Civil Wedding Abroad

The legal requirements for having a civil wedding abroad are relatively easy and straightforward.

For couples getting married abroad a civil service is the most popular type of marriage ceremony.






There are many reasons why couples elect to have a civil wedding abroad:

• It is generally the easiest and most straightforward ceremony to organise.

• In some countries, religious ceremonies are not legally recognised. Therefore, if you wish to have a religious ceremony you must also have a civil ceremony to validate your marriage.

• It is a non-denominational ceremony and does not contain any religious references.

• You have the ability to personalise some of your service by choosing your own readings, music and vows.

• In many countries (although not all) a civil wedding can be conducted at a venue of your choice, e.g. on a beach, rainforest, chateau, hotel wedding chapel, aboard a yacht.

In most countries you will need to produce some or all of the following documentation to have a civil marriage ceremony. Generally the documentation must be original and taken with you to your wedding destination. The documentation may vary from country to country so it is best to check with the foreign embassy or consulate of the country in which you will be married.

• Full Birth Certificate.

• 10 Year Passport with at least 6 months validity remaining.

• Sworn Affidavits – statement signed and stamped by a solicitor confirming both parties are free to marry. For some countries this must be prepared one month or less before your wedding date.

• Notice of Marriage / Certificate of Freedom to Marry – this is a document that certain countries require for non-nationals to marry in their country.

• If you are divorced – a Decree Absolute.

• If you are a widower – a Death certificate and previous Marriage Certificate.

• If you are adopted – an Adoption certificate.

• If you are under 18 – letter of consent from a parent or guardian.

• If you have changed your name by deed poll – stamped proof by a solicitor.

UK Citizens – Notice of Marriage

• Obtain a Certificate of No Impediment. This is done by Giving Notice (publishing the Banns) at your local registry office no more than six months before your wedding date. 23 days after you have given notice the registry office will release a Certificate of No Impediment.

At your local Registry Office.

To find your local registry office in England & Wales you can use the following website:

www.gro.gov.uk


Irish Citizens – Certificate of Freedom to Marry

• Complete a statutory declaration called a “Certificate de coutume”.

• Complete an MP2A form and have it signed by authorised signatory.

Consular Section,
Deoartment of Foreign Affairs,
72/76 St Stephen's Green,
Dublin 2,
Tel: (01) 408 2568
LoCall: 1890 426 700
Fax 01 478 5951
Email: marriageabroad@iveagh.gov.ie



Legality of your Civil Wedding Abroad

If you are getting married abroad you need to be aware that the legal validity of your marriage is governed by the laws of the country in which you are marrying and not by the laws of the country in which you are resident.

Although you must meet the legal requirements of the country in which you are marrying, you may still be bound by the laws of your home country in far as your capacity to marry is concerned. For example, if you are under 18 and have not obtained a letter of consent to marry, your marriage may not be recognised under the laws of your home country.



Registration of your Civil Wedding Abroad

United Kingdom

You cannot register your civil wedding abroad at a registry office but you can apply to have an original or a certified copy of your marriage documents sent from the consul of the district where your wedding took place to the General Register Office. Note: if your marriage certificate needs to be translated, translations must also be sent along with your certificate.

In order to do this, one of you must be a British Citizen and the original document cannot be released after it has been deposited.

Once your documents have been deposited with the General Register Office they can issue you with certified copies of your marriage certificate which will save you from having to contact the overseas authority each time you require a copy.

For further information you can contact:

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Consular Division
King Charles Street
LONDON
SW1A 2AH
Tel: +44 (20) 7008 0186 (10am to 12am Monday to Friday)
www.fco.gov.uk


Ireland

If you have had a civil wedding abroad your marriage will not normally be registered in Ireland. However, your foreign marriage certificate will usually be accepted for official purposes.

If your certificate is in a foreign language you will need to provide an official translation from a recognised translation agency along with your marriage certificate.

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