We’d love to tell you that all you have to do is turn up on a beach in a pretty dress but, unfortunately, it’s not that simple. To get married abroad there’s a small matter of making sure you satisfy the legal requirements of your chosen country. So, before you head off into the sunset, do your homework.
Organising the ceremony
Perhaps the easiest way to get married abroad is to book your entire wedding with a tour operator specialising in destination weddings in your chosen area. These are professionals who are accustomed to handling all the necessary legalities and can guide you through the whole process. Alternatively, you could employ the services of a wedding planner to undertake the organisation for you.
If you like the idea of arranging a destination wedding yourself however, it’s never too early to begin researching the legal requirements and residency rules. The first thing to do is to contact the embassy or consulate of the country in which you wish to get married. You may be able to find initial information on their website.
The paperwork
Most countries have a minimum residency requirement, even if it’s only a few days, so give yourselves plenty of time to plan. You also need to gather various items of paperwork and nearly all countries will require the following:
Valid ten-year passport
- Decree Absolute (if one or both of you is divorced)
- Death Certificate of former spouse (if one or both of you has been widowed)
- Affidavit/statutory declaration confirming your single status
- Parental consent if you’re under a certain age (18 or 21 depending on the country)
What’s an affidavit?
An affidavit is a legal document obtained from a Commissioner of Oaths (a solicitor authorised to authenticate oaths). This basically states that you’re both free to marry and will include details such as your full name and address and your intent to marry in your chosen destination.
What’s a Certificate of No Impediment?
When you decide to get married, you’ll need to give notice in your local register office in the same way as if you were having a civil marriage in the UK. After 21 days, the register office will give you a Certificate of No Impediment, which some countries may ask to see.
How complicated is the whole process?
It’s certainly easier to get married in some countries than others. You may find the legalities of certain places make it almost impossible to tie the knot. If this is the case and you really have your heart set on a certain destination, consider having a register office in the UK instead and then celebrate with a blessing in your chosen country. It can be just as romantic but without the legal issues. The only requirement is likely to be that you take along your original marriage certificate.
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And another thing…
If your marriage is legally recognised in the country in which it takes place, it will be valid in England and Wales. However, it’s always wise to be cautious and a good idea to contact the local British embassy for up-to-date advice. It’s also an excellent idea to get a few copies of your marriage certificate while abroad, as it can be hard to get additional copies once you are home.
Photo Four Seasons at Jimbaran Bay
