I also have a friend who went abroad by himself to a long distance partner and got married there

That is amazing! I am guessing they had met before at least though?

With the high costs of everything, people seem to be more understanding with these things and decisions.

I also know people who get married in other countries (in Europe), and expect people to make the trip. I know one who got married elsewhere and paid for all the guests to travel too - but that is obviously very, very rare.