Bikini weddings are said to be “cool” again as statistics show a 43 per cent increase in couples marrying abroad over the last five years.

Tens of thousands of British couples are choosing to marry overseas due to rising costs of tying the knot in the UK and experts say the upsurge in marriage could also be a result of people seeking greater stability at a time of uncertainty.

As the recession looms, marrying abroad is the perfect cost-saving measure allowing couples to have the wedding day they have always dreamed of.

The Caribbean has traditionally been seen as a great option for overseas weddings, but travel firm Thomson Worldwide offers a number of alternative destinations for those seeking something a little different:

The Sarojin, Thailand – wedding packages from £1,549

The Sarojin is one of Thomson Worldwide’s “Elite” hotels and imparts a unique and revitalising experience in a contemporary Asian atmosphere.

Not far from Phuket and the eminently explorable coastline of Phang Nga, the Sarojin is a secluded boutique resort that strives to satisfy every wish and whim.

With 10 acres of trimmed and tailored tropical gardens surrounding its ancient ficus tree, this extravagant hotel offers pampered privacy against a beautiful leafy backdrop.

A sunset ceremony in the sandy almond-tree grove, looking out on the Andaman Sea, will ensure a tropical wedding that guests will not forget.

Graceland - wedding package from £559

A wedding in Memphis is guaranteed to be fit for a king and the Chapel in the Woods at Elvis Presley’s Graceland estate is a perfect option for music lovers with a sense of adventure.

Baobab Beach Resort, Kenya - wedding packages from £1,088

The newly-renovated Baobab Beach Resort is of traditional Arabic and Swahili Style. Located on Kenya’s famous south coast, Baobab Beach Resort is built upon a coral headland hidden among lush tropical gardens overlooking miles of white sandy beaches and the azure waters of the Indian Ocean.

Baobab Beach Resort is the ideal setting for a wedding – reminiscent of an escape into a Garden of Eden.

Hunter’s Country Lodge, South Africa - wedding packages from £1,659

The spacious original homestead is surrounded by beautiful gardens and framed by the majestic mountains of Tsitsikamma. Hunters Country Lodge was one of the first country house hotels in South Africa and was really at the forefront of setting the high standards of hospitality in Africa.

Set in a 90-hectare estate, accommodation is in luxurious, antique furnished, thatched cottages, each with fireplace and private patio, nestling in beautiful gardens overlooking indigenous forest. The intimate Chapel in the Forest at Hunter’s is the ideal venue for a romantic wedding. The Chapel can seat up to 50 people.

Thereafter, intimate receptions for two in the private dining room or, if guests are attending, the dining conservatory is the ideal venue.

New York – wedding packages from £1,559

Fancy saying “I Do” in Central Park or perhaps at the top of the Empire State Building? Getting married in New York can make for some of the best photos.

Hawaii - wedding package from £589

Tie the knot on a palm fringed white sandy beach with the sound of lapping waves and sun setting on the horizon.