More and more couples are considering whether to have a winter wedding in the UK or go abroad for a winter wedding in the sun, away from the wind and rain. If you are planning to go abroad to chase the sun, further afield is usually the best bet, so places like South Africa, particularly Cape Town, are ideal. If you’re prepared to fly even further to get away from it all, then places like Australia and New Zealand are perfect during our cold winters.
However, winter weddings abroad don’t have to take place this far away for sunshine. Here are some of our top picks for winter weddings abroad destinations in the sun, all under five hours flight from the UK…
Lanzarote
Due to its close proximity to Africa, Lanzarote promises a warm, dry climate virtually all year round. One of the Canary Islands, Lanzarote offers an abundance of white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and a unique volcanic landscape.
Meliá Salinas in Costa Teguise is the perfect venue to tie the knot. Here you can say ‘I Do’ with a beautiful ceremony on the beach, followed by a cocktail reception and banquet dinner. The varied facilities of this luxury hotel allow you to celebrate your wedding in style, whether it’s classic or contemporary, formal or informal, spectacular or intimate.
Average high temperature December — February: 21°C
Non-stop flight time from London to Lanzarote approximately 4 hours.
Cyprus
During the summer months weddings in Cyprus can get booked up quickly. However, with a climate offering an impressive 340 days of sunshine a year, Cyprus weddings are becoming increasingly popular in the winter months. Many hotels offer special offers and free venue hire during winter too.
The Unity Terrace at the Alexander the Great Beach Hotel brings the best of both worlds, offering couples the chance to exchange vows under cover but with breathtaking sea views.
Average high temperature December — February: 18°C
Non-stop flight time from London to Paphos approximately 4 hours 30 minutes.
Malta
With temperatures sometimes still in the 20s in the winter months, Malta has many beautiful wedding venues perfect for a short-haul winter wedding.
Hotel Phoenicia in Valletta is a luxury five star venue which oozes elegance and style. The garden gazebo overlooks the Bastion Pool, with its beautiful views of Marsamxett Harbour and Valletta’s medieval fortified walls. Or perhaps you would prefer the calm elegance of the Green Lounge, an elegantly furnished venue for your indoor civil ceremony.
Average high temperature December — February: 17°C
Non-stop flight time from London to Malta approximately 3 hours.
Tenerife
Just over a four hour flight from the UK, Tenerife is easily accessible from all regional airports. This volcanic island basks in sunshine all year round, allowing you to enjoy your dream outdoor wedding even during the winter months.
Sandos San Blas Nature Resort & Golf is an extraordinary all-inclusive complex, located in a peaceful area on the south of Tenerife. Say your vows during a symbolic ceremony on the La Proa Terrace, in front of family and friends with the ocean as your backdrop. Then make your way into the Proa restaurant to complete the celebrations with a gourmet dinner, wedding cake and romantic atmosphere.
Average high temperature December — February: 20°C
Non-stop flight time from London to Tenerife approximately 4 hours 15 minutes.
If it’s not winter sun you desire, simply a winter wedding abroad, then there’s always somewhere cold and snowy that would fit the bill. Check out these unique winter wonderland wedding abroad locations for some ideas.
Guest post by Helen Doyle of PerfectWeddingsAbroad.co.uk
Images courtesy of Perfect Weddings Abroad
