Many people ask whether destination weddings are legally binding. The answer
is yes: Under U.S. statutes, a marriage performed abroad that's valid under
the laws of that country is generally accepted by any state. The catch? Some
countries have a web of red tape and residency requirements that can vary by
district or city, even judge! (In these cases, it is recommended that you
work with a wedding planner to help you fulfill all requirements properly.)
Certain religious ceremonies, or marriage between two different religions,
can also throw a wrench into the process. Here are the most popular -- read:
enticing and/or relatively easy -- destinations to plan a faraway wedding
plus requirements for tying the knot on their turf.North America Weddings
United States
Obtaining a marriage license: Apply with county clerk in the
city of wedding.
Identification needed: Most
states ask for photo ID or passport; some also require social security
numbers and proof of divorce or death certificate, if applicable. You
may be asked for a certified copy of your birth certificate.
License waiting period: Varies
from state to state
License fees: From $10-$100
Residency period: Varies
Witnesses needed: Varies
Canada
Obtaining a marriage license: Apply with county clerk in the
city of wedding.
Identification needed: Most
Canadian states ask for photo ID and a birth certificate, along with
proof of divorce or death certificate, if applicable.
License waiting period: Varies
from state to state
License fees: From US$10
Residency period: Varies
Witnesses needed: Varies
Caribbean
Antigua
Obtaining a marriage license: Couples apply at Ministry of
Justice and Legal Affairs in St. John's
Identification needed:
Passport or driver's license and birth certificate. Proof of divorce,
death certificate or deed poll, if applicable.
License waiting period: None
License fees: From US $150
Residency period: None
Witnesses needed: Two
Aruba
Obtaining a marriage license: All documents must be sent to the
Civil Hall one month prior to the ceremony.
Identification needed:
Apostille documentation from country of citizenship verifying partners'
single status. Valid passports and copies of pages showing relevant
details. Copies of birth certificates with raised seals. Proof of
divorce or death certificate, if applicable. Copies of passport pages of
witnesses.
License waiting period: All
documents to be submitted at least one month prior (by courier) to
wedding date.
License fees: From US $80
Residency period: None
Witnesses needed: Two
Bahamas
Obtaining a marriage license: Couples apply in person at the
American Embassy, Nassau, or a Bahamas notary public.
Identification needed: Proof
of arrival in the Bahamas. Passport or birth certificate and photo ID.
Proof of single status by the U.S. Consul, proof of divorce or death
certificate, if applicable.
License waiting period: One
day
License fees: From US $100
Residency period: None
Witnesses needed: Two
MORE INFO: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, (888) NUPTIAL, or
http://www.bahamas.com
BARBADOS
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: None
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS: Passports or certified birth certificates; proof of
divorce or death certificate of former spouse/s (if applicable); letter
from officiant performing service
NOTE: Both parties must apply in person at Ministry of Home Affairs in
Cheapside, Bridgetown.
MORE INFO: Ministry of Home Affairs, (246) 228-8950, or
http://www.barbados.org/weddings.htm
Bermuda
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: None
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS: Passports and a "Notice of Intended Marriage" form from
Bermuda's Registrar General's Office (The form is available by phone request
or at
http://www.bermudatourism.com. Fill it out and mail it along with a
cashier's check or bank draft made payable to the Accountant General,
Hamilton, Bermuda, in the amount of US$210 back to the Registrar Ge neral.
Your license will be valid for three months and can be picked up at the
Registrar's office by you or a designated person.)
NOTE: "Notice of Intended Marriage" must be filed 2 weeks before the wedding
MORE INFO: Bermuda's Registrar General office, (441) 297-7709 or -7707; the
Bermuda Department of Tourism office nearest you; or
http://www.bermudatourism.com
British Virgin Islands
Obtaining a marriage license: Apply in person at the Attorney
General's office in Tortola on the day of arrival.
Identification needed:
Passport, birth certificate, proof of divorce or death certificate, if
applicable.
License waiting period: Three
days
License fees: US$110 in B.V.I.
postage stamps if BVI resident for 1 day; US$50 in BVI Postage Stamps if
resident for 15 days or more.
