getting married straightforward, and paperwork requirements can vary a lot. Many couples choose to handle the legal ceremony in the UK first, then have a symbolic ceremony abroad to keep things simple and avoid unexpected delays or costs.
Guest travel costs
A destination that’s affordable for you might not be as budget-friendly for your guests, especially once flights and transfers are added. It’s worth checking flight routes, typical prices and travel times so you can choose somewhere that works for the majority of your guest list.
Time of year
Peak summer might seem like the obvious choice, but it often comes with higher prices and busier resorts. Travelling in the shoulder season can mean better villa rates, more availability and a more relaxed atmosphere, while still offering warm, reliable weather.
Supplier rules
Some venues require you to use their in-house caterers or planners, which can limit your flexibility and increase costs. Choosing a villa-based setup often gives you more freedom to shop around, compare options and tailor everything to your budget.
Using your villa properly
A villa isn’t just somewhere to sleep - it can be a key part of your wedding plans. Hosting welcome drinks, casual meals or even parts of the celebration there can reduce the need for additional venues and help bring overall costs down.
Local quirks
Every destination comes with its own rules, from noise restrictions to curfews and permits for events. Checking these details early helps avoid surprises and ensures your plans run smoothly once you arrive.
Now you’ve got a better idea of where your budget can go further, it’s easier to start shaping a wedding that feels right for you. And if getting married abroad isn’t quite the plan, there’s always another option - tying the knot at home and heading somewhere warmer for a well-earned escape. With an excellent range of villas perfect for couples, you can still enjoy that sunshine-filled honeymoon, just with a little less planning pressure.
