Destination weddings are on the rise, and for good reason. These far-off venues feature unforgettable scenery, such as the shimmering waters of the Mediterranean Sea or the lush, rolling hills and vineyards of Tuscany. They can keep headcount and costs lower than a stateside celebration. While an international wedding can be idyllic, the legal requirements and bureaucratic process might not be. Before jet-setting to tie the knot, make sure you’re aware of the country’s requirements for a legal marriage and wedding ceremony.

Photo by Claire Morris Photography

Italy

A popular wedding destination for beach goers and winery lovers alike, Italy has several steps to take before getting legally married. There is no official requirement to be in the country for a specific amount of time to get married, but it’s typically recommended to arrive at least two to three days prior for paperwork. In addition to the documents below, you’ll need to bring your valid U.S. passport, birth certificate and proof of previous marriage termination (if applicable).

• “Dichiarazione Giurata” sworn to before a U.S. consular officer accredited in Italy, which states that there are no legal reasons why you can’t be married in your home state. You’ll need to schedule a notary service with one of the U.S. Consulates General in Italy or with the U.S. Embassy in Rome. Once the document has been issued, you’ll need to bring it to a legalization office to legalize it.
• The “Atto Notorio” states that there are no obstacles to your marriage per the laws in the United States, which is sworn to by two witnesses.

You’ll present these two documents along with an official “Declaration to Marry” to the Marriage Office of the Town Hall in the town where you are planning to get married. This announcement typically has to be posted for two weeks before the marriage can take place, but this is often waived if neither party is a resident or citizen of Italy. Learn more on the embassy website here.

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France

While France has many lovely chateaus and coastal destinations perfect for a destination wedding, it’s a very challenging country to be married in if neither party is a citizen. At least one partner has to reside in France for a minimum of 40 days prior to the ceremony, specifically in the town you’d like to marry in. If you do meet these requirements, there are several additional steps to take before legally marrying. 

You’ll need to submit your application to the Town Hall well in advance, gather the required documents, publish the Wedding Banns (public announcement) for at least 10 days prior to the ceremony, and attend a civil ceremony performed by the Town Hall. Civil ceremonies are the only legally binding ceremonies in France, so a religious or symbolic ceremony would have to happen after this. Required documents include a valid passport, birth certificate, proof of residence, prenuptial agreement (if applicable), statement of identity and residence of two witnesses, divorce certificate (if applicable), and death certificate (if widowed). In addition, you’ll need a “Certifcat de Celibat” stating that you’re not already married and a “Certificat de Coutume” certifying that you are both free to marry and that your home country will recognize the marriage.

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Greece

While you don’t have to be a Greek citizen or reside in the country prior to getting legally married there, Greece has a lengthy bureaucratic process similar to other European countries. With approvals in both Athens and the local community where the ceremony takes place, you’ll need at least 10 days to ensure all paperwork is filed and approvals are given.

The usual documents are required, including a passport, birth certificate and evidence of previous marriages terminated. These documents will all need to be apostilled and translated to Greek. An Affidavit of Marriage is also typically required by local Town Halls and must be signed and sworn by the US citizens at the US Embassy in Athens. It needs to be in Greek and English and notarized at the Embassy, which then needs to be authenticated by the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ validation department in Athens. The paperwork typically takes about two days, so it’s recommended to arrive in Athens at least two to three days prior to the ceremony to ensure everything is approved. As foreign nationals, you and your partner will both need to submit a set of documents to the Town Hall where the marriage will take place, and authorities generally issue a marriage license eight days after the submission of the application. After receiving the license, the partners will need to apply to the Mayor or President of the Community where they plan to marry, who will then set the date for the wedding ceremony. Learn more on the embassy website here.

Photo by João Almeida Fotografia

Portugal

Getting legally married in Portugal is a relatively lenient process, albeit lengthy. The application typically takes at least four weeks to gain approval, so you’ll need to arrive a month prior to your intended ceremony date. You’ll start with a declaration of marriage in-person at any Portuguese Civil Registrar Office, and each partner will need their passport, birth certificate, divorce or death certificate (if applicable), and a certificate of no impediment to marriage. Both civil and religious ceremonies are recognized in Portugal, and couples need to request a license regardless of which ceremony they’re planning. Learn more on the embassy website here.

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New Zealand

Famous for its picturesque scenery and home to backdrops from the popular Lord of the Rings franchise, New Zealand is among the easier countries to legally marry as a foreign national. Like all countries, including the United States, you’ll need several important documents, including your passport, birth certificate, divorce or death decree if applicable, and a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIT). The NOIT is available for download on New Zealand’s official government website, and couples are able to apply in person or online. Marriages must be conducted by a registered celebrant or in a registered venue, which are listed online. Two witnesses must be present to sign your marriage license, and you’ll need to register with the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). Learn more on New Zealand’s official government website here.

Photo by Ildefonso Gutierrez

Mexico

Mexico doesn’t have a residence requirement for non-Mexican citizens who plan to get married in Mexico, but you will need to show a tourist card. Requirements for getting married in Mexico vary by district, but across the country, only marriages performed by Civil Registry Officials are considered legal and valid. Most requirements are typical to what you’ll see in other countries, but there are a few in Mexico that might be new for tourists. The couple will need to attend and provide proof of attendance to a Planned Parenthood lecture as well as a prenuptial medical examination in Mexico, no more than 15 days prior to the marriage. Learn more at the embassy website here.

Photo by Aidan Dockery

Thailand

Thailand is a beautiful destination to get married with a rich culture and several options of religious and secular ceremonies. International couples will need to begin the process by obtaining a translated and legalized Affirmation of Freedom to marry from their home country’s embassy, which proves that there are no legal obstacles to the marriage. In addition to this document, you’ll need a copy of your passport, arrival card and, if you’ve been previously married, translated death or divorce decrees. From there, you’ll register the marriage at a local district office to legally bind the marriage. In addition to Thailand’s marriage requirements, US travelers need to acquire a Thailand Tourist Visa and encourage any guests coming in from other countries to do so as well.

The moral of the story: it can be time-consuming, confusing and expensive to get legally married internationally. While it’s still an option in most popular destination wedding locations, it’s typically much easier to get legally married in your home country and have a symbolic ceremony abroad. However, if you are set on a legal marriage abroad, it’s always recommended to check the US embassy website and with the local jurisdiction where you’re planning to wed to ensure you’re completing all necessary paperwork and approvals.

Featured image by Sylvain Bouzat