Payment Timeline: When and How You'll Pay for Your Wedding Abroad

Fast Wedding Abroad Payment Process

We keep our payment process simple because wedding planning shouldn't be complicated. Here's exactly how it works.

Step 1: Free Initial Consultation (Week 0)

You contact us. We have a 30-60 minute call to understand your situation, answer questions, and provide guidance. This is completely free — no obligation.

During the call, we discuss:

• Your destination preference
• Your timeline (how soon do you want to marry?)
• Your nationality and document situation
• Your budget
• Any special circumstances (divorce, different surnames, etc.)

At the end of the call, we provide a quote for our service fee (typically $350-600 depending on destination and complexity) and guidance on government fees.

Step 2: Invoice and Deposit Due (Week 0-1)

If you decide to move forward, we send you an invoice via email. The invoice includes:

• Our service fee (itemized)
• Government fees (itemized, e.g., marriage license $50, apostille $25)
• Any optional upgrades (photography, videography, etc.) — only if you requested
• Deposit due (50% of total)
• Final payment due date

You pay the deposit to secure your date. This can be done via bank transfer or Stripe payment (if you prefer credit card; there's a 2.9% + $0.30 processing fee).

Step 3: Document Submission (Week 1-2)

You send us your documents (passport copies, divorce decrees if applicable, single status certificates, etc.). We review them, identify any issues, and create a custom checklist of what you need for your specific destination.

No payment is due during this phase. We're providing guidance and review as part of our service fee (already paid as deposit).

Step 4: Final Payment Due (2-4 Weeks Before Ceremony)

You pay the remaining 50% of the invoice. This is due at least 2 weeks before your ceremony date so we can submit documents to government offices with time to spare.

By this point, you've already:

• Confirmed your ceremony date
• Submitted all documents to us
• Received our approval (or remediation steps if issues exist)
• Booked your flights
• Booked your accommodation

Step 5: Ceremony & Completion (Your Trip)

You arrive at your destination. Depending on the country:

• Georgia: We meet you, complete the ceremony same day, apostille same day. Done in 24 hours.
• Gibraltar, Cyprus, etc.: We guide you through registration office appointments (usually 1-2 visits), ceremony happens on day 2-3, apostille in 2-5 days.
• Seychelles, Sri Lanka: Similar timeline, but more relaxed pace. You have time to explore and honeymoon between appointments.

You leave with your apostilled marriage certificate. All payments have been made. No surprise bills at the end.

The Payment Timeline: Full Picture

Payment Methods Accepted

1. Bank Transfer (Preferred)

You transfer money directly to our bank account. We provide IBAN and BIC details in the invoice. There are no processing fees on our end; your bank may charge you a small international transfer fee ($10-30). This is the cheapest option.

Timing: Bank transfers typically clear in 1-3 business days internationally.

2. Stripe Payment (Credit Card)

You can pay via credit card through our secure Stripe payment page. We add 2.9% + $0.30 to cover processing fees. So a $450 payment becomes $463.55.

Timing: Payment is instant.

3. PayPal

Available for customers in select countries. PayPal fees (2.9% + $0.30) apply.

4. Wise (Recommended for International Clients)

If you're paying from outside the EU or UK, use Wise. Their exchange rates are the best in the industry (0.5% markup vs. 3-4% at banks). You save 2-3% compared to bank transfer.

Example: Sending $450 from the US to Europe via bank: costs $465-475 after fees and bad exchange rates. Via Wise: costs $453. You save $12-22.

Currency, Exchange Rates & How to Not Lose Money

The Problem: Bank Exchange Rates Are Terrible

Your bank's exchange rate is typically 2-4% worse than the "mid-market" rate you see online. This is their profit. If you're sending $450 USD to EUR, and the mid-market rate is 1 USD = 0.92 EUR, your bank might quote you 1 USD = 0.88 EUR. You lose money.

The Solution: Use Wise

Wise is a fintech company that specializes in international money transfers. Their exchange rates are 0.5% above the mid-market rate, which is the best available to consumers. You also pay a flat fee ($2-3 depending on amount).

Setup is easy: create a Wise account (free), connect your bank account, and transfer. Money arrives in 1-2 business days.

Bottom line: Use Wise and save $15-25 on a $450 transfer.

Cancellation Policy & Refunds

Our Policy

Why This Policy?

