Marrying abroad 'can help beat credit crunch'

A stag weekend abroad and a honeymoon overseas are normal features of wedding celebrations, but having the ceremony in another country is still relatively rare.

However, choosing to get married on foreign soil could be a major benefit to couples struggling to cope with the current economic climate, according to one industry expert.

Nick Gropper, Weddings & Honeymoons Abroad's managing director, explained that the average cost of a wedding in the UK had now reached £20,000, which could prove prohibitive for some couples not prepared to compromise on their big day.

"When you get married abroad, the average cost is about £4,000 - so couples can still get married during a time when there is not much money floating around," Mr Gropper said.

One couple to have followed the advice to get married abroad was Charli Martin and Arthur Tizard, but it appears their decision to tie the knot in Australia was not motivated by money.

The thrill seekers held their ceremony at the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge following a 134-metre climb, reports the Herts Advertiser.