MARRYING ABROAD

Depending on the law of the foreign country, local civil or religious officials generally perform marriages. Marriages performed overseas are considered valid in the country where they take place if they are entered into in accordance with local law. Recognition of the validity of marriages performed abroad is dependent upon the laws of the place in which the marriage is to be recognized. Please be sure to contact the embassy or tourist information bureau of the country where you plan to marry to learn about specific requirements.

Plan Ahead

Procedures vary from country to country, and some require lengthy preparation.

Residency: Many countries have requirements that the parties have been resident in that country for a specified period of time before a marriage may be performed there.
Blood Tests: There may be requirements for blood tests, etc.
Age: There may be requirements for the minimum age of the parties who are being married.
Consent: There may be requirements for parental consent.
Documents: There is also, in many countries, a requirement that documents certifying the end of any previous relationship (such as death or divorce certificates) be submitted, translated into the local language, and authenticated.
Affidavit of Eligibility to Marry: Some countries require an affidavit by the parties as proof of legal capacity to enter into a marriage contract. No such government-issued document exists in the United States. You may execute such an affidavit at a U.S. embassy or consulate. The U.S. embassy or consulate cannot attest to your marital status; however, most countries will accept a statement from you regarding your ability to marry if your signature on the affidavit has been notarized by a U.S. consular officer.

NOTE: INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS PAGE CAN BE FOUND ON THE US DEPARTMENT OF STATE - BUREAU OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS WEBSITE