The cancellation policy is designed to be fair while protecting both of us. If you cancel 60+ days out, we haven't incurred real costs. If you cancel 30 days out, we've already submitted documents and coordinated with government offices. We've committed resources. The policy reflects that.

Postponements are easy. We understand life happens. Dates change. We work with you and move your booking to a new date within a year, no penalty.

Travel Insurance & Protection

What to Buy

Get travel insurance that covers trip cancellation and medical emergencies. Standard policies cost $100-250 for a week-long trip.

What travel insurance DOES cover:

• Your flight cost if you become ill/injured and can't travel
• Accommodation if you cancel due to medical reasons
• Lost luggage or baggage delays
• Medical emergencies while traveling

What travel insurance DOES NOT cover:

• Cold feet or relationship changes (unless stipulated in wedding-specific insurance)
• COVID-related cancellations (unless you get specific COVID coverage)
• Fast Wedding Abroad service fee cancellation (unless you have wedding-specific insurance)

Wedding-Specific Insurance

Some insurers offer wedding-specific policies that cover vendor cancellations, weather disruptions, and other wedding-related issues. These are more expensive ($400-800 for a destination wedding) but provide comprehensive protection.

Companies like WedSafe and Evergreen specialize in this. If you're investing $5,000-15,000 in your destination wedding, wedding-specific insurance is worth considering.

Timeline Expectations by Destination

Planning tip: Book your accommodation for the full "total on-ground time." Even if your ceremony is done in 2 days (Georgia), stay 3-4 days to relax, celebrate, and ensure the apostille is complete. Don't rush out same-day with an apostille still processing.

Other Hidden Payment Timings to Know

Government Fees (Paid on Arrival)

Government fees are typically paid in cash at the registration office on your ceremony day or before. Amounts are small ($50-200 total depending on destination) and we'll tell you exactly how much to bring.

Photographer Payment

If you've arranged a photographer through us, you typically pay them 50% upfront when booking, 50% on the day of the shoot. Total payment is separate from our service fee.

Hotel & Accommodation

Hotels typically require a credit card to hold the booking and charge when you arrive. Airbnb requires payment upfront when you book. Plan your accommodation payments separately from our service fee.

Local Transportation & Activities

Pay as you go for taxis, restaurants, tours, etc. Budget a daily spend based on your destination.

Real Example: Payment Timeline for One Couple

Sophie & David, getting married in Cyprus in 8 weeks:

• Week 1: Book consultation call with us (free). Decide to proceed. We send invoice for $650 total ($325 deposit, $325 final).
• Week 1 (same day): Sophie pays $325 deposit via Wise. Money arrives in 2 days.
• Week 2: Sophie & David send us their documents (passports, birth certificates, etc.). We review and approve.
• Week 3: David books flights from London to Larnaca (€95 return). Sophie books Airbnb for 5 nights (€400 total, paid upfront).
• Week 5: Sophie pays final $325 payment via bank transfer to us. Money clears in 2 days.
• Week 7: David & Sophie confirm all details with us via WhatsApp. We confirm their appointment at the Cyprus registration office.
• Week 8 (day 1): They arrive in Cyprus. Visit the registration office. First appointment scheduled.
• Week 8 (day 2): Second appointment at registration office. Ceremony happens. Marriage certificate issued. Apostille process begins.
• Week 8 (day 3-5): Waiting for apostille (3 days). They explore Cyprus, enjoy their honeymoon.
• Week 8 (day 6): Apostille ready. They collect it. They have their apostilled marriage certificate in hand.
• After return home: Sophie registers the marriage with the UK Office for National Statistics. Done.

Total payments made: $325 (week 1) + $325 (week 5) + ~$80 government fees cash (day of ceremony) + €95 flights + €400 accommodation + ~€150 meals/activities = ~$1,380 all-in for a legal marriage + honeymoon destination.

The Bottom Line: Know Your Payment Timeline

Our payment process is transparent and simple. 50% deposit to book, 50% before ceremony. No surprises, no hidden fees. Government fees are tiny and paid cash on the ground. Everything else you control.

Book 8 weeks out. Pay your deposit in week 1. Pay your final amount in week 5-6. Travel in week 8. Done.

Use Wise for international transfers. Get travel insurance. Allow enough time for apostille. And enjoy the process. You're not just paying for a wedding — you're investing in a legal marriage and a honeymoon destination.