Real Bride Destination Wedding: Sunshine, Style and Saying "I Do" Abroad

Dreaming of saying 'I do' somewhere sunny? From Greek islands and Cypriot gardens to glittering Las Vegas chapels, each real bride destination wedding below shows that marrying abroad can be romantic, practical and every bit as meaningful as a traditional celebration at home. Add in beautiful scenery, smaller guest lists and the chance to personalise your day with unique experiences, and we can see why an increasing number of modern couples are choosing to head overseas.

To help inspire your own plans, we've spoken to three real wed2b brides who tied the knot in Las Vegas, Greece and Cyprus. From choosing a destination wedding dress that could handle the heat to finding the perfect wedding dress for abroad, their stories are full of ideas, advice and reassurance for anyone considering a wedding abroad.

Key Takeaways

• Almost 1 in 10 couples (9.4%) getting married are planning, or have had, a destination wedding, according to wed2b's 2026 Wedding Survey of over 11,400 respondents.
• A real bride destination wedding can be intimate, relaxed and deeply personal.
• Choosing the right dress matters when travelling or marrying in hot weather.
• Off-the-peg wedding dresses can be ideal when planning quickly or travelling abroad.
• Personal touches, from cultural details to family activities, make destination weddings feel unique.
• Real brides recommend planning the day around what feels right for you.

Why Real Brides Choose Destination Weddings

A destination wedding is a wedding held away from home, often in a holiday location or city abroad, where couples can combine travel, memorable experiences and a unique setting for saying 'I do'.

It's also an increasingly popular choice, as destination weddings offer a more relaxed atmosphere, beautiful backdrops, great weather, the chance to have a smaller, more intentional guest list and the opportunity to create a truly personal celebration.

And, if that sounds like your idea of heaven, each real bride destination wedding here has plenty of great ideas to get you started…

Megan's Las Vegas Wedding: "Plan Your Day For Yourself"

These newlyweds had exactly the Las Vegas wedding they wanted, starting the day by winning $800 in the casino and ending it at a concert by their favourite country singer. 

A relaxed Las Vegas elopement

"Our wedding day was super chilled," says Megan. "We had just 3 guests with us at the Storybook Wedding Chapel but our family and friends watched via live stream from home. After the ceremony we celebrated with drinks and had photos taken at the iconic Vegas sign on Fremont Street." 

"Later, we went back to the hotel and I got changed into a short dress and cowboy boots before we headed to a Luke Combs' concert in the Allegiant Stadium. The following night, we took our guests out for dinner overlooking the Bellagio Fountains. We'll also be celebrating again later in the year with a big party at home."

The dress that felt perfect for Vegas

Megan's perfect wedding dress for abroad was Nikita, a modern crepe and lace sheath, proving that a destination wedding dress can be both practical and glamorous. "The girl instore brought me the dress I thought I wanted and I hated it, so I just let her choose!" she says.

"The funniest moment was when I went back to the third dress I'd tried on. I put it back on and knew immediately it was 'The One'. The girl helping me said, 'I knew it was that one because you hung it up. When you took the others off you just left them on the floor!"

"I just loved how it fitted and I really felt like a bride. It also had a little bit of sparkle which I felt was perfect for my Las Vegas wedding!"

Megan's advice

"Plan your day for yourself and what you want. And you can plan your dream wedding in a month - I did!"

Steph's Greek Island Wedding: "If You're Considering A Destination Wedding, Do It"

This bride's lightweight Greece wedding dress was the ideal choice for her ceremony on a secluded Greek island.

A private island ceremony in Zakynthos

"We got married on a private island off Zakynthos in Greece," says Steph. "It was just a dream. When we'd settled on having a destination wedding, my best friend mentioned Cameo Island, which she had seen while on holiday there. It was totally unique, right down by the water with a little patio above the beach. We looked at a few other places online, but nowhere really compared. Where else could our guests be turtle spotting during the drinks reception?"

The night before the wedding there was a private boat trip for everyone, snorkelling and watching the sunset. Then, on the day, after spending a morning by the pool, Steph and Connor married at 5pm by the water's edge. "The ceremony was short and sweet and we had written our own vows. It was so emotional but absolutely perfect."

The reception was at a nearby Greek taverna, Vezalis Beach Bar, where everyone enjoyed a BBQ feast followed by plenty of dancing. "We booked some Greek dancers to entertain everyone," says Steph. "They got everyone up dancing, which was such a highlight for me. Everyone absolutely went for it, including plate smashing!"

Choosing a dress for heat and movement

Steph's dress, Marissa, a tulle ballgown with low back was ideal for the setting. "I felt like a princess, isn't that how every girl wants to feel on her wedding day?" she says. "I loved the appliqué details and the full skirt that didn't feel too heavy." 

Choosing a lightweight dress made a huge difference to Steph's comfort throughout the day. "As we were getting married in Greece, I wanted a wedding dress that wasn't going to be too heavy, as the heat in August was a consideration," she says. "It was absolutely perfect on the day, I could still keep up with all the mad Greek dancing!"

