Destination Weddings: What Kind of Wedding Am I Having?

Congratulations! You’ve secured your venue and locked in your dates—what a relief! But now, your wedding planner has thrown a curveball: “What kind of ceremony do you want?” Wait, what?

Don’t worry, we’re going to break it down and keep it simple. Here are the four main types of wedding ceremonies you can choose from:

1. Symbolic Ceremony

As the name suggests, a symbolic ceremony is just that—a symbolic celebration of your love. It can be hosted by a judge of peace, a minister, or even a close friend. The officiant doesn’t need to be certified, as this ceremony holds no legal value—it’s purely emotional. This is our top recommendation because it saves you from all the legal paperwork, certified copies, and document translations. You can get legally married at home, and then have the ceremony in front of your guests—who don’t need to know you’re already hitched!

2. Legal Ceremony

If you want to make your marriage official abroad, you’ll need a legal ceremony. This is conducted by a judge and requires the legal documents of both partners, witnesses, and a marriage license fee. In Spanish-speaking countries, your marriage certificate will be translated from Spanish to English, and the ceremony will be conducted in Spanish.

If you’re getting married in Mexico, be aware that you must arrive at least three days before the ceremony for mandatory blood tests. Legend has it that this tradition started to prevent cousins from marrying, ensuring genetic compatibility. The reality is it also checks for STDs, so both partners enter marriage fully informed of each other’s health.

3. Religious Ceremony

If faith plays a significant role in your life, a religious ceremony might be the way to go. Whether you’re Catholic, Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Mormon, or follow another faith, most countries will have a representative of your religion available to perform the ceremony. If not, your priest, pundit, rabbi, or other religious leader is welcome to travel with you to officiate.

Keep in mind that if you’re planning a Catholic wedding, most priests won’t conduct ceremonies on the beach. However, many destinations have beautiful churches available for an additional fee, and you’ll need to check the specific requirements for a religious marriage. For Jewish weddings, rabbis are often more flexible but still have their own set of requirements.

4. New Age Weddings

For the trendsetters and spiritual souls, new age weddings offer a unique and memorable experience. Depending on your destination, you might choose a Mayan, Aztec, Celtic, or another culturally rich ceremony. These types of ceremonies often have special requirements, so be sure to inform your wedding planner well in advance to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Don’t Forget Accommodations

If your officiant or religious leader is traveling with you, remember to consider their travel and accommodation needs. It’s a kind gesture to cover these expenses as part of your wedding planning.

In the end, all ceremonies are beautiful and meaningful, and most countries are accommodating of various traditions. Choose the one that resonates most with you and your partner, and let the celebration of your love begin!