Do I have to pay for my guests' travel to a destination wedding?

No, guests are traditionally responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs. However, it is thoughtful to provide hotel room blocks at discounted rates and travel tips. Some couples choose to cover welcome dinner or activities to show appreciation for guests making the trip.

How do I get legally married at a destination wedding abroad?

Marriage laws vary by country. Some destinations like Italy and Mexico have straightforward processes for foreigners. Others may require residency periods or extensive paperwork. Many couples simplify this by having a legal ceremony at home and a symbolic ceremony at the destination.

How many guests typically attend a destination wedding?

Destination weddings typically see 50-75% of invited guests attend. Expect a smaller guest list than a local wedding. Most destination weddings have between 50-100 guests, making them naturally more intimate affairs.

When should I send invitations for a destination wedding?

Send save-the-dates 8-12 months in advance so guests can plan travel and budget accordingly. Follow up with formal invitations 3-4 months before the wedding, which is earlier than the typical 6-8 week timeline for local weddings.

How to Plan a Destination Wedding

A breathtaking destination wedding ceremony setup on a cliffside overlooking the ocean

E

Eternally Editorial Team•Wedding Planning Experts

Our editorial team combines decades of wedding industry experience with data-driven insights to help couples plan their perfect day.

Published February 2025•Updated April 2026

The Golden Rule of Destination Weddings

Repeat after us: You must give your guests more time. You cannot send out invitations 8 weeks before a wedding in Mexico and expect people to attend. Destination weddings require guests to request time off work, book flights, and save money.

Destination weddings typically see 50-75% of invited guests attend, with the average destination wedding hosting 50-100 guests. — Source: Brides Magazine 2025 Destination Wedding ReportThe smaller guest count creates a naturally more intimate celebration.

The Timeline: Save-the-Dates should go out 9 to 12 months in advance. Formal invitations should be sent 3 to 4 months in advance.

Tackling The Legalities

Getting legally married in a foreign country is often a bureaucratic nightmare involving blood tests, translated documents, and residency requirements (e.g., France requires you to live there for 40 days before tying the knot).

The Secret Hack

90% of couples hosting destination weddings do not actually get legally married abroad. They go to their local courthouse the week before they fly out, sign the legal paperwork privately in jeans and a t-shirt, and treat the destination ceremony as a symbolic celebration. It saves thousands of dollars and endless headaches.

Do We Have to Pay for Our Guests' Flights?

No. It is standard etiquette that guests pay for their own flights and accommodations. However, as the hosts, you are expected to:

Secure a Room Block: Negotiate a discounted rate at 1 or 2 hotels for your guests.
Provide Transportation: If the venue is remote, you must provide shuttle service from the main hotel block to the wedding venue.
Host a Welcome Event: Since guests traveled so far, it is customary to host a casual welcome drinks or dinner the night before the wedding so everyone can mingle.

Hire a Local Planner

Do not attempt to plan a wedding in a foreign country by yourself. You need someone on the ground who speaks the native language, knows which vendors are reliable, and understands the local permitting laws. The cost of a local planner will easily pay for itself in avoided scams and negotiated local rates.