A clear understanding of why a wedding abroad is needed will help you choose a suitable country.
- I don't want to worry about unstable weather. After all, somewhere there is always summer, sea, sun, beach and breathtaking landscapes.
- Tired of traditional feasts, these endless “bitter” and stupid competitions.
- It happens that in order to remarry, you want a completely different ceremony. Let nothing remind you of negative experiences.
- It’s so romantic to get married secretly and just the two of you, without witnesses.
- I would like to go on a honeymoon to this country, why not have a wedding there at the same time?
- The marriage conveyor belt and queues at Russian registry offices are terrible. There is a lack of feeling of being chosen, of being special.
- I want a light, beautiful and original wedding “not like everyone else’s.”
We have made a selection of countries where it is easy to fulfill these desires. Let's fly!
Cuba
The land of continuous summer. Tropical gardens, pristine beaches with clear lagoons, flamingos and pelicans walking everywhere. The Cuban islands, where you can organize a wedding, will truly be an excellent backdrop for bright and sunny photographs.
Oh yes. Cuba is another reason to get rid of your heavy wedding dress and suit and find something more frivolous and airy.
Flight from Moscow:
~12 hours
Ceremony:
both official and symbolic
Waiting for the official certificate:
3-4 months
Ceremony cost:
from 55 t.r. for symbolic and from 130 tr. for the official*
Flights Moscow ✈ Cuba from 74,500 rub.
Countries for weddings
A wedding abroad today can satisfy the most daring requests and has every chance of becoming the most exciting event in the life of two lovers. There are plenty of opportunities for organizing it; you just need to choose the option that suits the cost.
Choosing a country for a wedding ceremony abroad begins with determining:
- the desired degree of exoticism and solemnity;
- price level;
- event status;
- number of invited guests;
- event budget, etc.
Our company organizes weddings abroad in Montenegro, France, Italy, Spain, Greece, the Dominican Republic, Seychelles, Cyprus, Thailand, etc. You will be pleasantly surprised by the prices.
Maldives
A very hospitable country with a hot climate. A sea of fruit, cozy bungalows right next to the water, azure beaches, yacht trips, paths of candles on the sand - this is what newlyweds go to the Maldives for.
Wedding season is here all year round; there is no need to wait until spring or summer to get married. For the ceremony, you can choose a very small island (even uninhabited!) to protect yourself from curious vacationers on the beach.
Flight from Moscow:
~9 hours
Ceremony:
only symbolic
Ceremony cost:
from 60 t.r.
Flights Moscow ✈ Male from 30,100 rub.
Sri Lanka
For a wedding ceremony in Sri Lanka, you can rent a villa right on the shores of the Indian Ocean. For the ceremony, you can choose classic European outfits or dress in a sari and sarong and spend the day listening to national chants for a complete immersion in island life.
Here, as elsewhere, you will be offered a romantic dinner after the ceremony and relaxing SPA treatments. You can safely count on the exquisite design of the registration area, no matter where it is located. The highlight of Sri Lanka is its proximity to wildlife: here you can arrange a stunning photo shoot with elephants.
Flight from Moscow:
from 11 o'clock
Ceremony:
both official and symbolic
Waiting for the official certificate:
2 months
Ceremony cost:
from 55 t.r. for symbolic and from 75 tr. for the official
Flights Moscow ✈ Colombo from 26,200 rub.
On your own or with the help of a marriage agency?
The choice is influenced not so much by the wedding budget as by your stress tolerance and the complexity of the chosen program. In the most popular destinations for our compatriots, wedding services are so developed that you can cope on your own by studying forums and reviews from “experienced” people. If you speak English, you can contact local wedding agencies and cooperate with them directly without Russian intermediaries, but it is still advisable to check with the latter in advance (for example, in the format of a free consultation and advice) in which countries a certificate valid in Russia is issued about marriage, and where it will need to be additionally legalized through the consulate. Currently, the list of countries where Russians can officially get married includes Australia, Austria, the Bahamas, Barbados, Greece, Dominican Republic, Italy, Cyprus, Costa Rica, Cuba, Mauritius, Mexico, New Zealand, Seychelles, Slovenia, USA, Fiji , Czech Republic, Switzerland, Sri Lanka, Jamaica and other small island states.
