At LovinAway, we know that every couple dreams of a wedding that’s as unique as their love story. For many, a destination wedding provides the perfect backdrop—breathtaking views, intimate settings, and unforgettable experiences. But there’s one key decision every couple must consider: should your destination wedding be symbolic or legal? 

Quite simply: 

A legal destination wedding ceremony is legal in the country you get married and is also recognized legally back here in the U.S. 

A symbolic wedding is not legally recognized at all, so you would take care of getting legally married at home before (or sometimes after) leaving and then you’d have a symbolic ceremony in your dream destination. 

Let’s Compare

Symbolic Destination Wedding Legal Destination Wedding
Legality Not legally binding, requires a courthouse ceremony before or after. Legally recognized as a marriage in most countries, with official paperwork.
Cost Generally less expensive (no legal fees, less paperwork). May involve additional costs for documentation, translations, or legal services.
Planning More flexible and less complicated (no need to meet foreign legal requirements). Requires understanding and meeting the marriage laws of the destination country.
Time Commitment Saves time as there’s no need to navigate legal formalities. May take longer due to paperwork, blood tests, residency requirements, etc.

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