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.
• Certificate of No Impediment – this document verifies single status and that you are free to marry.
• Proof of Residence - you may be required to produce documentation with proof of your current residence, usually council tax correspondence, a medical card, utility bill or driving licence is sufficient.
• 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 not of the minimum 'age' – a letter of consent from a parent or guardian.
• If you have changed your name by deed poll - stamped proof by a solicitor.

Specific requirements for individual countries are noted in the legal requirements section of each countries destination guide page.

Original Documentation

Most countries require that your documentation is original or a certified copy.

Photocopies will not be accepted.

Authentication / Legalisation and Apostilles

Authentication / Legalisation is the official confirmation that a signature, seal or stamp on a public document is genuine. This is usually required by foreign authorities before they will allow a document issued in your country to be used for official purposes in their country. Please note that this process does not authenticate the contents of the document.

As a general rule, if your country is included in this list of countries who signed the Hague Convention Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents, you will need an Apostille stamp. For other countries (including Vietnam, most of the Middle East and China - except for Hong Kong and Macau), you will need a Authentication / Legalisation Certificate.

To find out how to obtain an Apostille, Authentication / Legalisation Certificate, please click on your country of citizenship below.

United Kingdom | Ireland | USA | Canada | Australia | New Zealand | South Africa

Translations

If your documentation is not in the local language of the country in which you are getting married, you may be required to have it 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.

Marriage after Divorce

Some countries require that a set amount of time must have passed after a divorce before you can remarry. For example, in Italy if you are female and have previously been married your wedding cannot occur until 300 days after your marriage was annulled.

Certificate of No Impediment

In order for non-nationals to marry in a foreign country you will most likely be required to produce legal documentation from your country of citizenship verifying single status and that you are free to marry. This is known as a 'Certificate of No Impediment', 'Certificate de Coutume', 'Certificate of Nulla Osta' or a 'Certificate of Freedom to Marry'.

These certificates vary in the length of time they are valid for, which can sometimes only be a few months. Certain countries require that certificates be no older than 2 or 3 months at the time of your wedding. Therefore, it is important to check the requirements which apply to your circumstances and pay particular attention to timelines when you apply for a Certificate of No Impediment.

Please also be aware that a standard Certificate of No Impediment may be insufficient on its own to allow a marriage to take place in a foreign country. You may be required by the foreign authorities to comply with the following, so please ensure that you allow sufficient time for processing.

• Certificates may need to be translated.
• Certificates may need to be endorsed or exchanged for a locally acceptable version issued by your Embassy or Consulate in the country where you will marry.
• Certificates may need to be legalised i.e. stamped with an official stamp known as an Apostille.
• Certificates may require that witnesses swear an Affidavit stating that you are free to marry and that this is appended.

Specific requirements for individual countries are noted in the legal requirements section of each countries destination guide page.

For further information on how to obtain a certificate from the relevant authorities, please click on your country of citizenship below:

United Kingdom | Ireland | USA | Canada | Australia | New Zealand | South Africa

United Kingdom - Certificate of No Impediment

UK Citizens Resident in the UK

In the UK a Certificate of No Impediment is issued by your local Registrar. The prescribed form when applying for a Certificate of No Impediment in England and Wales is slightly different to that of Scotland or Northern Ireland.

Exceptions to the standard application process are if you are getting married in a Commonwealth country or if you are marrying an Irish national. Information outlining these requirements may be found on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website.

Application

• If resident in England and Wales, a Certificate of No Impediment is obtained by Giving Notice (publishing the Banns) at your local Register Office no more than six months before your wedding date. The actual Certificate of No Impediment will be issued between 16 and 23 days after you have given notice. Additional information in regard to applying for a Certificate of No Impediment may be found on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website.
• If resident in Scotland, a Certificate of No Impediment is obtained by Giving Notice (complete marriage notice form M10 at your local Register Office. The actual Certificate of No Impediment can be issued 15 days after you have given notice. It is important to note that Scottish Certificates of No Impediment are only valid for three months after the date of issue. Additional information in regard to applying for a Certificate of No Impediment may be found on the General Register Office for Scotland website.
• If resident in Northern Ireland a Certificate of Legal Capacity to Marry (Certificate of No Impediment) is obtained by Giving Notice (complete marriage notice form GRO446 at your local Register Office. The actual Certificate of Legal Capacity to Marry can be issued 15 days after you have given notice. Additional information in regard to applying for a Certificate of Legal Capacity to Marry in may be found on the General Register Office for Northern Ireland website.

