Destination Wedding Costs: Country-by-Country Comparison

Planning a destination wedding is as much about budget as it is about dreams. Prices vary enormously between destinations - an intimate beach wedding in Thailand can cost a fraction of a vineyard celebration in Tuscany. But where do you get the most value for your money? And which costs are easily forgotten?

We've compiled real costs from 24 popular wedding destinations, based on data from local vendors and couples who've married abroad. All prices in EUR, for 20–40 guests, including venue, catering, photographer and basic decoration. Guest flights and accommodation are not included.

Quick Overview: All 24 Destinations

Before we dive into detail - here's the big picture. We've grouped destinations into four price tiers based on where most couples end up budget-wise.

Budget-Friendly Destinations (under €10,000)

These countries offer high-quality weddings at prices often half or a third of European equivalents. The biggest savings come from food, staff and venue hire - not from cutting corners on quality.

Sri Lanka (€4,000–16,000) has emerged as one of the most interesting destinations for couples seeking tropical luxury without breaking the bank. Think beach ceremonies with palm canopies, local flowers and fantastic cuisine at a fraction of what the Maldives costs. Many resorts offer complete wedding packages.

Vietnam (€4,000–19,000) attracts with unique culture, spectacular gastronomy and beautiful venues in Da Nang, Hoi An and Phu Quoc. Service levels are high and staffing generous - you'll often get dedicated personnel that's missing in pricier destinations.

Thailand (€5,000–21,000) is the classic tropical wedding destination. Koh Samui and Phuket have an established wedding industry with English-speaking coordinators. All-inclusive beach packages start from around €5,000.

Turkey (€5,000–26,000) offers European flair at Asian prices. Antalya and Bodrum are most popular among Northern European couples. Turkey also has the advantage of short flight times (about 4 hours from most European capitals) and excellent hotel standards.

Jamaica (€7,500–23,000) attracts with all-inclusive packages where everything from ceremony to cocktail party is included. Legal marriage is simple and requires only 24 hours' residency.

Mid-Range (€8,000–35,000)

Here you'll find the best balance between European quality, beautiful settings and reasonable prices. This is also where the selection of English-speaking vendors is largest.

Croatia (€8,500–26,000) combines the Adriatic's crystal-clear waters with walled medieval towns. Split and Dubrovnik are the favourites, but Istria and Hvar offer more intimate alternatives at lower prices.

Portugal (€10,500–31,500) has in recent years become one of Europe's most popular choices. The reason? Fantastic gastronomy, beautiful nature from the Algarve to the Douro Valley, and prices that are 30–40% below Italy and France. Many couples choose vineyard weddings - Portugal has hundreds of quintas (wine estates) offering wedding packages.

Greece (€11,000–32,000) offers everything from Santorini's iconic sunsets and whitewashed churches to Crete's relaxed charm and Corfu's green landscapes. Santorini is the most expensive (often €25,000+) while the mainland and lesser-known islands like Lefkada give more for your money.

Spain (€10,000–35,000) has the greatest variation of all destinations. Andalusian fincas, Barcelona's design hotels, Mallorca's stone villas and the Canary Islands' beaches - all with completely different price profiles. Mallorca and Ibiza are premium-priced while the Costa del Sol and Alicante area offer excellent value.

Cyprus and Malta (€8,000–25,000) are underrated gems. Cyprus offers simple legal marriage and beautiful nature. Malta has historic charm, English as an official language, and among the lowest prices in the Mediterranean.

Morocco (€8,000–25,000) delivers a completely unique experience. Think riad ceremonies in Marrakech, dinner under the stars in the desert, or beach weddings in Essaouira. The exchange rate means you get a lot of luxury for your money.

Mexico (€9,000–30,000) and the Dominican Republic (€5,000–26,000) are Caribbean dreams with a well-established wedding industry. Tulum, Cancún and Punta Cana offer all-inclusive packages that simplify planning considerably.

Costa Rica (€8,500–37,000) combines tropical nature with adventure. Rainforest, volcanoes, beaches and wildlife - perfect for couples who want something beyond the ordinary. Manuel Antonio and Guanacaste are most popular.

Premium Destinations (€10,000–53,000)

The classic dream choices. Higher prices, but with that comes a wedding industry that's extremely professional and accustomed to international couples.

