Italy has emerged as the most popular destination for UK couples planning a wedding abroad, according to a new study by Hyatt. The Vows & Venues research reveals that 23% of respondents would choose Italy for their big day, surpassing the UK itself, which garnered 16%.
Modern Wedding Trends
The study, which surveyed UK adults, found that the dream wedding now includes an average of 112 guests, a buffet-style reception, and content creators to capture the event. Nearly half of respondents (49%) said they would prefer a buffet over a sit-down meal. The ideal budget for the celebration is £36,579, and couples envision the festivities spanning three and a half days, rather than a single night.
Traditional speeches are being reimagined: 32% of respondents said they would ditch the father of the bride's speech, and 27% would skip the groom's speech. However, 49% expressed a desire for a speech from the bride, reflecting a shift toward more inclusive and personalized ceremonies.
Destination Preferences
More than eight in ten (82%) of those surveyed said they would consider getting married outside the UK. When asked about their ideal reception venue, the top choice was a five-star hotel, followed by a beach setting and a fairytale castle. The top ten dream wedding destinations include Italy (23%), the UK (16%), the Maldives (14%), Spain (14%), France (12%), Greece (8%), the USA (8%), the Bahamas (7%), Mauritius (6%), Portugal (5%), and Dubai (5%).
Expert Insight
Michel Morauw, Managing Director at Hyatt, commented: “Our study shows that couples in 2026 are seeking celebrations that feel deeply personal to them. We’re seeing a shift towards weddings that blend travel, quality time and meaningful moments with traditional touches and modern twists.”
