Exotic destinations such as the sun-kissed beaches of the Caribbean, the Maldives and Bali are among the most popular choices and many tour operators now offer all-inclusive packages.

The legal requirements for each country may differ but generally, if a marriage is recognised as legally binding in the country in which it takes place, it will be recognised in the UK as well.

Consult an experienced tour operator and allow at least three months for all the paperwork to be properly processed.

There are drawbacks. If you want a big celebration surrounded by friends and family you may be out of luck. Getting time off work, finding the money to pay for the trip and travelling with children may all prove just too complicated for some guests.

A church wedding abroad may not be legally recognised over here so you may have to compromise and have a civil ceremony followed by a blessing – or do it all again in a registry office when you get back home.

You need to ensure you have all the required documentation with you when you marry abroad and this will vary according to the country.

There may be a minimum residency stay.

So here’s a check list to run through.

• Ensure you can marry on your chosen date. Make sure you get this confirmed, in writing, with the celebrant who is to perform the wedding ceremony.
• Check you have a valid 10 year passport.
• Check the weather for your wedding date, ensuring there are no freak changes in weather predicted.
• Take out travel insurance and wedding insurance for all those unforeseen events. Ensure you read the small print so you know exactly what is, and what isn’t, included in the insurance.
• Find out if there is a minimum residence stay before you can get married.
• Ensure you have a list of all the required documents you will need in order to get married in your chosen country.
• Check whether your documents will need to be translated into the country’s own spoken language.
• Check if the bride or groom needs to deliver the documents to appropriate authorities in person before the wedding day.
• Allow plenty of time to gather all the correct documentation needed to get married abroad.
• Contact your chosen country’s embassy in the UK, for further information on getting married abroad.
• If you are using a tour operator and they are offering you a wedding package, ensure you know exactly what is, and what isn’t, included in your package.
• Ensure the wedding ceremony abroad is legally recognised by the UK.
• If you are planning a church wedding abroad, you will need to seek permission from the church authorities where you wish to marry. You may need to allow extra time as you may be asked to attend pre-nuptial consultations in your chosen country.
• If your wedding is to be performed in a language other than English, ensure you have an interpreter present to translate the proceedings.
• If your marriage certificate is written in a foreign language you will need to ensure it is translated on your return to the UK if you intend to use it for any official applications, as proof of marriage, or if you intend to have it deposited at the GRO.