Italy (€16,000–47,500) is the most sought-after destination by far. But prices vary enormously: Puglia and Sicily can be half of Tuscany and Lake Como. The Amalfi Coast is another step up. Our recommendation: explore southern Italy for the best value with the same magical feeling.

France (€16,000–53,000) offers châteaux, vineyards and Provençal charm. Provence and Languedoc are considerably cheaper than the French Riviera and Paris. The Champagne region is a romantic middle ground.

Indonesia (Bali, €10,000–35,000) delivers tropical luxury with fantastic service. Bali has a mature wedding industry with hundreds of experienced vendors. Ubud for rice fields and jungle, Seminyak for beach and parties.

Iceland (€12,000–40,000) and Norway (€13,000–42,000) attract couples who want dramatic Nordic nature. Midnight sun weddings, northern lights ceremonies, waterfalls as backdrop. Unique, but weather-dependent.

New Zealand (€10,500–42,000) is the dream for adventurous couples - helicopter weddings by mountain lakes, vineyards in Marlborough, or ceremonies on a glacier. Long travel time but unforgettable experience.

Faroe Islands (€8,500–31,500) is a unique niche. Raw, unspoiled nature, intimacy, and a feeling of being alone in the world. Perfect for elopements and small gatherings.

Affordable Luxury Destinations (€5,000–85,000+)

Destinations where "luxury" is the standard - but prices vary enormously depending on ambition level.

South Africa (€5,000–21,000) is perhaps the best-kept secret on this list. Thanks to the exchange rate (ZAR), you get wine estates, safari lodges and Cape Town views at European mid-range prices. The food is world-class and the service culture deeply rooted.

Maldives (€16,000–53,000+) is luxury by definition - every resort is a private island. Intimate, exclusive, with service beyond the ordinary. Best suited for couples marrying alone or with a handful of guests.

Dubai (€16,000–63,000+) offers the most spectacular of all. World-famous hotels, private islands, rooftop ceremonies with skyline views. Guaranteed good weather year-round. But prices escalate quickly when you want the extras.

Switzerland (€21,000–85,000+) has unmatched Alpine views but at Alpine prices. Lucerne, Zermatt and the Lake Geneva region are most popular. Switzerland is also the most expensive option on the list - but delivers a flawless experience.

Practical savings tips by price range

Budget under 10,000 EUR - Choose Turkey, Sri Lanka or Thailand. Focus on all-inclusive resort packages that include venue, catering and basic decor. Avoid peak season (July-August) and choose May or October instead. Keep the guest list under 20. Hire a local photographer instead of flying one in from home.

Budget 10,000-25,000 EUR - The sweet spot for most couples. Portugal, Croatia and Crete offer excellent quality in this range. You can afford a dedicated wedding planner, good photographer and beautiful venue. The secret: choose a mid-range destination rather than the cheapest venue in an expensive destination.

Budget 25,000-50,000 EUR - This opens doors to Tuscany, Provence and private villas. Invest in an experienced local coordinator - they often pay for themselves through better prices and fewer mistakes. Prioritise the food experience - it's what guests remember most.

Budget 50,000 EUR+ - Premium without limits. The Maldives, Iceland or a historic villa in Italy. Here it's about finding the right place and the right team, not saving money. A great coordinator and top-tier photographer are non-negotiable.

Top destinations in detail

Italy - The most popular choice overall. Tuscany (20,000-50,000 EUR), Lake Como (25,000-60,000 EUR) and the Amalfi Coast (20,000-45,000 EUR) lead the way. Puglia and Sicily offer the same magic at 30-40% lower cost. Legal marriage possible but requires apostilled documents 3+ months in advance. Most couples choose symbolic ceremony abroad plus legal marriage at home.

Greece - Santorini is most expensive (18,000-45,000 EUR) but most iconic. Crete offers 40% lower prices with fantastic beaches and Venetian heritage. Corfu combines lush landscape with Venetian architecture. Best May-October.

Spain - Mallorca dominates with stone villas, olive groves and crystal-clear water. Andalusia offers fincas and flamenco. Ibiza has evolved from party island to luxury destination. The Canary Islands offer year-round sunshine.

Portugal - Europe's best-kept secret. Sintra, the Algarve and the Douro Valley offer fantastic food, friendly prices and beautiful scenery. 20-30% cheaper than comparable Italian alternatives.