Dominican Republic
This island has snow-white beaches and the whisper of palm trees all year round, like in a Bounty advertisement. Weddings here are most often held at the very edge of the ocean near a flower arch and accompanied by national songs of Dominican musicians.
After the ceremony, you will take a ride on a yacht, dine on fried lobsters with champagne and, if you want something exotic, go for a walk in the real jungle.
Flight from Moscow:
from 18 o'clock
Ceremony:
both official and symbolic
Waiting for the official certificate:
1-1.5 months
Ceremony cost:
from 45 t.r. for symbolic and from 125 tr. for the official
Flights Moscow ✈ Punta Cana from 40,500 rub.
Where is it cheaper to organize a ceremony?
When looking through offers from wedding planners, pay attention not only to the cost of the ceremony itself. Undoubtedly, the distance of the chosen country from your hometown is also an important factor. When calculating the budget for a future event, consider airfare prices.
Flight as an expense and test for newlyweds
For example, a symbolic ceremony in unexplored Cambodia can be organized for only $300-500. But just for tickets there from Moscow you will have to pay from $1,200.
Countries of the former USSR or Warsaw Pact , where wedding tourists from Russia are no longer news, may be an acceptable and inexpensive option
- Poland, the charm of Krakow is not inferior in architecture to the cities of Western Europe;
- Latvia, beautiful Riga or amber Jurmala have attracted tourists since the times of the USSR;
- Hungary, beautiful Budapest is a wonderful platform for equally fantastically beautiful wedding photographs;
- Armenia, proud Yerevan, will inspire you with the breadth of Caucasian traditions.
If you don’t limit yourself to your imagination, you can choose something more interesting than the usual Montenegro, Turkey and Egypt. Of course, the ocean or seashore will always attract with its beauty and grandeur. And even a long flight will not darken the joy of the newlyweds on the way to the wedding of their dreams. Sunny Spain, Greece and Italy have been working with Russian wedding agencies for several years. But the organizers claim that the list of countries where the bride and groom want to hold their ceremony has long been not limited to Thailand, the Czech Republic, or France.
Iceland (Arctic Ocean and Atlantic)
What attracts you: history, privacy, volcanoes, geysers, black beach, whales.
For a symbolic ceremony for the bride and groom, prepare to shell out 2,000 euros or more. Airfare – from 500 euros. Hotel – from 150 euros per night.
Standard package includes:
- decoration of the wedding venue (for example, near a waterfall or on the beach);
- stylist services;
- cake + champagne + light snack (cheese plate or fruit);
- bouquet;
- master of ceremonies + translator;
- photographer and cameraman.
Additionally, transfer to the chosen ceremony location and other amenities are paid: whale watching, driving around Reykjavik, etc.
New Zealand (Pacific Ocean, Tasman Sea)
What attracts you: nature, the Kiwi bird, the Hobbit village , tribal traditions.
A national-style ceremony wedding package costs about $8,000.
This high price includes:
- traditional Maori wedding ceremony;
- folklore group services (songs during the ceremony, haka, traditional greeting - pofiri) and concert;
- services of an official during the ceremony + interpreter;
- administrative fees for use of the ceremony space;
- traditional capes, outfits and jade necklaces for the bride and groom (memorable gift);
- marriage certificate, issued in traditional style;
- traditional flower arrangements for the bride and groom;
- sparkling wine after the ceremony for the bride and groom + fruit;
- hotel accommodation and transfer to the islands.
An ordinary ceremony in the wonderful parks of Auckland will cost less, but you won’t feel the authenticity of the country there.
Sri Lanka (Indian Ocean)
What attracts us: exoticism, low prices and elephants.
The price of the ceremony starts from $1000. Plus airfare (from $1600) and hotel (from $200).
What is usually included in the standard package:
- ceremony on the beach + translator + coordinator;
- a bouquet of tropical flowers and decorations for the venue;
- fruit, coconut milk, sparkling wine and cake;
- souvenir from the company + transfer from the hotel;
- photographer.
