Guide for Scandinavian and International Couples Wanting to Get Married Abroad
A destination wedding provides the opportunity to gather family and friends in a place that combines a great atmosphere, beautiful scenery, unique venues and an experience that lasts the entire weekend.
This guide is designed for Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, Icelandic, Finnish and American couples who are considering Europe as their wedding destination and who want an objective, professional and practical overview before choosing a country and venue.
Here you will find everything that does not fit into a country-specific guide, but is still crucial for making the right choices:
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How to choose a destination
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Comparison between regions
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Budget and price levels
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Climate and season
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Logistics for international guests
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Tips for planning across borders
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Brief overview of the five most popular countries: Spain, Greece, France, Portugal and Italy
Why Scandinavian and American Couples Choose Europe
Europe offers:
Shorter travel route (for the Nordic region and Europe)
Rich culture, history and architecture
Professional venues and suppliers
Stable weather for much of the year
Holiday atmosphere for guests
Great variety within a short distance
For American guests, Europe often becomes a “destination & vacation” in one – while Scandinavian couples appreciate the combination of quality, safety and accessibility.
How to Choose the Right Destination
When considering a destination wedding, you should think about:
1. Climate and season
Do you want spring, summer or fall?
Some countries have a longer wedding season than others.
2. Style and setting
Would you like:
beach, vineyard, historic building, palace, modern hotel, mountain or lake
3. Travel time for guests
Is it important to have direct flights to the venue region?
4. Budget
Price levels vary between countries – and between regions.
5. Wedding size
Large groups require areas with good hotel capacity.
6. Food, wine and culture
What best suits the couple's style?
Brief Overview of the Five Most Popular Wedding Countries
Spain
Varied and diverse country with beaches, culture, historic cities and mountains.
Unique wedding venues such as pazos in Galicia, haciendas in Andalusia and masias in Catalonia, Mallorca and Alicante provide ceremonies with local character, private atmosphere and historical soul.
Great opportunities for weddings near the sea in Mallorca, Catalonia, Andalusia, Barcelona, the Canary Islands, Alicante, Marbella and Galicia.
Suitable for: couples who want sun, flexibility and authentic surroundings with many different venue types.
Greece
Islands with characteristic white architecture, dramatic cliffs and spectacular sunsets.
Santorini, Rhodes and Crete are among the most popular destinations.
Unique venues with ocean views, terraces and boutique hotels provide the perfect setting for ceremonies and celebrations.
Suitable for: intimate weddings, romantic atmosphere and iconic photo settings.
France
Famous castles, vineyards and elegant gardens with French charm.
Provence, the French Riviera and Champagne particularly stand out as wedding destinations.
Exclusive venues with a historic feel, high gastronomic standards and beautiful surroundings.
Suitable for: couples who want a classic, sophisticated and timeless wedding style.
Portugal
Vineyards, palaces, dramatic cliffs, historic buildings and very good value for money.
Lisbon, Porto, Douro, Algarve, Estoril and Cascais offer long wedding seasons and stable climates.
Wide selection of venues from palaces and vineyards to manor houses, coastal hotels and historic properties.
Suitable for: couples who want high quality, beautiful surroundings and good value.
Italy
Villas, lakes, vineyards, historic towns and a true Mediterranean atmosphere.
Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, Lake Como, Puglia and Sicily are among the most popular wedding destinations.
Wide variety of venues from elegant villas and vineyards to palaces, masserias and coastal properties.
Suitable for: couples who want strong aesthetics, culture and timeless Italian atmosphere.
Norway
Unique country with fjords, mountains, Arctic landscapes and modern Scandinavian aesthetics.
Great opportunities for weddings in Oslo, Bergen and the Vestlandfjords, as well as Lofoten and Tromsø.
Unique venues from modern architecture and design hotels to historic buildings, fjord hotels and natural locations.
Suitable for: couples who want spectacular nature, the Northern Lights, or a summer wedding with bright nights and dramatic surroundings.
Best Time for Weddings in Southern Europe
1. March–June
Mild, stable and blooming in nature. Ideal for all countries.
2. July–August
Warm. Best for islands and coastal areas.
3. September–October
Fantastic light, comfortable temperature and less tourism.
4. November–February
Only certain areas work: Canary Islands and Madeira.
How We Plan Weddings Abroad
WeTailor
Skreddersydd design og produksjon for par som ønsker et unikt konsept.
WePackage
Structured process with fixed steps, clear budgets and recommended suppliers.
How to Get Started
Book a meeting
Share your wishes, budget and style
We recommend the right countries and regions
You choose your favorites.
We plan and implement the entire experience