Love the idea of having a Small Intimate Wedding Abroad…Elopement and adventure wedding specialist Nadia from Amulet Weddings & Events shares her top tips on how to achieve this.
Iceland Elopement by Amulet Weddings & Events, Chris & Ruth Photography
In the first part of this four part series, Nadia looks at the advantages of having a small intimate wedding abroad, how to choose and your destination and shares her favourite top 5 countries in Europe.
Advantages of having a Small Intimate Wedding Abroad in Europe
- It’s all about you
- The option to have a less traditional wedding
- A celebration of what you love
- Stunning scenery
- Huge range of locations and settings
- Unique wedding options
- Combine the trip of a lifetime with your wedding
- Established wedding industry with high service standards
- Culinary excellence
- No jet lag (for UK visitors)
- Your guests will experience a wedding like no other
- Your wedding photos will be amazing!
Austrian Alps Chalet Wedding Reception, Wild Connections Photography
How to Choose the Perfect Destination for an Intimate Wedding Abroad
Europe has an abundance of strikingly beautiful countries perfect for nature lovers, explorers and adventurers! The Alps in Austria, snow topped mountains of the Dolomites, the crystal waters in Eastern Europe or the dramatic waterfalls and lava fields in Iceland. The options are endless…so how do you go about deciding which one is right for you?
If you don’t have your destination pinned down, start by creating a shortlist of countries which offer the type of wedding experience you would like you and your guests to have, e.g.:
- Adventure – Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Lapland, Iceland
- Romance – Paris, Rome, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia
- Culture – Spain, Portugal, Italy, Austria, Slovenia
- Fun in the Sun – Malta, Croatia, Montenegro, Portugal
- Luxury – Austria, Italy, France, Switzerland, Montenegro
Destination wedding photographers blogs and social media are brimming with inspiration and a great place to start. Follow # tags which reflect the wedding experience you would like e.g. #adventureweddingsandelopements, #europeelopement #intimateweddingplanner #snowboardwedding, #lakebledwedding, #icelandweddinglocations, #dolomiteselopement etc.
From this point, whittle down your list by selecting the country which ticks most of your boxes and then drill down to a specific region within it.
Considerations
Factors to take into consideration when selecting a destination include:
- The legalities – if it’s important for you to have civil legally binding ceremony, ensue that you can meet the legal and residency requirements.
- Your budget – the average cost to get married in the countries on your shortlist.
- Time of year – what will the weather conditions be like at that time of year? Is it peak holiday season?
Top European Countries for a Small Wedding Abroad
Here are my picks for the Top European Countries for a small intimate wedding abroad. When looking at the photos, see if there’s anything that makes you light up inside. If you get goosebumps admiring the photos and you can imagine saying your vows in one of these beautiful spots, then you are one step closer to picking the destination for you!
1) Austria
Drawing on its surroundings, Austria has a fantastic selection of venues both traditional and modern with jaw-dropping vistas across the Alps. An ideal location for those that love to explore, ski & immerse themselves in local culture.
Austria makes a good year round wedding destination. Whatever season you choose the views are hard to beat and make a flawless backdrop for an intimate ceremony.
Adventure Wedding Austria, Wild Connections Photography
If you are looking for a location that combines history and culture, then Vienna is a fairytale setting that has its own unique charms in every season. For those who want to add a little adventure the natural beauty of the Alps, Austria’s meadows, pine forests and crystal clear lakes will not disappoint.
There’s so much to see and do in this country, from visiting the world famous Lipizzaner white horses, exhilarating snow sports, or watching the world go by while sipping sumptuous Viennese hot chocolate – your wedding party will be spoiled for choice.
Austrian Alps Wedding Venue, Wild Connections Photography
2) Iceland
If dramatic scenery is at the top of your wedding wish list, look no further. Iceland is truly magical and especially close to my heart as a romantic elopement and small intimate wedding abroad destination.
It is becoming increasingly popular among the well-travelled, and you can’t fail to see why. Unique and strikingly beautiful, Iceland offers an array of settings that are hard to beat.
Iceland Elopement by Amulet Weddings & Events, Chris & Ruth Photography
With a touch of luck you might be able to feast your eyes on the wonderful Aurora Borealis, and you are never far from other fantastic natural wonders on this island.