Additional amenities for an additional fee include: elephant rides, rental of national costumes and jewelry for the bride, hair and makeup, boat rides on the river or ocean, traditional songs performed by musicians and even a small choir.
Norway (Atlantic Ocean, Arctic Ocean, Norwegian, North and Barents Seas)
What attracts you: the fjords, nature, fishing, the amazingly gentle character of the descendants of the harsh Vikings.
The ceremony will cost no less than the Icelandic one. And the package of services is not much different. The price for a flight to Oslo starts from 280 euros per person. But Norway's geography is wide. You will have to get to the Lofoten Islands or Bergen yourself. Save the poppy “Troll’s Tongue” or Ålesund for your honeymoon. For a quiet ceremony, it is better to choose a cozy fishing town or a site overlooking a picturesque fjord.
Portugal (Atlantic Ocean)
What attracts you: landscapes, cuisine, architecture and culture.
The price of a ceremony on the beach of the Lisbon Riviera ranges around 1800 euros:
- license for a beach ceremony and reservation of place and date + decor;
- Russian-speaking registrar for the ceremony or translation services + photographer;
- a bottle of champagne and traditional sweets;
- bride's bouquet and groom's boutonniere;
- symbolic wedding certificate;
- transfer to the ceremony site and back.
An economy flight option will cost up to 100 euros per person one way, depending on the air carrier and seasonality. Accommodation – from 150 euros per night. But if Portugal begins with Lisbon , then it certainly does not end with it. Popular places for wedding celebrations: Montserrat Palace, Cape Roca, St. George's Fortress and others.
Monaco (Ligurian Sea)
What attracts: intimacy and fame at the same time, gambling business, architecture and beauty of the parks.
The area of the principality is only 2.02 square meters. km. But this does not prevent the concentration of celebrities and the rich in this region from being very high. The cost of a standard package of services for holding a symbolic ceremony varies greatly, as it depends on the location and time of year. But you shouldn’t count on an amount less than 2 thousand euros.
Monaco is an expensive location for a significant wedding
Tunisia (Mediterranean Sea)
What attracts: history, boat trips, diving, the famous Carthage and other cities under UNESCO protection, the Sahara Desert.
Only a symbolic ceremony can be held in this charming African country . Usually, this is a beach celebration on the seashore in the territory of a good hotel - an ideal option for the bride and groom to combine their wedding with their honeymoon. The approximate cost of the ceremony for two (about $1,500) includes:
- decoration of the ceremony site;
- table with champagne, glasses and sweets;
- bridal bouquet and boutonniere for the groom;
- photographer and video operator;
- wedding coordinator + registrar;
- hairstyle and makeup for the bride.
A tour to the selected hotel will be selected for you by an agency employee. The price of flights and accommodation in Tunisia depends greatly on the season.
China (Pacific Ocean, Yellow Sea)
What attracts you: cuisine, culture, nature, bamboo and pandas.
The uniqueness and diversity of this country is so interesting that it is difficult to even choose a specific part of it for a symbolic ceremony. The official one, unfortunately, is too bureaucratically heavy. And few people will undertake its organization. But a symbolic ceremony in big cities like Shanghai is a very expensive pleasure . Agencies often advise celebrating a celebration outdoors or on islands. For example, Hainan Island is famous for its good quality hotels, which offer their territories for such cases:
- a bottle of sparkling wine + tropical fruit basket + chocolate + wedding cake;
- romantic decoration of the room with flowers and the ceremony location;
- bouquet for the bride and boutonniere for the groom;
- 2 glasses of sparkling wine after the ceremony;
- services of a local photographer;
- romantic candlelit dinner for two, including a bottle of sparkling wine;
- romantic breakfast in your room the morning after the ceremony + yoga lesson.
The cost of such a service in a five-star hotel is from $1,300.
Mexico (Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea)
What attracts you: remoteness, cuisine, culture, nature and music.
A fairly extensive package of wedding services for a symbolic ceremony will cost from $900:
- transportation from the hotel to the ceremony site and back;
- decoration of the ceremony place + musical arrangement;
- a bottle of champagne + fruit basket + water;
- flowers for the bride and boutonniere for the groom;
- Russian-speaking wedding registrar and certificate in Russian and Spanish;
- photoshoot.
