Destination Wedding 101: step-by-step guide (with travel insurance recommendations)

Planning a destination wedding? MoneySmart has compiled everything you need to know for planning your dreamy overseas wedding. Check out the budget for your destination wedding and travel insurance recommendations.

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Destination Wedding Budget

Popular overseas wedding destinations for Hongkongers include Okinawa in Japan, Guam, Bali in Indonesia, and Koh Samui in Thailand. If the couple does not plan to invite friends and family, they can opt for a basic overseas wedding package, enjoying a romantic trip just for two. The basic package starts from around HK$50,000 and mainly includes the following items:


  • Round-trip airfare for two and 1-2 nights hotel stay
  • Rental of the chapel
  • Photography services
  • Bridal makeup
  • Rental of wedding dress and suit
  • Venue decoration


The cost of an overseas wedding can cost over HK$100,000. You can consider applying for a low-interest personal loan from a bank to alleviate your financial burdens. You can also make use of credit cards to reduce the expenses.


Do you need travel insurance for your destination wedding?

Travel insurance can provide additional protection for your overseas wedding, helping to deal with any unexpected situations that may arise.

Medical Coverage

If you get injured or fall ill overseas, travel insurance can cover a portion of your medical expenses, including hospitalization costs, medication, and other medical expenditures.

Lost or Damaged Luggage

Travel insurance can compensate for the loss of lost or damaged luggage, ensuring that your important items are protected.

Trip Cancellation or Curtailment

If your wedding needs to be canceled for a covered reason, travel insurance can reimburse you for part of your losses.

Closed Down of Wedding Service Providers

If the Wedding Service Provider you hired closed down, Avo travel insurance will reimburse for the unused and non-refundable part of the payment made.

Loss of Marriage Certificate

If your marriage certificate from the Wedding is lost, Avo travel insurance will reimburse you for the replacement cost.

Personal Liability of Invited Guests

If any of your insured guests directly results in death or injury or accidental loss of or damage to property, Avo travel insurance will also cover.

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Travel insurance recommendations for destination weddings

MoneySmart Exclusive
Medical Expenses
HK$1,500,000
Travel Cancellation
HK$20,000
Loss/Damage of Baggage
HK$15,000
Premium
PremiumHK$245.340% Off
HK$147.18

【Winter Flash Sale❄️Get a new Suitcase for next trip!】
From 9 December to 31 December, successfully purchase Allianz travel insurance via MoneySmart, fulfil below requirements* and submit claim form, you would be able to enjoy either 1 exclusive rewards:
・BERMAS Spaceship Suitcase 2nd Version (30inch) (valued at : HK$3,398) OR
・HK$1,500 Trip.com e-Voucher
⠀⠀
【MoneySmart Exclusive 🎁 Extra Rewards up to HK$726!】
From now until December 20, 2024, customers who successfully apply for an Allianz Silver Plan / Gold Plan can earn 12-months Deliveroo Plus Silver membership + Cash Voucher (Valued at : HKD726) - NO min. spend!

Valid until 20 Dec 2024
Cancellation benefit up to HK$ 20,000. It covers air miles & loyalty card points in case of cancellation. Up to HK$15,000 compensation for personal belongings, with a cap of HK$2,000 per item.
MoneySmart Exclusive
Promo code "MS202401"
MoneySmart Exclusive
Promo code "MS202401"

Dah Sing Insurance JourneySure Travel Insurance - Gold

Medical Expenses
HK$500,000
Travel Cancellation
HK$20,000
Loss/Damage of Baggage
HK$15,000
Premium
PremiumHK$22530% Off
HK$157.50

【Winter Flash Sale❄️Get a new Suitcase for next trip!】
From 9 December to 20 December, successfully purchase Dah Sing travel insurance via MoneySmart, fulfil below requirements* and submit claim form, you would be able to enjoy either 1 exclusive rewards:
・BERMAS Spaceship Suitcase 2nd Version (30inch) (valued at : HK$3,398) OR
・HK$1,500 Trip.com e-Voucher

Valid until 20 Dec 2024
It provides a comprehensive delay coverage with trip delay allowance, and it also reimburses the paid and forfeited cost of transport ticket, accommodation, etc.

Up to HK$15,000 compensation for personal belongings, with a cap of HK$2,000 per item. It also covers cameras with compensation capped at HK$5,000 per item.
MoneySmart Exclusive
Medical Expenses
HK$1,000,000
Trip Cancellation
HK$25,000
Loss/Damage of Baggage
HK$15,000
Premium
PremiumHK$51125% Off
HK$383.25

【MoneySmart x AXA Exclusive Offer】
From now until Dec 20, 2024, enjoy 25% discount on AXA Travel Insurance via MoneySmart! Within the promotional period, who successfully apply for an AXA Travel Insurance of premium HK$300 or above will be entitled to one complimentary HK$100 PARKnSHOP supermarket vouchers.
 
【Winter Flash Sale❄️Get a new Suitcase for next trip!】
From 9 December to 20 December, successfully purchase AXA travel insurance via MoneySmart, fulfil below requirements* and submit claim form, you would be able to enjoy either 1 exclusive rewards:
・BERMAS Spaceship Suitcase 2nd Version (30inch) (valued at : HK$3,398) OR
・HK$1,500 Trip.com e-Voucher

Valid until 20 Dec 2024
It covers travel delay, extra or irrecoverable prepaid overseas accommodation expenses. Up to HK$15,000 compensation for baggage & personal effects, with a cap of HK$2,000 per item. It also covers personal money and travel documents.

Destination weddings FAQ

Which travel insurance should I get if I am going to plan a destination wedding?

You may consider getting Avo travel insurance which provides additional cover such as Closed Down of Wedding Service Providers and Personal Liability of Invited Guests. Allianz Travel Insurance Silver Plan is also great for destination wedding as it covers for air miles & loyalty card points in case of cancellation and provide up to HK$15,000 compensation for personal belongings.

How much does it cost to have an overseas wedding?

For an overseas wedding, if there is no banquet, the basic budget ranges from HK$40,000 to HK$100,000. This includes rental of wedding dresses and suits, church rental, venue decoration fees, bridal makeup, wedding photography fees, and two round-trip air tickets.

How much should be given for attending a destination wedding?

It is generally HK$1,000-HK$1,500. But most guests usually pay for their own trip to attend the overseas weddings, the newlyweds are often very grateful, so it doesn’t matter how much you pay.

Is a destination wedding recognized in Hong Kong?

Whether you register your marriage in Japan, Bali, New Zealand, or anywhere else in the world, as long as the marriage registration is recognized by the local government, the Hong Kong government will also recognize it. However, if your wedding is non-legally binding, then the Hong Kong government will not recognize it.