Steph's advice

"Take a small group of your most trusted circle dress shopping with you. However, other people's opinions are great, but at the end of the day, it's about how you feel."

Abbey's Cyprus Wedding: Simple, Sunny And Full Of Celebration

An idyllic garden venue, beautiful white flowers and the perfect Cyprus wedding dress set the scene for this stylish real bride destination wedding. 

A garden wedding in Cyprus

After looking at destination wedding ideas these newlyweds fell in love with a Cyprus garden venue filled with flowers and lantern lights. "I'm so appreciative of all my friends and family who made it all the way to Cyprus to celebrate with us," says Abbey "We had an amazing wedding planner and I told her I wanted it mainly white with greenery, just to keep it simple."

"On the day it was 37°C and my dad walked me down the aisle, which was magical. Then, after celebratory drinks, a wedding party bus took us around Ayia Napa for photographs and to enjoy the stunning views. We returned to the wedding venue for our evening reception and a saxophonist got the party started and we danced the night away."

A dress she loved from the start

"I knew I wanted a gorgeous wedding dress that I'd love forever when I looked back on the photos," says Abbey. "I found Damiana pretty quickly on wed2b's  Instagram and went in on Mother's Day, 18 months before I was getting married. As soon as I tried it on I cried, as I knew it was 'The One'. I loved the sleeves and mermaid silhouette." 

A travel case is also a good idea for destination weddings, helping protect your dress during flights and transfers. "The girl who helped me also suggested my veil, plus a travel case, as my wedding dress was for abroad," she says.

Abbey's advice

"Don't stress, it all comes together in the end."

Discover more real bride destination wedding stories

What To Look For In A Destination Wedding Dress

Wedding dresses featured: Juniper and Molli by Heidi Hudson

Whether you're searching for a destination wedding dress, beach wedding dress inspiration or a wedding dress for abroad, these features can help you choose a style that looks beautiful and feels comfortable throughout the day.

• Lightweight fabrics for hot weather.
• A silhouette you can move in.
• Details that suit the setting, such as sparkle for Vegas or romantic appliqué for Greece.
• A dress that can travel safely plus a protective travel box.
• Accessories that complete the look without adding too much weight.
• Breathable underskirts and shorter veils that suit the venue and temperature.

Browse destination wedding dresses to find a style to suit your location, climate and wedding plans.

Destination Wedding Ideas From Real Brides

Looking for real bride destination wedding ideas? Here's what our real brides recommend...

• Livestream the ceremony for guests at home.
• Choose a meaningful location or venue backdrop.
• Add personal details, like bouquet charms or embroidered jackets
• Plan around the climate.
• Arrange to have some time alone as a couple.
• Build the day around what you actually enjoy, whether that's country music or turtle watching.

• Give guests a welcome guide to your location, with local activities, travel tips and useful phrases.
• Theme your decor to the setting, for example Steph used olive branches and turtle motifs inspired by the Greek island.
• Lean into the culture and include local traditions or dancing.
• Stay longer and turn the wedding into a holiday, and encourage guest to do the same.
• Arrange activities, such as meals out or sightseeing trips, for guests to enjoy.

More destination wedding ideas to help you plan your day

FAQs About Destination Wedding Dresses

What is the best wedding dress for a destination wedding?

The best destination wedding dress is comfortable, easy to move in and suited to the climate. Lightweight fabrics, breathable layers and secure structure are ideal for hot weather or outdoor ceremonies.

Can you travel with a wedding dress?

Yes. Many brides travel with their wedding dress using a dedicated dress bag or travel case. It is worth planning how the dress will be packed, carried and steamed before the wedding day.

Are off-the-peg dresses good for destination weddings?

Yes. Off-the-peg dresses can be a great choice for destination weddings, especially if you have a shorter planning timeline or want to take your dress home quickly.

What should I consider when choosing a dress for a hot wedding destination?

Think about fabric weight, layers, sleeves, movement and comfort. A dress should feel beautiful but also practical enough to wear throughout the ceremony, photos and celebrations.

Do destination weddings have to be small?

No. Some destination weddings are intimate elopements, while others include wider family and friends. The best size depends on the couple, location and personal preference.

Looking for more inspiration? Explore our real bride stories to see how other brides styled their dresses and planned their weddings.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're planning a private island ceremony in Greece, a sunshine-filled celebration in Cyprus or a fun Las Vegas elopement, destination weddings can be whatever you want them to be. 

As these real brides show, there's no single way to marry abroad, the most important thing is creating a day that reflects your relationship and choosing a destination wedding dress that helps you feel comfortable, confident and completely yourself. So, have fun planning - the world really is your oyster!

Photography credits:

Megan: Gina Marie Collective 

Steph: Konstantinos Kazoukas

Abbey: Jason Clavey

Browse all our wedding dresses, then find your nearest wed2b store to try on your favourites. Here's what to expect when you visit, too. Lastly, for more inspiration, check out our Instagram, Facebook or TikTok accounts.