Experience the land of ice and fire: From volcanoes and geysers, to crystal glaciers and skies thronged with stars. Explore black sand beaches after nuptials in Búðakirkja, or say “I do” under one of the many Icelandic waterfalls and sip champagne with your new spouse in front of rainbows!
Iceland Elopement by Amulet Weddings & Events, Chris & Ruth Photography
3) Slovenia
Slovenia is a wedding destination with a difference! Nestled in the heart of the continent, it is one of Europe’s best-hidden secrets with something for every member of your wedding party; vineyards, ski-slopes, water sports, castles & international cuisine!
Guests will be captivated by horse drawn carriage rides or they might head out on to the waters in a pletna boat. Marvel at the picture-perfect views from the shores of Bohinj as you say your vows in colourful style.
Intimate Wedding in Slovenia, Katja & Simon Wedding Photography
Steeped in architectural history, culture and beauty, must see places include Lake Bled with its towering medieval Gothic castle, the pristine scenery of Triglav National Park, and the traditional architecture of Ljubljana Old Town.
The colours of this delightful country are sure to take your breath away with lush green forests and vivid turquoise lakes. If you want the best of Europe rolled into one, then Slovenia should definitely make your shortlist.
Lake Bled, Slovenia, Polina Rytova on Unsplash
4) Montenegro
If you like to stay ahead of the curve, Montenegro is perfect for a seriously cool wedding celebration. This tiny destination packs a real punch and, despite its size, can offer you everything from golden beaches to soaring mountains.
The nostalgic feel of the many traditional villages, with their cobbled alleyways and hidden pretty piazzas, might fool you into thinking luxury isn’t on the cards here – but you’d be wrong! Montenegro is host to some exquisite boutique hotels and has been a “hush hush” favourite with celebrities since the swinging sixties.
Kotor, Montenegro, Polina Rytova on Unsplash
This unspoiled gem of a country is perfect for a small intimate wedding abroad. Whether you want to experience the glorious views over the Adriatic, or have a fairy tale ceremony in a medieval Kotor, Montenegro opens up a world of ancient palaces, stunning national parks and exquisite private gardens.
Choose to have your wedding in Montenegro and be a bride who leads the destination wedding game, not follows the crowd!
5) Portugal
Panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean await you and your guests in the beautiful country of Portugal. With easy access from most major airports and the bustling city of Lisbon to explore, Portugal is full of history & romance.
Cascais and the Algarve are favourites for wedding couples due to the fantastic weather all year round, perfect for that cliff top Wedding ceremony overlooking the ocean.
With magical castles, rural farmhouses and elegant hotels all tastes are catered for across Portugal and the level of service and attention to detail shown by venue owners makes you feel right at home. Nothing is too much trouble and excursion to local castles, vineyards and boat & cycling trips are in abundance.
What can Amulet Weddings offer you?
Specialising in small, personal weddings of around 50 guests or fewer, Amulet Weddings & Events would love to help you plan your ideal nuptials. If you’re dreaming of a small intimate wedding abroad in the sunshine or snow – with a little adventure and exploration thrown in – then they would be delighted to create a tailor-made trip just for you!
Iceland Elopement Wedding Transport by Amulet Weddings & Events, Chris & Ruth Photography
Managing complex itineraries and travel plans is what Amulet Weddings & Events love. They pride themselves on delivering a flexible, adaptable approach from start to finish. They provide guidance and support with your visas and the legal requirements and are experienced in working alongside different cultures, managing multiple currencies and foreseeing any hiccups that may appear when planning a destination wedding.
Get in touch today by using the form below and book your free consultation with Amulet Weddings & Events now!
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Further Reading:
In Part 2, Nadia provides an overview of having an intimate wedding in Austria, including the diverse range of settings and her top venue picks.
In Part 3, Nadia discusses the wow factors that a wedding in Iceland can deliver and gives us her top venue picks.
In Part 4, in the final part of the series, Nadia looks at Slovenia and what it offers as a intimate wedding and elopement destination.
Find out More
To ask a question about having an intimate wedding abroad, please use the form below and Nadia from Amulet Wedding & Events will be more than happy to answer your questions.
