We've spoken before about how much we love destination weddings.
And while the pull of home can be strong for some couples, for others, the reasons for getting married overseas, are plenty.
Having all your guests together for a few days undisturbed by “real life”, exploring somewhere new, or revisiting somewhere special to start your marriage, and improved odds for sunnier climes or snowy peaks.
And then of course, there's the finances; getting married abroad often means more bang for your buck. Whether you've $15,000 or $150,000 to spend on your wedding, from accommodation and food to flowers and photography, your money can often go further overseas.
And let's be honest, distant shores are just so romantic, especially compared to your local every day stomping ground.
Photo by Jemma Keech Photography
All of which is why choosing an off-the-beaten-track wedding destination is such a good idea.
While countries like Spain, France and Italy are breathtakingly beautiful and host so many destination weddings with good reason, cheaper flights have increased the volume of overseas couples choosing to get married in these places, in turn pushing up the price of weddings in recent years.
By choosing a destination where the wedding industry is less established, you'll not only reap the savings, but you'll get to treat your guests to somewhere new and exiting, that they've perhaps never been to, or even considered for a holiday before.
So without further ado, here's five locations we've ear-marked as the next big destinations for weddings abroad.
Swap Spain for… Morocco
Photos by Andreas Holm Photography via Boutique Souk
You heard it here first people, Morocco is on the up.
Even top UK model Poppy Delevingne hosted her star-studded nuptials here.
From the riads of Marrakech to the kasbahs of Casablanca, Morocco is a stunningly beautiful, entirely eclectic, and incredibly versatile place to get married.
Photo by Andreas Holm Photography via Fly Away Bride
Destination weddings in Morocco are abundant affairs, filled with opulent colours, extravagant textures, atmospheric settings, and laced with candles, wine and fabulous food.
From iconic Moorish architecture, to dramatic deserts to romantic rose gardens, this North African nation, just 15 kilometres from Spain, is brimming with potential for a wedding your guests will never forget.
Photo by Laura Power Photography
Where to start: Boutique Souk are a wedding planners that specialise in creating one-of-a-kind events for overseas clients. Their website is crammed with the kind of wedding inspiration that will have you booking your flights, stat.
Swap Italy for… Slovenia
Photo by Jonny MP Photography
Photo by Urska & Domen
Lake Como and Lake Garda, step aside, Lake Bled is the new kid in town.
Just as stunning as its counterparts across the border in Italy, Lake Bled, in Slovenia is an atmospheric setting.
With the breath-taking Church of the Assumption of Mary in the centre of the lake, it's customary for grooms to carry their brides up the 99 steps of the church to ring the wishing bell. Then take a gondola back across the lake, with Bled Castle looming overhead like something out of a storybook.
Yep, this place is steeped in romance.
Photo by Primoz Bregar Photography
With other stunning locations in the country as the capital Ljubljana (the prettiest city, ever, also overlooked by a beautiful castle) and Piran (a beautiful seaside town on the Adriatic with a distinct Venetian influence), Slovenia is an untapped well of stunning destination wedding potential.
Fun fact: Slovenia is the only country in the world that has the world love in its title. That's what we call fate.
Photo via Primavera Bled
Where to start: Primavera Bled is the leading destination wedding planners in the country, they can organise everything from castle ceremonies in the snow, to summer gondola rides for your guests.
Swap Thailand for… Cambodia
Photo by Jack Creation
South East Asia is a jaw-droppingly beautiful place to get married.
White sands and crystal waters, alongside the most friendly people and the most beautiful food. But with swathes of tourists visiting the area, it's hard to find a spot to call your own, for a romantic, and undisturbed wedding celebration.
Enter Cambodia, a country that after years of hardship, is coming into its own, and bringing with it, beautiful temples, glorious beaches, exceptional resorts, and exquisite cuisine.
Photo via Song Saa
From the glossy beaches down south in Kep and Sihanoukville, you can find your own slice of paradise, with islands like Song Saa in the Koh Rong Archipelago entirely untapped, unlike their Thai counterparts across the Gulf.
Up north then, is the iconic Angkor temples, the most stunning setting for your wedding pictures, whether you capture the sun rising over Angkor Wat from a hot air balloon or the sun setting over the Tonle Sap lake from a floating house.
Cambodia is a country that really stays with the people who visit it, atmospheric, beautiful, and incredibly friendly, whether you're eloping or sharing South East Asia with your friends and family, this is a magical place to do it.
Photo via Song Saa
Where to start: Angkor Weddings offer a plethora of information on marrying in Cambodia, planning everything from a jungle setting for your ceremony to a traditional Khmer celebration.
Swap France for… England
Photo by Joe Weil Photography via English Oak Vineyard
Okay, okay, so the South of England, may not be your first choice for a destination wedding, or a budget friendly wedding at that.
But when it comes to hosting wine region nuptials, this part of the world is often overlooked but (thanks to global warming!) has in the past few years, boasted flourishing vineyards and beautiful summers.
Photo via Denbies Wine Estate
Stunning up-and-coming vineyards in areas like Sussex and Kent offer not just exceptional local wine, but the best in British food and hospitality.
And while they may not be as established for weddings as the vineyards of mainland Europe, many will have on-site tasting rooms or restaurants which make for an all the more quaint and rustic vibe.
Photo via English Oak Vineyard
Where to start: English Oak Vineyard, is one of the more established winery venues in England, and a great place to start for looking at the potential Blighty's wine regions have to offer.
Swap Mexico for… Guatemala
Photo by Stacy Able Photography via Style Me Pretty
With its sweet Central American location nestled between beautiful Belize and much-visited Mexico, Guatemala is a gorgeous and untapped destination wedding location.
From the fascinating melting pot of Guatemala City and the historical volcanic highlands of Antigua (not to be confused with the Caribbean island) to the scenic Mayan villages of Lake Attilán and the laid back beach vibes of Puerto San Jose, this relatively small nation, stretching from the Caribbean to the Pacific, has got it all.
Photo by Davina + Daniel via Bridal Musings
The perfect place for a romantic wedding in an magical setting, and something utterly unique that your guests will remember for a lifetime.
Plus, with its proximity to the U.S., this fabulous country is not as remote as you might think.
Photo by Caroline + Ben
Where to start: I Do, Guatemala create beautiful events across the country, operating in both Spanish and English, they are well-equipped to guide you through the locations and legalities of a wedding in Guatemala.
Photo by Caroline + Ben via Junebug Weddings
Let us know what you think, would you get married in any of these alternative destinations or where would you suggest for a unique destination wedding?
Please leave your thoughts, tips and advice for other couples in the comments below!
For more destination inspiration and top tips from real couples, check out past Destination Weddings.
