Tenerife is one of the world’s most popular destinations to take their vows abroad. With stunning beachscapes and gorgeous temperatures most of the year round, where could be more romantic to stand up with your partner and declare your love for one another?
Nowadays it’s pretty simple to marry abroad, with many tour operators geared specifically to planning a wedding overseas. This means they take care of everything from flights to flowers so you don’t have to worry about all the finer details and you can concentrate on your big day. As we all know, cost is a big factor when it comes to getting hitched. The average cost of a wedding in the UK is around £16,000, compared with a much more manageable £4,000 average cost in Tenerife.
As the largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is a very popular destination with holidaymakers too. This means it shouldn’t be too difficult to entice your loved ones onto a plane to see you getting married. And of course, on the flip side, you can control exactly who comes out there with you – you can avoid those awkward reunions with distant relatives or any silly family bust-ups. In Tenerife, it’s easy to keep things simple.
Above, at the Confetti shop: beach theme wooden trinket box
Tenerife is also renowned for its throbbing nightlife, which means you don’t need to worry too much about people enjoying themselves at the reception. You might even want to tie in stag/hen parties and really make the most of everything the island has to offer.
Do make sure you plan ahead if you’re thinking of marrying in Tenerife, and do your research. You’ll need to make sure you have all the correct paperwork with you – if you go for a package deal, your operator will be able to help you out with all the finer details. Choose a date far enough into the future to allow you time to figure everything out.
Catholic ceremonies are legally recognised in Tenerife and you will receive an international marriage certificate from the local authorities. However, your priest will need to send your paperwork to the local Bishop. On the other hand, Anglican ceremonies are not legally binding and you will therefore need to hold an official civil wedding service in your home country before your beautiful blessing overseas – but your guests will never know the difference! For a Catholic wedding you’ll need to provide at least:
- Civil Letter of Freedom
- Pre-nuptial enquiry form
- Original birth certificates
- 2 photocopies of passports (one for your wedding planner)
- 2 photocopies of each birth certificate
It is strongly recommended that you contact the British Consulate in Tenerife to get most up-to-date information on whether you can proceed with your legal ceremony – it’s best to check well in advance to avoid any disappointment later!
Above, at the Confetti shop: mini clear glass bottle with cork
If you choose an Anglican wedding the only document you need will be the official civil wedding service certificate you received at home. If you have your heart set on a legal service, visit the country at least twice before and allow up to 6 months for paperwork to be processed.
There are so many options on offer from this fantastic island that you’ll really be spoilt for choice. Maybe you’d like a beach wedding? Or to say your vows at the top of a mountain at sunset? Or perhaps a more traditional church wedding? Tenerife offers a little bit of everything so you’ll have no trouble planning your dream day.
