French Travel News-2010/2011 | One fifth of Brits want to marry abroad

Wednesday, February 2nd at 14.10 by Elizabeth Smythe

Searching for a luxury villas in France could now be top of a bride to be's wedding checklist, according to a poll by consumer research group, Mintel, which say more British couples than ever want to tie the knot abroad.

The survey, reported by Reuters, showed that 18 percent of couples are choosing not to marry on home turf, which is an increase of 27% since 2005. The number of weddings conducted in the UK dropped by 7 percent in 2010.

The increase can be partly attributed to lower travel costs, great deals on foreign wedding packages and the desire to do 'something different.' However, the more likely cause is that many couples do not want the perceived hassle and financial burden of a full-blown white wedding. The cost of an average UK-based wedding is said to be creeping up towards £20,000, whereas the average wedding abroad costs just £6,585.

Plus the numbers of newlyweds who want to go overseas following their wedding has also seen a substantial increase in the last two years, Mintel says, with 70% of couples wishing to honeymoon abroad.

Marriages conducted in France and under French law are recognised in the UK. Couples wishing to marry in France must solicit information from the town hall of the village where their intended connubials will take place. One or both of the couple should reside in France for forty days following the marriage, clearly a good excuse for a lovely long honeymoon in a luxury villa.