Residency period: None
Witnesses needed: Two
MORE INFO: BVI Registrar's Office, (284) 494-3701 ext. 5001/2/3; BVI Tourist
Board, (800) 835-8530, or
http://www.bviwelcome.com
Cayman Islands
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: None
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS: Passports; birth certificates; proof of divorce or
death certificate of former spouse/s (if applicable); return or ongoing
tickets; proofs of entry (Cayman Islands International Immigration
Department pink slips or cruise-ship boarding passes); letter from
authorized officiating marriage officer
MORE INFO: Cayman Islands Government Information Services, (345) 949-7900,
or
http://www.caymanislands.ky
Dominican Republic
Obtaining a marriage license: Send written request for
permission to marry to the American Consulate in Santo Domingo.
Identification needed: Valid
passports for the couple and any foreign witnesses. Affidavit stating
marriage status. Original copies and photocopies of birth certificates,
and adoption certificates, name deeds and decree absolute, if
applicable. Original and photocopies of death certificates. First,
middle and last names must show up identically on passport, affidavit
declaration and birth certificate. Documents must be translated into
Spanish by the Dominican Consulate or Embassy in the United Stated.
License waiting period: Varies
License fees: From US$20
Residency period: None
Witnesses needed: Two
(non-family members with valid photo identification)
The Grenadines
Obtaining a marriage license: File your application in person
at the Ministry of Legal Affairs.
Identification needed:
Passport, birth certificate and proof of divorce or death certificate,
if applicable. All documents must be notarized, and in English.
License waiting period: One
day
License fees: US$190, plus
US$7.50 in stamp fees
Residency period: None
Witnesses needed: None
Jamaica
Obtaining a marriage license: Apply and receive a marriage
certificate from the Ministry of National Security in Kingston.
Identification needed: Photo
identification plus proof of citizenship (certified copy of birth
certificate which includes father's name). Certified copy of death
certificate or divorce decree, if applicable. Documented parental
consent if either party is under 21.
License waiting period: One
day
License fees: US$75
Residency period: 24 hours
before ceremony
Witnesses needed: None
MORE INFO: Jamaica Tourist Board, (800) 233-4582, or
http://www.jamaicatravel.com
St. Lucia
Obtaining a marriage license: Apply with Attorney General
through a local solicitor.
Identification needed:
Passports, original birth certificates and proof of divorce, death
certificate or deed poll, if applicable. Couples wishing to be married
within the Catholic Church must have the couple's local parish priest
liaise with a priest on the island.
License waiting period: Two
days for processing
License fees: From US$195
Residency period: Four days
before applying
Witnesses needed: None
St. Martin
Obtaining a marriage license: Apply with civil registry at
least 14 days prior to ceremony.
Identification needed: Birth
certificate (or copy with raised seal). Certificate of good conduct
(including certificate of single standing). Medical certificate issued
within three months of event; a blood test is required. French
translation of English documents.
License waiting period: See
below
License fees: None
Residency period: One of
partners must be a resident for 30 days (residency card is required),
but many resorts help couples speed up procedures.
Witnesses needed: None
MORE INFO: Office of Civil Registry, (011) 5995-22457
Turks & Caicos
Obtaining a marriage license: Apply with registrar in Grand
Turk.
Identification needed: Proof
of single status (notarized copies of affidavit and proof of divorce or
death certificate, if applicable). Birth certificate and photo ID.
License waiting period:
Two-Three days to marry
License fees: US$50
Residency period: 48 hours
before applying
Witnesses needed: None
U.S. Virgin Islands
Obtaining a marriage license: Send a letter requesting or call
to request a marriage license to the Territorial court of the U.S.
Virgin Islands in St. Thomas/St. John (340- 774-6680) or St. Croix
(340-778-9750) or download application at
www.usvitourism.vi.
Identification needed: Proof
of divorce.
License waiting period: 8 days
(from receipt of notarized application. Couples need not be on-island).
License fees: US$50
Residency period: Same as
waiting period
Witnesses needed: None
MORE INFO: USVI Division of Tourism (800) 372-8784; Territorial Court, St.
Thomas and St John, (340) 774-6680; Territorial Court, St. Croix, (340)
778-9750; or
http://www.usvitourism.vi
Mexico Weddings
Obtaining a marriage license:
Apply with the Registro Civil in city of wedding.
Identification needed:
Passport and birth certificate. A copy of tourist card or visa. Proof of
divorce or death certificate, if applicable. Names, addresses, ages,
nationalities & tourist card numbers of four witnesses. Blood tests are
required and must be performed in Mexico.
