Help! Ideas for weddings abroad - with requirements!

figroll

Hi Folks,

Myself and my fiancé would like to get married abroad, but we have some other things to think about.. Namely, I have older parents (in their 70's), one of which has MS (so would need a wheelchair for any medium walking distances), and although they can travel, i don't want to drag them too far. I was thinking Spain or Portugal, but i'm open to suggestions. Italy would be amazing but its a bit too far as for flights (3.5hrs?) because generally to get to a countryside venue you also have a long drive on top of that. I was in Rome recently for a wedding and although it was gorgeous, Rome is in no way accessible for wheelchairs. So it would be too much hassle for my Mam.

Also, for the rest of the wedding party (just close family and friends) i'd like for the location to have a bit to do during the day/night so that they're not bored!

We'd like to get married maybe next September (08) but as we can't even decide on a location so that might have to change.

I'd love to hear from you if you've recently got married abroad, or are in the process of organising it, or even if you know of somewhere beautiful to get married. All details grately appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Figroll

LilMrsDahamsta

Malta might be worth considering. The flight is direct from Dublin (or Cork?), and though it's not short, once you get there all distances on the island(s) are tiny. It's English-speaking and predominantly Catholic which makes organising things much easier. There's also a reasonable amount to do whether you're into antiquities or a bit more activity.

barbiegirl

Hi,

Would you consider France as it's quiet close, also Amsterdam and Brussels as they are quiet flat and wheelchair friendly with plenty of night life. Spain is beautiful so it is a good place to look.
We've picked Italy next year ourselves, but I know you feel that wouldn't suit you.
Either way enjoy yourselves and best of luck

barbiegirl

I just saw a place called Sintra in portugal on the TV looks beautiful, also Lisbon :-)

CathyMoran

My mum is also in a wheelchair and we decided to have a small wedding in Ireland instead as it was easier - just to let you know of other options. I have been to 2 weddings in Portugal and what I will say is that it is not very wheelchair (or other disability) friendly from what I can see.

tSubh Dearg

barbiegirl wrote: »

I just saw a place called Sintra in portugal on the TV looks beautiful, also Lisbon :-)

Lisbon would be terrible for someone in a wheelchair, it's not called the city of 7 hills for nothing.

I was there in May and found it difficult to get around as an able bodied person. Each level is reached by stairs for pedestrians, and it's really pure hill walking in some places. I walked up one set of stairs that were practically perpendicular. The paving is also very loose in places and there are holes where the cobbles have come up.

All in all not the best location for what the OP is looking for.