Wedding Abroad Documentation
Ensure you have all the correct wedding abroad documentation.
In most countries you will need to produce some or all of the following documentation. 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 Long Form 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.
- Proof of Residence – you may be required to produce documentation with proof of your current residence.
- 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.
Original Documentation
Most countries require that your documentation is original or certified copies.
Photocopies will not be accepted.
Translations
If you are getting married in a Non-English speaking country, you may be required to have your documentation translated.
In most cases this must be done by a certified translator. The embassy or consulate of the country in which you are getting married should provide you with a list of their certified translators.
Time Frame for Submitting your Documentation
The time frame for submitting your documentation will vary from country to country.
Some countries require your documentation to be submitted a number of months prior to your wedding whilst others only require it be submitted a couple of days before your wedding takes place.
Be sure you are fully aware of the timeline for submitting your documentation.
How to Submit your Documentation
Some countries require that you documentation is submitted in person and other countries will allow a third party, such as a wedding planner to submit your documentation on your behalf.
If the county where you are planning on getting married in requires you to submit your documentation in person a month or two prior to your wedding, you will need to make a special trip to do this.
If you need to obtain a Notice of Marriage / Certificate of Freedom to Marry for your wedding abroad, you must do the following:
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.
Where to apply:
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 an authorised signatory.
Where to apply:
Consular Section,
Department 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
Country Requirements
The specific documentation required for the following countries is listed here:
Please note: although much care and attention has been taken to ensure the above information on wedding abroad documentation is correct please do not take it as legal advice.
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