Required Documentation

You will be required to attend a short interview and provide the following documentation.

• Passport.
• Proof of address.
• If divorced, Decree Absolute.
• If widowed, Death Certificate of previous spouse (and Marriage Certificate).
• If your name has been changed by Deed Poll, proof is necessary.
• The relevant fee.

All documentation should be original or certified copies.

Non Resident UK citizens

UK citizens who are resident abroad should contact their nearest British Diplomatic or Consular Mission who will provide information on how to apply for a Certificate of No Impediment.

If you are getting married in Italy, you will need to exchange your Certificate of No Impediment for a 'Nulla Osta' at the British Embassy or Consulate nearest to where you are getting married in Italy.

Requirements are subject to change in accordance with the laws of the UK. Information correct as at April 2011.

Ireland - Certificate de Coutume

Irish Citizens Resident in Ireland

A Certificate de Coutume can be obtained from the Consular Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs. Tel: (01) 408 2682 or for the Munster area (021) 494 4763. If getting married in Italy Tel: (01) 408 2568.

The applicable forms must not be completed earlier than 6 months before your marriage and should be returned to the Department of Foreign Affairs at least 4 months before the date of your marriage. Please note that all Statutory Declaration forms must be completed in the presence of and witnessed by a Notary Public, a Commissioner for Oaths, a Solicitor in Ireland or a Diplomatic or Consular Officer.

Application

In order to obtain a Certificate de Coutume you must complete the forms applicable to your situation, as set out below.

• All applicants must complete form MP1.
• Applicants who are getting married in Italy must complete form MP2.
• Applicants not previously married or who have been widowed must complete Statutory Declaration form MP2A.
• Applicants who hold an Irish divorce must complete Statutory Declaration form MP2E.
• Applicants who hold a foreign divorce must complete Statutory Declaration form MP2B.
• Divorced foreign national wishing to marry an Irish citizen must complete Statutory Declaration form MP2D. (This only relates to citizens wishing to marry in Italy, Poland, Germany, Sweden, Hungary and Bulgaria).

Required Documentation

In order to complete your application, the following documentation must be presented.

• Original Irish Birth Certificate.
• Original Death Certificate of previous spouse if widowed (and Marriage Certificate).
• Original Petition and Final Decree, if divorced.
• Photocopy of details page of passport (Irish citizen and fiancé).
• Parents’ consent form if the person is under 18 years of age.
• The relevant fee.

For further information please refer to the Department of Foreign Affairs website.

Non Resident Irish citizens

Irish citizens who are resident abroad should contact their nearest Irish Diplomatic or Consular Mission who will provide information on how to apply for a Certificate de Coutume.

Requirements are subject to change in accordance with the laws of Ireland. Information correct as at April 2011.

USA - Affidavit of Eligibility to Marry

American Citizens Resident in the USA.

A Certificate of Freedom to Marry document does not exist in the United States. However, almost all countries will accept a Sworn Affidavit testifying to your freedom to marry known as an Affidavit of Eligibility to Marry.

Application

• The foreign authorities will usually allow you to execute the above Affidavit before a Consular official at the Embassy of Consular office (in the United States) of the country in which you will marry.
• The foreign authorities will usually allow you to execute the above Affidavit at the American Embassy or Consulate in the country in which you will marry.
• Some countries may also require witnesses who will execute Affidavits testifying to the fact that you are free to marry.
• In general, both parties to the marriage will be required to attend when such a statement is being made.

Required Documentation

• Original Birth Certificate or Passport.
• If widowed, original or certified copy of Death Certificate of previous spouse.
• If divorced, original or certified copy of Divorce Decree.
• The relevant fee.

For further information please refer to the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs website.

Non Resident American citizens

American citizens who are resident abroad should contact their nearest American Diplomatic or Consular Mission, who will provide information on how to apply for an Affidavit of Eligibility to Marry.

Requirements are subject to change in accordance with the laws of the USA. Information correct as at April 2011.

Canada - Certificate of Non-Impediment to Marriage Abroad

Canadian Citizens Resident in Canada.

A Certificate of No Impediment does not exist in Canada. However, a Statement In-Lieu of Certificate of Non-Impediment to Marriage Abroad may be obtained in its place from the Departments of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. Processing time for the Statements is approximately 25 working days.

