Many couples across Britain dream of setting off abroad to marry under sunny skies. Destination weddings are a fabulous escape from Britain’s dreary weather and are the perfect opportunity for a unique, unforgettable experience. Choosing the right time to head off is, however, crucial, and there are a number of factors to consider before jetting off to your location during peak wedding season.
In this blog, we’ll explore the most popular months to marry in some of the most sought-after wedding destinations so you can make an informed decision on whether it’s the right time for you.
Don’t have a location in mind just yet? Browse our range of destination wedding locations at The Wedding Travel Company and find the perfect one to put a smile on your face no matter the season.
Whilst every country has its own popular season for weddings, many destination weddings occur within the same timeframe, and the “peak” season for marriage in most countries is May to October. These months apply to most places in Europe and the Mediterranean when the weather is at its best.
The “peak” refers to not only the ideal weather conditions but also the peak in popularity for couples to tie the knot. Higher demand during peak season often means higher prices, busier locations and less venue choice, but there are also other benefits too.
Once you know when and where you and your partner want to marry, you’ll need to evaluate the positives and negatives of booking during peak season.
To help you decide when the right time for you to book is, we’ve delved into the most popular destination wedding locations and their peak wedding seasons.
One of the most beloved destinations for UK couples to tie the knot, Cyprus is one of the most beautiful locations to say “I do”. Not only is the weather stunning for most of the year, but there is little in the way of legal requirements and document hassle, which makes this a desirable option for many Brits.
The peak season for Cyprus weddings is still May to October, with the most popular months being the earlier and later months. May to June and September to October offer perfect conditions for celebrations, where the weather is still warm but not excessively hot. July and August are the hottest months, at around 32 degrees on average, which is great for sunbathing, but not so great for guests in suits and fine dresses attending outdoor ceremonies.
Cyprus is a short flight from the UK and also offers a wide range of budget weddings that are brilliant value for money.
One important thing to consider is that you’ll need to book early if you want to secure your desired venue due to the popularity of this coastal country.
Greece is a picturesque location with its postcard-worthy islands and iconic whitewashed houses. The stunning weather, delicious food and local hospitality make weddings in Greece desirable for Brits looking for an exotic escape.
Peak wedding season is between May and September in Greece, with June and September being the best months to say “I do” in comfortable weather.
There is a wide range of popular Greek locations to choose from, with Santorini, Crete and Mykonos being particular hot spots for beach weddings. Santorini is great if you want to feel like the star of your own rendition of Mamma Mia!, with dramatic cliffs overlooking the dazzling waters below.
If you want something a little more laid back, Crete lets you explore winding vineyards and historic architecture in a quieter environment.
Important things to consider for Greek weddings are that tourism peaks in July and August. This is not only when the temperature is hottest, but when prices are most expensive, so we’d recommend avoiding these times for the most comfortable wedding experience.
In February of 2024, same sex marriages became legal in Greece, so you’ll also be able to marry legally with more than just a symbolic ceremony.
Italy has a home in the hearts of couples all across the globe, and the breathtaking architecture, irresistible food and rich culture make this one of the top choices for UK couples wanting to wed.
Italy weddings peak between May to October, with their wedding season aligning nicely with the summer holidays back in the UK for couples with children. June and September are the most sought-after times for marriage, as these months have comfortable weather and fewer crowds compared to the heavy tourism season in July and August.
Whether you want to wed amongst famous movie backdrops with a Lake Como wedding or enjoy a wonderful wine retreat with a wedding in Tuscany, Italy has no shortage of spectacular settings to choose from.
Whilst Italy offers some stunning locations, coastal areas and tourist hotspots can often be expensive during peak season. There are also some extra documents and legal requirements for marrying in Italy if you’re from the UK that need to be handled before you set off. Give yourself plenty of time to sort all these legalities, or better yet, hire an expert wedding planner and let them take care of the formalities so you can enjoy stress-free planning.
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The wedding capital of the world, fabulous Las Vegas, is an amazing place bursting with energy and opportunities for a wide variety of celebrations, from drive-through ceremonies to chapel weddings.
Although Las Vegas weddings are popular all year round, for British holiday goers, the ideal time to get hitched is between March and May or September and November. These months let you avoid the sweltering heat of the Nevada desert, which can reach temperatures of up to 40°C in July.
If you’re looking for excessive variety in one place, then Las Vegas is right for you. You can choose cheap and cheerful 15-minute ceremonies or go all out with a luxury wedding in one of the city's iconic resorts. As one of the most sought-after destinations to tie the knot, Las Vegas also offers a straightforward marriage process for UK citizens.
The only important thing to consider when planning a Vegas wedding is the lengthy travel time to and from the city. UK couples will not only want to book in advance but also arrive at least a few days before the big day to rest and adjust from the fatigue of travelling.
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Plan in advance - Peak times mean more competition for your dream venue. Aim to start planning around 18 months in advance to ensure you secure your preferred dates, vendors and location.
Invest in a wedding planner - When you hire expert planners like ours at The Wedding Travel Company, you’ll have help with all the documents and venue booking, as well as local planners on the ground to coordinate on the day.
Prepare for any weather - Peak season often means hot temperatures in many countries, so ensure your guests are appropriately dressed, protected and well hydrated. It’s also not uncommon to see monsoons in tropical countries, so consider hiring a space with shelter or indoor areas.
Consider transport and photo destinations - if you’re tying the knot in prime wedding season, then that means you’re likely to be sharing your city or venue with other couples. At peak times, photo spots and transport will be crowded, so consider hiring dedicated transportation and pre-booking slots for photographers well in advance.
Choosing a wedding destination is about more than just finding the right location. You need to pick the right time and create an experience that represents your relationship. From Vegas to Venice, there’s a destination for everyone, even in the height of summer.
Want to make your wedding planning easy? At The Wedding Travel Company, we’ll use our venue connections to help you bag the best deals, even at peak times! We’ll also handle all the logistics, so all you need to do is hop on a plane and head to your destination.
