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Introduction
Planning a destination wedding is exciting, but navigating the legal requirements can be challenging. Wedaways does not plan weddings. Wedaways is a travel company that books luxury experiences, venues and buyouts, and room blocks for weddings. We cannot advise on county laws. Always do your own research regarding marriage laws in your chosen destination.
Barbados
Getting married in Barbados is straightforward as there is no required waiting period or minimum length of stay.
Required Documents:
- Valid passports and birth certificates
- Return tickets
- Divorce decree or Final Judgment if previously divorced
- Marriage and Death Certificate if widowed
- Certified translation of non-English documents
- Magistrate or Marriage Officer arrangement letter
License Fees:
- US$100 cash and a US$12.50 stamp for non-citizens/residents
- US$22.50 cash and a US$5.00 stamp for citizens/residents
Civil Ceremony Fees:
- US$125 for in-court ceremonies
- US$175 for out-of-court ceremonies
Canada
In Canada, marriage licenses are provincial or territorial. You must apply to the relevant municipal office or Department of Vital Statistics.
Basic Requirements:
- Minimum age varies by province (18 in Ontario, 19 in British Columbia)
- Written parental consent for underage marriages
- Proof of marital status (divorce decree, death certificate)
- Proof of identification (birth certificate)
Marriage License:
- Apply in person at the municipal office
- Fees vary by province
- Valid for a limited time (e.g., three months in most areas)
Additional Requirements:
- Varies by province, such as additional information for divorces outside the province
Croatia
A civil ceremony is the only legally binding type of marriage in Croatia.
Requirements:
- No minimum residency period
- Court-appointed translator if neither person speaks Croatian
- Religious ceremony can follow the civil one
Required Documents:
- Certificate of No Impediment (not older than 3 months)
- Passport with a minimum validity of twelve months
- Photocopies of passports for the bride, groom, and witnesses
- Original or certified copies of translated documents
France
Marriage in France is legal only through a civil ceremony in council offices.
Requirements for Non-Residents:
- Special dispensation needed for non-residents without family ties in France
- Civil wedding in the home country followed by a religious/secular ceremony in France
Required Documents:
- ID (passport)
- Birth certificate (recent and legalized if from abroad)
- Proof of address
- Proof of nationality
- Proof of civil status
- Notary’s certificate (for prenuptial agreement)
- Information about the couple
Greece
Greek Orthodox marriage ceremonies are ancient and symbolic, but other types of marriages are also recognized.
Required Documents:
- Passport
- Residence permit (if applicable)
- Birth certificate with Apostille stamp and Greek translation
- Divorce decree or death certificate if previously married
- Certificate of No Impediment
Registration:
- Marriages must be registered within 40 days at the local Registrar’s Office
India
Hindu marriages join individuals for life, involving ancient rites and rituals.
Italy
Italy offers a variety of wedding venues, from city halls to historical palazzos.
Ceremony Types:
- Symbolic, Blessing, Renewal of Vows, Civil, or Religious
Required Documents:
- Valid Passport
- Birth certificate
- Divorce decree or death certificate if previously married
- Apostille stamp for all documents
- Atto Notorio from an Italian Consul
- Nulla Osta obtained upon arrival in Italy
Morocco
Morocco recognizes only civil marriages.
Required Documents:
- Passports
- Birth certificates
- Affidavit of nationality and eligibility to marry
- Police record
- Medical certificate
- Recent passport photos
Turkey
Only civil marriages are legal in Turkey.
Required Documents:
- Certificate of No Impediment
- Full birth certificate
- Passport
- Divorce decree or death certificate if previously married
United Kingdom
Marriages in the UK require a marriage license and adherence to specific procedures.
Required Documents:
- Valid Passport
- Proof of termination of prior marriages
- Waiting period and ceremony requirements vary by region
USA
Marriage licenses are issued by the county clerk, with requirements varying by state.
Required Documents:
- Valid identification
- Proof of termination of prior marriages
- Marriage ceremony performed by an authorized person
Planning Your Destination Wedding Wedaways does not plan weddings. Wedaways books luxury experiences, venues, buyouts, and room blocks for weddings. Wedaways cannot advise on county laws. Do your own research, and if you’d like, we will happily refer you to a wedding planner who will charge a fee and assist with all the details regarding international marriage laws to make your wedding dreams come true.
