Our Dream Wedding in Lindos: 
What We Learned About Getting Married Abroad
written by Kayley

But here we are. We got married in Lindos, one of Europe’s most stunning (and still underrated) destinations and it was truly unforgettable.

Planning a wedding abroad turned out to be one of the best decisions we ever made. It was romantic, personal, and full of moments we’ll treasure forever. That said, it wasn’t without its challenges, many of which we only figured out along the way.

So, if you're considering tying the knot abroad, here’s everything I wish I’d known from the start.

Why We Chose a Destination Wedding

For us, it was about creating more than just a wedding day, it was about crafting a shared experience for everyone we love. 

A wedding abroad turns the celebration into a holiday, giving you extended time with your guests in a beautiful setting.

And let’s be honest: UK weather isn’t exactly known for being reliable.

One unexpected perk? Only the people who really want to be there will make the trip. 

That means you end up surrounded by guests who bring nothing but good vibes, something that made our day feel even more special.

Why Greece? and Why Lindos?

Greece ticked all our boxes: postcard worthy, coastlines, rich history, welcoming locals, and delicious food.

Lindos stole our hearts the first time we ever visited, It’s charming, steeped in authenticity , and views for days. 

None of our guests had ever been before, so they were all discovering a new place together. It wasn’t just our wedding, it was a bucket-list trip for many of our loved ones.

What really made it magical was the rare chance to gather our closest people in one place for more than just a day. It felt like one long, love-filled holiday. We laughed, explored, partied, and made memories none of us will ever forget.

Finding the Right Wedding Planner

One of the biggest hurdles in planning a destination wedding is organising everything remotely. That’s where a good wedding planner becomes essential.

We were lucky to find someone local who not only understood our vision but spoke great English and had plenty of experience with international couples. She helped us navigate everything from logistics to cultural nuances, making the process so much smoother.

Top Tips:

✔️ Read reviews

✔️ Ask to speak with past clients

✔️ Be clear about the level of support you’ll need

A great planner won’t just plan, they’ll problem-solve, translate, and jump in when the unexpected happens.

Is a Wedding Abroad Legally Recognised?

This is something a lot of couples don’t think about until it’s almost too late. Not every destination wedding is legally binding back home, unless you handle the paperwork correctly.

Thankfully, in Rhodes (where Lindos is located), your marriage is legally recognised in the UK. 

That meant no additional ceremonies or legal red tape once we were home, which saves money , and less stress and less planning as don’t need to do your pre wedding in the U.K. Our planner guided us through the paperwork, and once that was done, the rest was smooth sailing.

Is It More Affordable?

Believe it or not, yes.

A wedding abroad can actually be cheaper than one at home, especially if you’re keeping things intimate. Venues and vendors in places like Lindos are often more affordable, and destination weddings usually have smaller guest lists, which helps with budgeting.

Because our Greek wedding was legally binding, we didn’t need a separate UK registry office ceremony either, saving money and simplifying the process.

We even had enough room in the budget to host a “Thank You” pool party the day after, at our villa. We hired a DJ, bartenders, bought alcohol wholesale, brought in caterers, and it was still more cost-effective than hiring a venue back home. Not to mention, it was the perfect way to kick off our first day as Mr & Mrs!

Final Thoughts

Our Lindos wedding was intimate, beautiful, and bursting with love. It was everything we dreamed of and more. If you're thinking about getting married abroad, do it. You won’t regret it.

My Top Tips for Planning a Wedding Abroad

🔹 Research legal requirements early – Know what paperwork is needed to make it official in both countries.

🔹 Find a reliable local wedding planner – They’ll be your eyes, ears, and everything in between.

🔹 Use destination bridal groups – Facebook groups are gold mines for advice, vendors, and real experiences.

🔹 Stationery & favours – We ordered everything from the UK (cheaper + exactly what we wanted) and paid for an extra suitcase.

🔹 Choose practical favours – Fans, mini shot bottles, things people actually use or take home.

🔹 Entertainment mix – We brought some acts from home and hired others locally, great balance and cost savings.

🔹 Use WhatsApp strategically – Set up a group where only you can post. Share the daily schedule with RSVP polls to keep everyone in the loop.

🔹 Create a wedding playlist – Send it to your DJ so they understand your vibe.

🔹 Don’t overthink the seating plan – Guests won’t be seated long. Do what works for you.

🔹 Let go of perfection – Guests don’t know the plan, only you do. Embrace the unexpected.

🔹 Pack smart – Pay your bridal boutique to pack your dress in a carry-on.

🔹 Bring a steamer – Especially if your hotel doesn’t offer this service .

In the End...

Weddings can be overwhelming, no matter where you have them. But if you're dreaming of starting married life with an adventure, there’s nothing quite like a destination wedding.

Would we do it all again?

In a heartbeat, especially in Lindos.