Couples searching for a dream wedding location without the sky high price tag should look at the possibilities offered by French property, an expert has said.

Andrea Ventress, deputy editor at Wedding magazine believes French property can offer almost-wedded bliss to couples seeking an affordable alternative to UK destinations – without the risk of annoying future in-laws with hefty travel costs.

She states: ‘A lovely chateau in France, where you can have your close friends and family, can be a lot cheaper.

‘Friends and families can take it as a holiday […] [with] going to the wedding in between.’

Recent figures from Mintel show that overseas weddings, such as those with a French property backdrop, are becoming an increasingly popular choice for betrothed couples planning their big day.

A total of 51,300 British nearly-weds became newly-weds abroad last year, representing a 43 per cent rise since 2003 and a 16 per cent share of all weddings between UK-based partners.

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