Let’s be honest here: with the average UK wedding now costing upwards of £20,000, it’s no wonder more and more British couples are looking abroad for their big day. And who can blame them? Guaranteed sunshine (well, more guaranteed than here), stunning backdrops, and – crucially – a significantly smaller bill at the end of it all.
If you’re considering taking your nuptials to sunnier shores, you’re in luck. We’ve rounded up the most beloved European wedding destinations that won’t break the bank. Passport at the ready, then; here’s how to have your dream wedding for less…
Lisbon: Portugal’s Sun-Soaked Gem
Perched across seven hills, Lisbon is a city that seems made for romance. Picture your ceremony in an azulejo-tiled palace, or your reception in a rooftop venue overlooking the Tagus River as the sun sets. The city’s famous golden light (beloved by photographers) means your wedding photos will be nothing short of magical.
The surrounding area offers even more possibilities. Sintra, with its fairytale palaces and misty forests, provides an enchanting backdrop for ceremonies. Meanwhile, the coastal town of Cascais combines beautiful beaches with elegant 19th-century architecture – perfect for sophisticated seaside celebrations.
Money-Saving Tips:
- Look at venues in nearby Cascais or Sintra for better deals
- Portuguese wine is exceptional and incredibly reasonable – look for vinho verde for summer weddings
- As is the seafood and other celebratory meals. Some of the best Lisbon restaurants are sprawling places just perfect for that reception meal.
- Many historic quintas (manor houses) offer complete packages that work out cheaper than booking everything separately
- Consider a Sunday wedding – they’re less popular locally, so venues often offer better rates
- The Monteiro-Mor Palace in Lumiar offers the grandeur of a palace wedding at municipal venue prices
Barcelona: Urban Cool Meets Beach Bliss
Imagine exchanging vows against a backdrop of Gaudí’s whimsical architecture, or celebrating your reception in a centuries-old villa overlooking the Mediterranean. Barcelona offers an intoxicating mix of old and new, where medieval Gothic spires sit alongside modernist masterpieces.
The city’s beach clubs provide stunning seafront venues, and any wedding planner in Barcelona will tell you that the surrounding Catalonian countryside plays host to romantic masias (traditional farmhouses) that make perfect wedding venues. For the food-obsessed couple, Barcelona’s renowned gastronomy scene means your wedding breakfast could be anything from a traditional Spanish feast to innovative Michelin-starred cuisine.
Money-Saving Tips:
- Consider venues in up-and-coming neighbourhoods like Poblenou (think converted industrial spaces with character) or El Born rather than the Gothic Quarter
- Book during shoulder season (March-May or September-October) for better rates
- Many venues include catering in their packages – opt for local Spanish cuisine rather than international options
- Take advantage of local cava instead of champagne (trust us, your guests won’t mind!)
- Look at venues like Can Valldaura, a sustainable venue in Collserola Natural Park, for better rates than city-centre locations
Split: Croatia’s Historic Coastal Charmer
Forget Dubrovnik’s Game of Thrones pricing – Split offers equally impressive historical backdrops without the premium price tag. The UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace forms the heart of the old town, where ancient Roman walls house buzzing restaurants and atmospheric squares perfect for celebrations.
Just outside the city, you’ll find gorgeous islands like Brač and Hvar, where you could marry in a lavender field or an ancient olive grove. The Dalmatian coast’s famous light makes every moment photo-worthy, while the region’s excellent food and wine scene means your guests will be well-fed for a fraction of UK prices.
Money-Saving Tips:
- Book outside July-August for significantly better rates
- Consider nearby islands like Brač for more affordable venues
- Local Croatian food and wine offers excellent value
- Many venues don’t charge corkage fees – a massive saving!
- Look at converted konobas (traditional wine cellars) for atmospheric reception venues
Malta: Year-Round Wedding Potential
With its honey-coloured stone buildings, crystal-clear waters, and over 300 days of sunshine annually, Malta offers an irresistible combination for wedding planners. The island’s historic palazzos and baroque churches provide gorgeous ceremony venues, while sea-view terraces and beach clubs offer stunning reception locations.
