The average wedding in Britain costs tens of thousands of pounds , so it’s no surprise that more and more couples continue to choose an overseas setting for their big day, and saving pounds in the process but perhaps splashing out on the little extras that will make their wedding celebrations last longer than just a day or evening. AITO Specialist tour

operator Planet Holidays & Weddings offers an eclectic collection of venues in Europe’s most romantic, luxurious and affordable, spots to tie the knot.

Barefoot romance. There is no doubt that beach weddings are the most popular option for couples that have decided to get married abroad. Cyprus, Greece, The Algarve in Portugal and Malta are perfect for a sand-between-your-toes ceremony.

Located a few miles from Ayia Napa, Cyprus, the municipality of Sotira features as one of Planet Holidays latest gorgeous locations where a beach wedding can be organised. Indeed, this area is blessed with a wonderful coastline where turquoise waters lap breath-taking beaches, often

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The most inspiring wedding venues

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compared to the Caribbean but without the long flight! Couples may choose to get married on either Poseidon Beach or Ayia Thekla Beach, both located on this lovely stretch of coastline. Wedding packages can include ‘dressing’ these beautiful beach settings with suggestions for reception, no matter how many guests are invited to share the special day.

On the Greek island of Zante, an exclusive beach wedding venue is the Porto Azzuro. Located in the area of Vassilikos, some 8kms from Zante Town, Porto Azzuro Beach Bar & Restaurant is an enchanting wedding venue that offers the most idyllic setting. It’s not hard to understand why many

couples opt to have their ceremony conducted right by the waterfront where chairs and a pretty wedding arch can be organised.

After the ceremony the happy couple and their guests can enjoy drinks with canapes to hot or cold buffets or a barbecue. Extra services that can be organised include

musicians and even a fireworks extravaganza to the end of your magical wedding day!

Duna Beach Club sits directly on the golden sandy beach of Meia Praia beach in Lagos and is just picture perfect. This truly beautiful location on the Algarve boasts soft, white sand where a civil wedding or symbolic blessing will take place. It is a perfect way to combine the important moment of exchanging vows with a very relaxed and informal setting.

Urban chic. Italy tops the bill here, starting with the Palazzo Vecchio, the town hall of the beautiful town Florence. It is a huge, romanesque, crenellated fortress-palace that ranks among the most impressive town halls of Tuscany. Overlooking the Piazza della Signoria with its copy of Michelangelo’s David statue as well the gallery of statues in the adjacent Loggia dei Lanzi, it is without a doubt one of the most significant public places in Italy. Ceremonies take place in the richly adorned wedding hall. Once couples have exchanged their vows, there will be lots of opportunities for memorable photographs. Similarly, a quintessentially Italian reception can be arranged at one of Florence’s many restaurants. Other Italian gems include Rome where hope springs eternal, timeless classic Venice, as well as the Lakes, the romantic Amalfi Coast and lots more.

Old-fashioned glamour. The Annabelle is to Cyprus, what Raffles is to Singapore, Reids to Madeira and Claridges to London. Located in Paphos, with amazing views of the castle and harbour, The Annabelle is a stunning hotel in a class of its own surrounded by beautiful gardens perfect setting for a wedding outdoors and elegant champagne reception, candlelit dinner and more. Other venues include Paphos Castle

itself or Minthis Hills for a touch of Tuscany in Cyprus!

Off the beaten track. A newly introduced area, the Alentejo, derived from Além-Tejo or Beyond the Tagus, covers almost a third of Portugal, from the south bank of the Tagus down to the Algarve, and from the Atlantic coast to the Spanish border in the east. But it’s home to just 7% of the country’s population and visitors will feel like they are exploring undiscovered territory, a sleepy landscape of empty roads, pretty white villages, fields of half-naked cork-oak trees (the bark is harvested

from their trunks and turned into almost everything), vines, olive groves and small towns that have remained practically unchanged for centuries. Choose to exchange vows in a Pousada or Convent and your wedding day will be exceptionally special from start to finish.

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