The following information is provided to help you understand the different aspects of your wedding. When traveling internationally, please double check the rules and regulations in your destination country due to the fact that the laws are continually changing. Please also visit our Travel Information page for travel and TSA rules, regulations, currancy conversions, electricity guide, timezones and more.
MARRIAGE LICENCE LAWS ~ INTERNATIONAL: If you are concerned about the legality of your destination wedding that you had in a foreign country, you can breathe a bit easier. Here is information provided by the U.S Department of State. Validity of Marriages Abroad. In general, unless the marriage breaks U.S. state laws, marriages which are legally performed and valid abroad are also legally valid in the United States. Inquiries regarding the validity of a marriage abroad should be directed to the attorney general of the state in the United States where the parties to the marriage live. Who May Perform Marriages AbroadAmerican diplomatic and consular officers are NOT permitted to perform marriages (Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations 52.1). Marriages abroad are almost always performed by local (foreign) civil or religious officials. As a rule, marriages are not performed on the premises of an American embassy or consulate. The validity of marriages abroad is not dependent upon the presence of an American diplomatic or consular officer, but upon adherence to the laws of the country where the marriage is performed. Consular officers may authenticate foreign marriage documents. The fee for authentication of a document is approximately $32.00. Note: Authentication may not be necessary if the country accepts an Apostille.
Foreign Laws and ProceduresThe embassy or tourist information bureau of the country in which the marriage is to be performed is the best source of information about marriage in that country. Some general information on marriage in a limited number of countries can be obtained from Overseas Citizens Services, Room 4811, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520. In addition, American embassies and consulates abroad frequently have information about marriage in the country in which they are located. Residence RequirementsMarriages abroad are subject to the residency requirements of the country in which the marriage is to be performed. There is almost always a lengthy waiting period. Documentation and AuthenticationMost countries require that a valid U.S. passport be presented. In addition, birth certificates, divorce decrees, and death certificates are frequently required. Some countries require that the documents presented to the marriage registrar first be authenticated in the United States by a consular official of that country. This process can be time consuming and expensive. Note: Authentication may not be necessary if the country accepts an Apostille. Parental ConsentThe age of majority for marriage varies from one country to another. Persons under the age of 18 must, as a general rule, present a written statement of consent executed by their parents before a notary public. Some countries require the parental consent statement to be authenticated by a consular official of that foreign country in the United States. Affidavit of Eligibility to MarryAll civil law countries require proof of legal capacity to enter into a marriage contract in the form of certification by competent authority that no impediment exists to the marriage. No such document exists in the United States. Unless the foreign authorities will allow such a statement to be executed before one of their consular officials in the United States, it will be necessary for the parties to a prospective marriage abroad to execute an affidavit at the American embassy or consulate in the country in which the marriage will occur stating that they are free to marry. This is called an affidavit of eligibility to marry and the fee for the American consular officer's certification of the affidavit is $55.00, subject to change. Some countries also require witnesses who will execute affidavits to the effect that the parties are free to marry.
Additional Requirements ~ Many countries, like the United States, require blood tests. Some countries require that documents presented to the marriage registrar be translated into the native language of that country.
Loss of U.S. Nationality In some countries, marriage to a national of that country will automatically make the spouse either a citizen of that country or eligible to become naturalized in that country expeditiously. The automatic acquisition of a second nationality will not affect U.S. citizenship. However, naturalization in a foreign country on one's own application or the application of a duly authorized agent may cause the loss of American citizenship. Persons planning to apply for a foreign nationality should contact an American embassy or consulate for further information. Marriage to an AlienInformation on obtaining a visa for a foreign spouse may be obtained from any office of the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. embassies and consulates abroad, or the Department of State Visa Office, Washington, DC 20520-0113. General information regarding visas may be obtained by calling the Visa Office on 202-663-1225.
Please visit the following links to see proper identification needs, rules, and regulations and license information for marriages ouside the United States:
ACCURACY AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE REGISTRAR/CONSULATE.
MARRIAGE LICENSE LAWS IN UNITED STATES: Please visit the following links to see proper identification needs, rules, and regulations and license information for marriages for each state/county:
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT REGARDING YOUR WEDDING Budget Wedding Colors Theme of Wedding Size of Wedding/Wedding Party Dress Attire for Wedding Formality of Wedding Invitations Forist ~ Bridal party/Guest/Centerpieces/etc Decorations Special Accommodations for Disabilities/Conditions Venue of Wedding Ceremony Time of Wedding Ceremony # of Guests Expected at Wedding # of Guests Expected at Reception Venue of Reception Table Seating ~ Place Cards Type of Service: Cocktail/Hors d’oeuvres/Buffet or Plated Dinner/etc Table Setting ~ Glasses/Plates/Silverware/Napkins Alcoholic Beverages ~ Open Bar/Cash Bar/Other Time of Meal ~ Caterer/Cuisine Preference Music Provider Music to play/Music not to play Dinner Music Introduction of wedding party First dance song Parents dance Wedding party dance Are meals provided for DJ, and other hired help Mode of Transportation Blessing before meal Who is saying blessing Toasts Song for cake cutting Dollar Dance Garter/Bouquet Toss Wedding Favors Gifts for wedding party.gift for your Bride and your Groom Clean-up Accommodations needed for out of town guest Honeymoon/Travel Reservations Passports/Visas Rehearsal Dinner Gift Registry