Valletta, the tiny capital, is packed with elegant venues – think grand baroque buildings with internal courtyards perfect for intimate ceremonies. Meanwhile, the former capital Mdina, known as the ‘Silent City’, offers a medieval atmosphere and spectacular views across the island.
Money-Saving Tips:
- Look at Gozo for more reasonable venue hire – try the historic farmhouses or boutique hotels
- Winter weddings here are still gloriously sunny but much cheaper
- Local suppliers often cost significantly less than their UK counterparts
- Many hotels offer free wedding packages when booking a certain number of rooms
- Consider historic venues like Palazzo Parisio’s gardens for better value than hotel packages
- For many, the dream of an affordable European wedding is complemented by practical solutions like a cash wedding registry. This allows couples to fund their adventures and really make the most of their special day abroad.
Puglia: Italy’s Stylish Southern Alternative
Hold on to your confetti, because we’re about to let you in on something special. While the crowds (and their euros) flock to Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast, savvy couples are heading to Italy’s heel for a slice of authentic Italian romance at a fraction of the price.
Puglia offers everything you’d expect from an Italian wedding – historic architecture, incredible food, world-class wine – but without the eye-watering price tag of its northern cousins. Think ceremonies in ancient olive groves, receptions in converted masserias (fortified farmhouses), and dancing under the stars in cone-roofed trulli houses.
The region’s whitewashed towns, like Ostuni (nicknamed ‘The White City’), provide a photographer’s dream backdrop. Meanwhile, the baroque splendour of Lecce, often called ‘The Florence of the South’, offers elegant city venues without Florence’s premium prices. And let’s not forget those beaches – stretches of powder-white sand and turquoise waters that could easily pass for the Caribbean (if the Caribbean served orecchiette pasta and burrata).
Money-Saving Tips:
- Look inland rather than at coastal venues – you’ll still be no more than 20 minutes from the sea
- Consider restored masserias in the Valle d’Itria – they often offer better value than more tourist-heavy areas
- Some trulli complexes in Alberobello offer venue hire at surprisingly reasonable rates
- Take advantage of the incredible local wine – Primitivo and Negroamaro offer outstanding value
- Book a local chef for traditional Pugliese cuisine rather than formal catering – it’s both more authentic and more affordable
- Consider May or late September when temperatures are perfect but prices are lower
The Practicalities Of Planning
Timing Is Everything
Book midweek if possible – you’ll often save up to 40% on venue hire. Plus, your guests can turn your wedding into their holiday! Many of these destinations offer excellent shoulder season weather – think warm days and pleasant evenings without the peak summer crowds.
Local Suppliers
Source local photographers, florists, and musicians rather than flying them from the UK. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also benefit from their local knowledge and connections. Most popular destinations have English-speaking wedding planners who can help coordinate everything.
Package Deals
Many venues offer all-inclusive packages that work out significantly cheaper than arranging everything separately. Don’t dismiss them without running the numbers first. Often, they’ll include elements you might not have thought of, like local wedding licence arrangements.
Currency Considerations
Keep an eye on exchange rates and consider paying larger deposits when the rate is favourable. Setting up a currency transfer account could save you hundreds.
Let’s be realistic here; while a wedding abroad might seem like an extravagant choice, it often works out considerably cheaper than a UK celebration. Plus, you’re practically guaranteed better weather photos than anything shot in Birmingham in November (no offence, Brum).
Remember though, wherever you choose, booking well in advance is crucial – particularly if you’re eyeing up those peak summer months. And perhaps most importantly, don’t forget to check the local marriage laws. Nothing kills the romance quite like discovering your dream ceremony isn’t legally binding!
Looking for more wedding inspiration? Check out our guide on planning the perfect autumn wedding. Go on…