Travel special
Sunshine locations where you can say ‘I do’ like a star
Jamaica
Imagine stepping onto soft white sand and saying your vows with that backdrop of a crystal blue sea, before you and your guests kick back with some rum cocktails as the sun slowly sets. No wonder Little Mix’s Leigh-Anne Pinnock chose to tie the knot there with footballer Andre Gray in June in a stunning ceremony she described as “beautiful ”. Not only does Jamaica offer amazing views, its laid-back atmosphere will give you a relaxed, unstuffy vibe for your big day. The other advantage is that English is the official language on the island and many of the resorts are well versed in hosting wedding ceremonies, often with on-site planners and special packages you can tailor to your needs. You can expect to spend from around £15k, with many costs being cheaper than British prices – from venue hire to photographer’s fees. The documentation you need is straightforward and you can legally tie the knot just 24 hours after arriving in the country, provided you have applied for your wedding license in advance. For more info, go to jhcuk.org.
Spain
The sun-drenched beaches, beautiful churches and lush gardens of Spain offer endless opportunities for hosting a truly memorable ceremony. Last May, Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo hosted 200 guests for their nuptials at the exclusive Villa Las Sirenas in Sotogrande near Malaga. But unless you are a Spanish resident or a practising Catholic, you may not be able to get legally married over there, which is why Jamie and Sophie opted for a classy but low-key legal ceremony in Chelsea before they jetted off for their big bash. Also, Spain clocks in at one of the most expensive places to get hitched, with costs coming in at an average of around £25k, so it’s worth looking at where you can make savings, such as hiring a villa for the event and reducing your guest list.
Greece
If Mamma Mia! has inspired you to want to set your ceremony on an idyllic Greek island, you’re not alone. Made In Chelsea star Binky Felstead wed husband Max Darnton in Corfu and Love Islander Zara Holland tied the knot with Elliot Love in the historic city of Athens. Weddings there are surprisingly reasonable if you opt for one of the Greek islands. Packages are available from around £5k for a small ceremony of 20 people. Traditional Greek surroundings can offer a stunning location for your wedding pics and a traditional party afterwards is the perfect way to celebrate. You will need relevant ID, proof of freedom to marry and an official Apostille (stamp) ce