A good Mexican hotel will cost $250 per night for all inclusive. And the flight starts from $600 per person. In addition to beaches, Mexico is famous for its national parks and volcanoes, museums and the architecture of ancient tribes.
Thailand
Not the most exotic place for a wedding, but it is reliable and proven by hundreds of newlyweds. Thailand is chosen for its diversity: here you will find ancient Buddhist temples, underwater weddings, windsurfing, Thai massage, and amazing islands, the most famous of which are Phuket and Samui. A country of constant summer, where even tropical rains do not occur immediately throughout the entire territory.
Flight from Moscow:
~8-9 hours
Ceremony:
only symbolic
Ceremony cost:
from 70 t.r.
Flights Moscow ✈ Bangkok from 24,900 rub.
Floristry and decor
It is worth noting that floristry in other countries is different from ours. This needs to be emphasized during preparation. You should be prepared not only for the unusual appearance of the compositions, but also for completely different price ranges.
When planning to order flower arrangements or a bouquet, it is very important to take into account the season, temperature and humidity. If you have doubts about the quality of work of local florists, feel free to take your own with you so that the holiday is not spoiled by a disgusting bouquet or an arch that makes you want to cry.
What flowers suit your wedding style and location?
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Greece
Greece is an island state, and perhaps that is why it is so popular among those who want a wedding abroad. Stunning views, sunsets, mountains and sea, sea, sea all around. Separately, we note the island of Santorini (Thira), the architecture of which seems to have been created as a backdrop for a wedding celebration.
Flight from Moscow:
~3 hours
Ceremony:
both official and symbolic
Waiting for the official certificate:
about a month
Ceremony cost:
from 50 t.r. for symbolic and from 115 tr. for the official
Flights Moscow ✈ Athens from 16,400 rub.
Do we organize it ourselves or trust an agency?
Of course, you can handle organizing a wedding abroad yourself. However, if a symbolic ceremony does not require precise knowledge of the laws and legal nuances of your chosen state, then an official one requires a competent approach.
To realize your dream, you will need a lot of effort and time, which can darken this bright solemn day. But a wedding is a celebration that should be remembered for a lifetime.
Therefore, it is probably better to contact a trusted Russian or foreign agency that will do everything for you. All you have to do is enjoy the holiday.
Advice:
When going on your unforgettable honeymoon, purchase a GoodLine tourist sim card.
With this SIM card you can always:
— Free calls to Russia on Viber without the Internet;
— Use the Internet abroad — from 30 kopecks/MB;
— Receive incoming calls for free in 144 countries.
You can find out more about the possibilities of a tourist sim card here
Cyprus
From early spring to late autumn it is summer in Cyprus. This means that for 9 whole months the gentle Mediterranean climate favors those who want to register a marriage in another country, and at the same time spend a honeymoon here. And it doesn’t matter whether the wedding takes place on Cape Greco, on the slopes of Paphos or on the white cliffs of Aphrodite, the impressions of this indescribable beauty will remain in your hearts for many years.
Flight from Moscow:
~4 hours
Ceremony:
both official and symbolic
Waiting for the official certificate:
2-3 days
Ceremony cost:
from 50 t.r. for symbolic and from 70 tr. for the official
Flights Moscow ✈ Larnaca from 13,600 rub.
Official ceremony
It is not possible to officially register a marriage in every state. Many countries have restrictions and require certain conditions for the registration of foreign citizens.
The Family Code of our state recognizes marriages concluded abroad. However, the marriage certificate must be legalized in the country where the certificate was issued.
When organizing an official wedding ceremony, check how your marriage certificate will be legalized. It could be:
- Apostille stamp;
-consular legalization;
— legalization under an agreement on mutual legal assistance between Russia and the country of issue of the certificate.
In addition to organizing the holiday itself, you will have to collect the necessary documents. Each state has its own requirements. However, most often it is:
— passports;
- birth certificates;
- a certificate from the Russian Civil Registry Office or a statement (notarized) about the absence of obstacles to the marriage.
If one of the newlyweds was already married, then they must also provide a certificate of divorce.
