{"id":351892,"date":"2016-04-04T11:02:38","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:02:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/family\/marriage\/destination-weddings-is-your-marriage-legal.html"},"modified":"2024-03-18T10:18:00","modified_gmt":"2024-03-18T15:18:00","slug":"destination-weddings-is-your-marriage-legal","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/marriage\/destination-weddings-is-your-marriage-legal.html","title":{"rendered":"Destination Weddings: How To Get Legally Married in Another Country"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Destination Weddings: How To Get Legally Married in Another Country<\/h1>\n
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\n By Hanan Zaki, J.D., LL.M.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Rhonda Earhart, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Getting married in a foreign country is romantic and exciting. But before you consult a wedding planner, you should research the legal requirements for that country.  Marriage laws are different in other countries. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

Are you dreaming of getting married on a sandy beach in the Caribbean or Mexico? Or perhaps in the south of France or Italy?<\/p>\n

First, check the country’s local laws where you plan to have the destination wedding. It is important to ensure your marriage is legal<\/a> when you return to the States.<\/p>\n

Like U.S. marriage laws<\/a>, foreign marriage laws are different in every country. Most countries need proof of a valid passport, birth certificate, and proof of residency to get married. Some countries also require a blood test or medical test.<\/p>\n

For example, France has residency requirements for marriage<\/a>. But France allows non-residents to get married in their country’s consulate. You can have the legal ceremony at the U.S. consulate in France<\/a> and a wedding ceremony (symbolic ceremony) in another venue. <\/p>\n

It is important to check the marriage laws in the destination wedding location. Some countries require you to complete a marriage application months before your wedding date. Preparing ahead of time will help you avoid any lengthy and costly mistakes. You do not want your marriage invalid shortly after the wedding day.<\/p>\n

This article explains how U.S. citizens may legally marry in a foreign country. It also includes a chart of the legal requirements for the top destination wedding countries. <\/p>\n

Validity of Marriages Abroad<\/h2>\n

Marriages performed legally in other countries are legal marriages in the United States.<\/p>\n

Legal marriage in the United States<\/a> requires couples to get a marriage license and a marriage certificate. Getting a marriage license requires proof of identification through legal documents<\/a>, such as a birth certificate, death certificate, and driver’s license.<\/p>\n

Other countries will also need proof of identification and citizenship. Some countries may require original and certified copies of identification (passport, driver’s license, birth certificate).<\/p>\n

If you have questions about getting married abroad, contact the attorney general of your state.<\/p>\n

Who May Perform Marriages Abroad<\/h2>\n

While some countries allow non-citizens to marry in an American embassy, American diplomatic and consular officers cannot perform marriages<\/a>. Marriages abroad are usually performed by local (foreign) civil or religious officials. Make sure to check the foreign country’s marriage laws.<\/p>\n

You can still get married in a country that does not have an American embassy or consulate<\/a>. But you must follow the foreign country’s marriage laws to make your marriage legal. Make sure to check the country’s marriage laws.<\/p>\n

Destination Wedding Legal Requirements<\/h2>\n

The embassy, or a tourist information office, is the best resource to learn about marriage requirements in another country.<\/p>\n

Also, American embassies and consulates<\/a> have information about marriage laws. Below is a list of common destination wedding legal requirements.<\/p>\n