License waiting period: Two to
four days
License fees: Around US$200
Residency period: Two days (no
minimum stay for Cozumel)
Witnesses needed: Four (18 or
older)
For more information, go to
www.visitmexico.com.
Hawaii Weddings & South Pacific Wedding
Hawaii
Obtaining a marriage license: Apply with county clerk for a
license valid throughout the State of Hawaii. To obtain your license
application, please call the Hawaii County Department of Health at (808)
974-6008 and request a "Marriage License Packet." Or visit
www.hawaii.gov/doh/records/vr_marri.html for license application and
information.
Identification needed: Couples
must show proof of age with valid ID or driver's license. Proof of
divorce or death certificate, if applicable.
License waiting period: None
License fees: $60
Residency period: None
Witnesses needed: One
MORE INFO: Hawaii's
Department of Health marriage licensing office or (808) 586-4544; or
http://www.gohawaii.com
Fiji
Obtaining a marriage license: Couples apply at the Registry
Office in Suva, Nadi or Lautoka. When marrying on Vanua Levu,
registration must be in Savusavu and for the island of Taveuni or outer
northeastern islands, register in Taveuni.
Identification needed:
Original birth certificates and valid passports. If applicable, decree
absolute with court stamp, death certificate of former spouse, adoption
certificate and legally stamped deed poll; this also applies if a
married woman has reverted back to her maiden name.
License waiting period: One
working day
License fees: US$11
Residency period: None
Witnesses needed: Two (minimum
21 years old)
MORE INFO: Fiji Visitors Bureau, (800) 932-3454, or
http://www.bulafiji.com
Europe
ENGLAND & WALES
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: 7 days; 15 day waiting period
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS: Passports or certified copies of birth certificates;
proof of divorce or death certificate of former spouse/s (if applicable)
MORE INFO: Visit Britain, (800) 462-2748; British Consulate General, (212)
745-0200; or
http://www.britainusa.com
GREECE
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: None
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS: It is possible to use an American marriage license -
but only if it meets certain requirements; passports; certified birth
certificates; proof of divorce or death certificate of former spouse/s (if
applicable); certificate from U.S. Consulate in Athens or Thessaloniki,
stating that there is no impediment to the marriage; two announcements in
local Greek newspaper (one announcement for each person)
NOTE: Greek tourism officials advise that gathering and pr eparing required
documents could take a few months. All documents must be translated into
Greek by the Greek consulate in your area. The Greek National Tourist
Organization, (212) 421-5777, will help in arranging weddings for
foreigners. Greek law does not provide for religious ceremonies for certain
interfaith marriages such as Christians to non-Christians or Jews to
non-Jews. Proof of religion, such as baptismal certificates, may be
required.
MORE INFO: Greek National Tourist Organization, (212) 421-5777, or the Greek
Consulate, (212) 988-5500
ITALY
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: None
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS: Passports or armed forces ID cards; certified copies of
birth certificates; proof of divorce or death certificate of former spouse/s
(if applicable); declarations "atto notorio" sworn to by four people before
an Italian consulate officer attesting that they know of no reason to object
to the marriage under the laws of the couple's home country; declaration
sworn to by both parties that there are no obstacles to the marriage under
U.S. law
NOTE: Certain documents must be translated into Italian with special "apostille"
seals from the secretary of state from the state from which the documents
originat ed. Additional requirements apply if one of the parties is an
Italian citizen or resident of Italy. Requirements may vary by region and
city. It is highly
recommended that you work with a wedding planner to help you fulfill all
requirements properly. A translator may be required to attend the wedding if
neither the bride nor the groom speaks Italian.
MORE INFO: Italian consulate nearest you; the Italian Government Tourist
Board Office, (212) 245-5618; the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Italy,
www.usembassy.it
SCOTLAND
RESIDE NCY REQUIREMENT: None
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS: Passports or certified copies of birth certificates;
proof of divorce or death certificate of former spouse/s (if applicable);
certificate of no impediment
NOTE: Notice must also be sent to the registrar at least 15 days (but no
longer than three months) in advance of the wedding. Either the bride or
groom must also meet with the registrar in advance.
MORE INFO: Visit Britain, (800) 462-2748; British Consulate General, (212)
745-0200; or
http://www.britainusa.com
So pick a country, any country: You're armed and ready to get married
overseas.
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