All documents provided must be translated into the official language of the country where the marriage will take place. The documents must also have an Apostille stamp. After choosing a country, it is worth clarifying the list of required documents and the conditions for their provision.
You also need to find out the time frame within which the marriage certificate will be legalized. This procedure takes different times in different countries. In some, newlyweds will be able to receive a certificate the next day, while in others they have to wait several months.
To prevent this wonderful holiday from being spoiled by “paper” misunderstandings, take this issue very seriously. Then this day will become the most romantic and fabulous of your life.
Italy
Alpine lakes Como, Garda or Maggiore, trips to waterfalls in the heart of the country, walks through olive groves and vineyards, medieval cities of Tuscany or the water canals of Venice - Italy can satisfy any whims of lovers.
From May to October there is a high wedding season in Italy, and most often the newlyweds spend their honeymoon traveling around the towns of the Amalfi Coast or, on the contrary, going to tourist centers: Venice, Rome, Milan.
Flight from Moscow:
~4 hours
Ceremony:
both official and symbolic
Waiting for the official certificate:
3 weeks
Ceremony cost:
from 80 t.r. for symbolic and from 100 tr. for the official
Flights Moscow ✈ Rome from 14,300 rub.
Calculate your budget
We specifically left this point for last: to calculate wedding expenses, you first need to find out the prices for flights to your dates and services in the country where you plan to get married. The price of plane tickets will vary depending on the date, the cost of ceremonies is usually unchanged - at most, you can ask for a discount if you get married on a weekday during an unpopular season.
Decide which of the items described above are relevant to you, make a list and start finding out prices. If it turns out that your desires greatly exceed your capabilities, do not get upset ahead of time. Think about what you can save on: a simpler dress, fewer guests, or a more budget-friendly country.
Let's say you dreamed of a wedding on Lake Como in Italy until you saw the prices for villas - also look at Montenegro. There are similar landscapes and quite affordable wedding prices. We wanted to say “yes” on the warm sand of the Caribbean, but the tickets were prohibitively expensive - in the south of Thailand there are stunning beaches with wild jungles around.
You can replace a villa in France with an estate in the Czech Republic without losing the desired mood, and instead of distant Brazil you can go to relatively close Portugal.
Before booking any services, check what is included in the price and ask to send details of everything. This way you can, on occasion, remind you that you, as newlyweds, were promised a SPA program or breakfast in your room after the wedding.
Czech
Feeling like Cinderella marrying a handsome prince - that’s what a wedding in the Czech Republic is all about. Stunning architecture, legendary palaces and castles, domes, arches, pilasters, columns and balustrades, and even a real carriage instead of a tired limousine.
Flight from Moscow:
~2.5 hours
Ceremony:
both official and symbolic
Waiting for the official certificate:
2-3 weeks
Ceremony cost:
from 85 rub. both for symbolic and official
Flights Moscow ✈ Prague from 12,000 rub.
Portugal
Portugal is suitable for those who do not want resorts and routes traveled far and wide. The country is famous for its old castles, wine estates, cute streets and picturesque cliffs on the ocean. And the southern beaches of the Algarve, with their sea caves and impressive cliffs, are regularly included in the TOP of the best beaches in Europe.
Flight from Moscow:
from 6 hours
Ceremony:
both official and symbolic
Waiting for the official certificate:
2-3 months
Ceremony cost:
from 80 tr. for symbolic, and from 150 tr. for the official
Flights Moscow ✈ Lisbon from 21,300 rub.
Hosting unforgettable weddings abroad
A wedding ceremony in European or Asian countries is often a celebration in a narrow family circle, to which neither neighbors, nor distant relatives, nor unfamiliar “friends” are invited. Only those closest to you have the right to see you say your marriage vows and exchange rings. Despite this, we recommend gathering all your loved ones, and our experts will provide assistance with the trip and decoration of the celebration.
The cost of the celebration depends on the size of the celebration you require. Rich and famous clients who are not used to counting money and are ready to shell out a tidy sum to turn their wedding into a luxurious event can order a luxury rate for their wedding. The price of the celebration will be reflected in the relevant documents and will not change during preparation.
