Home or Away?

With the average UK wedding now costing an average of £16,000, the number of Brits choosing to tie the knot abroad is expected to rise again in 2005 for the fifth consecutive year in a row. So what are the pros and cons of marrying abroad?

THE romantic aspect of a wedding in paradise is now appealing to more couples than ever before. A lot of couples want to escape the unpredictable British climate and live their dream in some far-flung tropical location. Many also find it the perfect opportunity to escape the problems of awkward family members and competitive in-laws as well as the expense of a huge reception, whilst for those marrying for the second time marrying abroad avoids evoking the memories of previous civil or religious ceremonies.

From church weddings to snow-topped mountain peaks, or a sunset cruise to a drive through wedding in Vegas, there’s no shortage of different options, but before deciding on a wedding abroad, you should think carefully about the emotional aspect. Many brides tell of how they felt lonely and even a little sad on their special day not having their mother, sister or close friend around, and mothers often tend to feel shunned by their daughter’s decision.

This can be overcome by taking your immediate family with you, though you’ll need to consider how you will feel sharing your new husband and honeymoon with them. This can be overcome by a two-centre honeymoon whereby the days before the honeymoon are spent with your family and after the wedding you can move to another hotel or even another island.

WEDDING PACKAGES
MOST travel companies offer wedding and honeymoon packages. These usually include administration, cake, flowers and some photography. Nevertheless, it is essential to set a budget and keep a close eye on the budget – bouquets, videos, live music, and photographs at sunset can bump up the cost considerably. The cost of legal formalities that may have to be completed away from the resort in some countries, plus fees if you are having a church ceremony, need to be allowed for in your budget.

LEGALITIES
IT IS wise to check the full legalities of the marriage with your travel agent or the consulate of the country in which you are to be married. To make doubly sure, legal checks can be made with a solicitor. Although this may seem unnecessary at the moment, if things go wrong later and the legality of your marriage is in doubt, it will have been worthwhile.

Marriages solemnised abroad, in accordance with the laws of a foreign country, cannot be registered in the United King- Home or away? dom (for British subjects only). However, it is possible in some cases for the record of an overseas marriage to be kept at:-

The ONS General Register Office
Overseas Section Snedley Hydro Trafalgar Road
Southport, PR8 2HH
(0151-471 4200)

Further information can be obtained from either the General Register Office, or from The Foreign and Commonwealth Office, The Nationality Treaty & Claims Department, Clive House, Petty France London SW11-1 9HD (0171-238 4567).

DOCUMENTATION
YOUR travel agent or tour operator will inform you which documents you will require. In most cases they are:- Birth certificates. Valid 10-year passport. Full names, addresses and occupations. The following (if applicable): decree absolute, if divorced; former spouse’s death certificate, if widowed; legal proof if name has been changed by Deed Poll.

Parental consent is needed if you are under 18 or 21 in the following countries: Antigua, Cayman Islands, Cook Islands, Malaysia, St. Vincent, Anguilla, Jamaica, Bali, South Africa.

Additional legal documentation and procedures are required in other countries including Australia, Bali, Indonesia, Grenada, South Africa, Mauritius, Finland and Greece.