Croatia - Dubrovnik and Split deliver Mediterranean glamour at prices 30-40% lower than Italy. Crystal-clear Adriatic waters, historic city walls and excellent seafood. Hvar and Korčula for island weddings. Best June-September.

Where Do You Get the Most Value?

Looking at quality relative to price, four destinations stand out:

1. Portugal - Top European quality in food, service and setting, but 30–40% cheaper than Italy and France. Vineyard weddings in the Douro or beach weddings in the Algarve.
2. Croatia - Mediterranean glamour without Mediterranean prices. Dubrovnik costs half of the equivalent on the Amalfi Coast, with equally beautiful scenery.
3. South Africa - Thanks to the exchange rate, you get luxury weddings with safari, wine estates and Cape Town views at a fraction of European prices. Longer travel time but a unique experience.
4. Turkey - All-inclusive weddings with European standards and short flight times. The Antalya coast offers packages including everything from around €8,000.

What Affects the Price Most?

Regardless of destination, four factors have the biggest impact on total cost:

Guest count - The single biggest cost factor. The difference between 20 and 60 guests can be €5,000–15,000 in food and drinks alone. Many couples marrying abroad deliberately limit the guest list, which itself saves money.

Season - Getting married in low season can save 20–40% on venue and accommodation. In the Mediterranean, that means September–October or April–May - still warm but with lower prices. Avoid July–August in popular destinations.

Venue type - A private villa or castle costs considerably more than a boutique hotel or restaurant. In Italy, the difference can be €5,000–20,000 for the venue alone. Consider restaurant weddings or privately owned vineyards as alternatives.

Vendors - International vendors (like photographers and florists who travel to the destination) cost more than locals. Our recommendation: use local vendors for most things, but bring your own photographer if it matters - the photos are the only thing that lives on after the wedding.

Hidden Costs to Consider

Regardless of destination, costs that don't appear in the package price always arise:

• Legal ceremony - Varies from free (Jamaica) to €1,500+ (Italy, France). Many couples choose a symbolic ceremony on location plus civil ceremony at home. This simplifies paperwork and saves money.
• Documents and certificates - Certificate of no impediment, apostille, certified translation: budget €200–500. Start the process at least 3 months before the wedding.
• Site visits - Most couples need at least 1–2 trips before the wedding: meeting vendors, tasting menus, seeing the venue. Add €1,000–2,000 in flights and accommodation per trip.
• Currency risk - If you're paying vendors in local currency, the exchange rate can change between booking and payment. Especially relevant for Turkey (TRY), Thailand (THB) and Sri Lanka (LKR). Tip: lock the rate early through your bank.
• Tips and service charge - In some countries (especially Italy, Mexico and the Caribbean), 10–20% service charge is added on top of the price. Always ask if gratuity is included.

How Much Should You Budget?

A realistic rule of thumb: take the average cost for your destination and add 25% for unexpected expenses, site visits, documents and extra details you haven't thought of yet. Couples who budget too tightly often end up having to compromise on things they didn't want to compromise on - and that's rarely a good start to a marriage.

Want to know exactly what your dream wedding costs? Explore our detailed country guides with current prices, venues and local vendors - or send an inquiry directly to get tailored quotes.

How to compare destinations correctly

Compare total cost, not just venue price - A cheap venue in an expensive destination can end up costing more overall. Always factor in: flights for all guests, accommodation (at least 2 nights), catering per person, photographer, coordinator, decor and transport. A venue in Puglia that costs half of one in Tuscany can save 5,000 EUR total.

Currency effects - Destinations outside the eurozone (Turkey, Thailand, Sri Lanka) can offer enormous savings thanks to favourable exchange rates. But be aware of currency risk - lock the rate early via Wise if paying in local currency.

Peak season vs budget pricing - Peak season (June-September in the Mediterranean) is 20-40% more expensive. Shoulder season (May, October) offers the same weather at lower prices with fewer tourists. Winter season in the Maldives (November-March) is most expensive but best weather.

Guest flights and accommodation - Budget 150-500 EUR per guest for flights depending on destination and season. Hotel nights range from 50 EUR (Thailand) to 300 EUR (Santorini peak season) per night. Always offer at least 2-3 hotel options at different price points so all guests can afford to attend.

Want help planning step by step? Read our complete planning checklist with 8 steps from budget to wedding day.

Dreaming of a beach wedding? Read our complete beach wedding abroad guide with the best beaches in 20+ countries.

Frequently Asked Questions