Cheap Weddings Abroad | UKbride

Cheap Weddings Abroad

Cheap Weddings Abroad

In a UKbride exclusive, we explore the wedding ceremonies celebrated by cultures across the world, as British couple Alex Pelling and Lisa Gant embark on a unique adventure which will see them marry 30 times on their two-year round-the-world trip...

For most couples, the act of marriage is a once in a lifetime occasion — but for daring duo Alex and Lisa, tying the knot will prove to be the exact opposite.

The pair will enjoy no less than 30 weddings, which will be hosted in a variety of countries across the globe.

At the end of their two-year travels, the couple will choose their favourite destination, which will play host to their final 'official' wedding!

Alex — from Hull, East Yorkshire — has already organised a British Don't Tell The Bride style surprise wedding ceremony for his partner Lisa, of which she said; "It was fabulous. He picked everything I would have picked."

With the help of over 20 local companies, romantic Alex pulled off the surprise wedding in Manchester effortlessly.

"Without the help of White Closet boutique, photographer Jonny Draper, reception venue 'Rhubarb', and caterers 'Thyme Out', the wedding would never have been possible," he says.

The couple flew out to their first port of call, Canada, earlier this month, and travelled across to Quebec, where they celebrated their second wedding last Tuesday.

"It was a great day. We met some very special people in the process, and learned about the Quebecois culture which is, in essence, the purpose of our trip — to immerse ourselves in a country's culture and to meet new friends."

Also making the shortlist on their matrimonial map will be India, China, and South Africa.

"We want to embrace the traditions and cultures of all these countries," says Alex.

"It's hard to say where we're most looking forward to visiting, as we're obviously in a very unique situation!"

"Despite this, we are both very much looking forward to our Indian ceremony, as the weddings there are spectacular."

"The colours, traditions, and the days of preparation that go into an Indian wedding are so elaborate it would be amazing to be able to hold our own," says Lisa.

When asked if — after their two-year travels — they might end up choosing the UK for their final wedding, they fervently responded; "It is very possible that we may choose the UK as our final wedding destination. It would be lovely to come full circle and finish the ceremony where it started!"

"However, it is just difficult to say at this very early stage where we might like to hold our final ceremony — although our British wedding was absolutely perfect, we still have up to 30 more weddings to go before we pick a favourite."

The pair are on the search for suppliers who can help their cause — so if you've got any ideas, suggestions, or thoughts, let the couple know via their ongoing blog, which you can follow by Clicking Here!

What do you think of Alex and Lisa's adventure? Let us know on our Forum!

Alex Pelling and Lisa Grant Alex Pelling and Lisa Grant Alex Pelling and Lisa Grant

Around the world in 30 weddings! Happy couple Alex and Lisa. Images: Jonny Draper

Worldly Weddings:

Seeing Red — Chinese Customs: 2011 is The Year of The Rabbit on the Chinese Calendar, and is said to be a very good year for couples getting married. Historically, Chinese marriages were arranged by a couple's parents, and the ceremony itself would be emblazoned with both the colour red — a symbol of joy— and the Chinese symbol for happiness.

Family Focus — Indian Weddings: Most Indian marriages are arranged. Traditionally, their focus is on the social union between two families. Whilst Indian wedding traditions vary according to religion, caste, and ethnicity — in general brides wear a wedding gown or sari in red and white symbolising fertility, wealth and purity, and their hands and feet are painted by another family member with henna, a red dye.

Out of Africa: There are many variations of African wedding — however, the bride is always treated with the utmost respect. In South African weddings the bride and groom's parents would traditionally carry a fire from the hearth in their homes, to the home of the newlyweds, as this is said to mark the start of their life together.  An African wedding represents the joining of families, and sometimes entire communities.