Research the country's laws
To recognise the legality of your wedding ceremony, some countries require you to hold a residence permit. For example, in France, at least one of the partners must have a residence permit which is at least 40 days old to marry in the country. In Spain, you must prove that you have been living in the country for at least two years before you can legally marry. Other countries do not allow religious ceremonies unless you and your partner are both members of the country's preliminary faith. For same-sex marriages, formalities tend to be more complicated and in many countries are still not available.
The best way to go ahead with the formalities is to contact the local council of the area you are planning to get married, and then speak to the embassy of your country to make sure your marriage will be valid back home. Some countries such as the United States, Turkey, and Mexico require medical certificates; other countries will ask you for a Single Status Certificate, and different remarriage rules apply for widows and widowers, and ex-spouses.
In general, the most common paperwork you will need to provide for you and your spouse to get your marriage licence is a valid passport, birth certificates, decree absolute, marriage and death certificates of the deceased spouse (if widowed), and adoption certificate (if adopted). Remember that depending on the country's official language, your documents must be translated and given apostille.
Embrace the regional culture
Getting married abroad is an excellent opportunity to cherish the local customs and cuisine. If you are new to the country, your wedding is an excellent excuse to familiarise yourself with the regional traditions, flavours, and beliefs. For example, in Italy colourful, sugar-coated almonds are wrapped in tulle and make up the bomboniere (favours), which are given to guests as a thank you, and they represent family life — a tradition dating back to the Romans. At a Filipino wedding, the couple releases two doves into the air as a symbol of a long, peaceful, and harmonious life together. In Germany, newlyweds showcase their cooperation and their ability to overcome obstacles by cutting a log in half with a saw. It is up to you to what extent you are willing to incorporate the local traditions to your wedding (if at all), but it's a good way to entertain your guests and introduce them to your host country, as well as to show to your local guests that you appreciate and respect their culture.
Hire a local wedding planner
Wedding planners are a great asset and lift a lot of stress off you and your family's shoulders before and during the wedding ceremony. However, they can be even more valuable for your wedding abroad because they know the area well and they speak the local language, which you may don't. A wedding planner should source the best suppliers, liaise with vendors, and find venues according to your budget and the style you wish to create. You should let the planner get in touch with everyone involved, and make the arrangements in the local language; however, make sure they keep you up-to-date with all requirements and expenses. To find the most suitable wedding planner for you, ask for recommendations in expat forums or search the classifieds section of expat websites.
Support your international guests
Organising a wedding outside your home country means that the majority of your guests will have to travel from far away to be present on your special day. Thus, you should take into account the effort that your guests have to make to attend your wedding, and make it as convenient and hassle-free for them as possible. First, provide them with detailed information about the country, venue, and dates at least three months in advance, giving them time to book their time off from work, find good deals on flights, and create a budget. Also, if you aren't the one booking accommodation for your guests, provide them with an extensive list of hotels, resorts, and guest houses, which are close to the venue, and guarantee a comfortable and hospitable stay. Finally, inform your guests about the weather conditions of your host country, the dietary habits, and other tips such as dress code (if any), transportation system, etc. Make sure you are available to chat with them on the phone or email them, as they may want to find out more details depending on their case.