Prior to making an application for the Statement, it may be prudent to obtain a marriage search letter from the government registries in the Canadian provinces where you've resided. This can take anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks to process.

Application

• An application for a Statement In-Lieu of Certificate of Non-Impediment to Marriage Abroad may be made in person or by mail.

Required Documentation

• Original Canadian Birth Certificate or certified true copies of Canadian citizenship record and Record of Landing form. If you have lost your Record of Landing form, this must be mentioned in the Statutory Declaration of marital status.
• If widowed, certified copy of Death Certificate of previous spouse.
• If divorced, certified copy of Divorce Certificate or Divorce Judgement.
• A Statutory Declaration of your present marital status, including the name and citizenship of your future spouse and the country in which you intend to marry. Statutory Declarations can be done before a Canadian Notary or Commissioner of Oaths.
• The relevant fee.

Note: Some countries will only accept a Statement from the Canadian Embassy in the country where you will marry, to the effect that there are no impediments.

For further information please refer to the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade website.

Non Resident Canadian Citizens

Canadian citizens living abroad you should contact their nearest Canadian Diplomatic or Consular Mission who will provide information on how to apply for a Statement In-Lieu of Certificate of Non-Impediment to Marriage Abroad.

Requirements are subject to change in accordance with the laws of Canada. Information correct as at April 2011.

Australia - Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage

Australian Citizens Resident in Australia

Application

• Applicants who are getting married in Poland, Portugal or Turkey must complete the form Certificates of No Impediment to Marriage for use in Poland, Portugal and Turkey.
• Applicants for all other counties must complete the form Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage for use in all other countries.
• Application forms should be returned to your nearest state or territory office of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Adelaide | Brisbane | Canberra | Darwin | Hobart | Melbourne | Perth | Sydney

Required Documentation

In order to complete your application, the following documentation must be presented.

• Original Passport.
• Original Birth Certificate.
• If applicable, original documentary evidence of your Australian residency status.
• The relevant fee.

Note: Some countries will only accept Certificates of No Impediment to Marriage issued by the local Australian Embassy or Consulate in the country in which the marriage is to take place.

For further information please refer to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website.

Non Resident Australian Citizens

Australian citizens who are resident abroad should contact their nearest Australian Diplomatic or Consular Mission who will provide information on how to apply for a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage.

Requirements are subject to change in accordance with the laws of Australia. Information correct as at April 2011.

New Zealand - Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage

New Zealand Citizens Resident in New Zealand

A Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage is issued by the Department of Internal Affairs, Birth, Deaths and Marriages. The certificate will be issued after a statutory period of 14 days from receipt of the application.

Application

In order to obtain A Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage you must complete the following.

• A Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage, form BDM189.

Required Documentation

In order to complete your application, the following documentation must be presented.

• If divorced, certified copy of order of dissolution /divorce if either marriage or divorce occurred outside New Zealand.
• Certified copy of citizenship certificate, if applicable.
• The relevant fee.

Note: Some countries will only accept Certificates of No Impediment issued by the local New Zealand Embassy or Consulate in the country in which the marriage is to take place.

For further information please refer to the Department of Internal Affairs website.

Non Resident New Zealand Citizens

New Zealand citizens who are resident abroad should contact their nearest New Zealand Diplomatic or Consular Mission who will provide information on how to apply for a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage.

Requirements are subject to change in accordance with the laws of New Zealand. Information correct as at April 2011.

South Africa - Letter of No Impediment (Marital Status Letter)

South African Citizens resident in South Africa

A Letter of No Impediment (Certificate of No Impediment) is issued the by the South African Department of Home Affairs and has as a validity of 6 months.

Application

Documentation

• A letter stating the reason for which you require the Letter of No Impediment.
• Certified copy of Passport or Identity Document.
• If widowed, certified copy of Death Certificate of previous spouse.
• If divorced, certified copy of Divorce Certificate.
• The applicable fee.

Non Resident South African Citizens

South African citizens who are resident abroad should contact their nearest South African Diplomatic or Consular Missionwho will provide information on how to apply for a Letter of No Impediment.

Note: Depending on the country in which you reside, applications can take up to 6 months to process.

Requirements are subject to change in accordance with the laws of South Africa. Information correct as at April 2011.

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.