Requirements
Marriage Requirements for 15 Popular Locations
Many people ask us whether destination weddings are legally binding. The answer is yes: "Under U.S. statutes, a marriage performed abroad that's valid under the laws of that country is generally accepted by any state," says Patti Metzger, president of Weddings on the Move, a destination wedding- planning agency in West Bend, Wisconsin.
The catch? Some countries have a web of red tape and residency requirements that can vary by district or city, even judge! (In these cases, it is recommended that you work with a wedding planner to help you fulfill all requirements properly.) Certain religious ceremonies, or marriage between two different religions, can also throw a wrench into the process. Here are the most popular -- read: enticing and/or relatively easy -- destinations to plan a faraway wedding plus requirements for tying the knot on their turf.
THE ISLANDS OF THE BAHAMAS
FEE: US$40
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: 48 hours
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS: Passports; birth certificates; proof of divorce or death certificate of former spouse/s (if applicable); declaration certifying both parties are unmarried U.S. citizens, sworn before a U.S. Consul at the American Embassy in Nassau, or a marriage license from the Commissioner's Office on other islands; proof of arrival in the Islands of the Bahamas.
NOTE: Both parties must apply in person.
MORE INFO: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism's wedding desk, (888) NUPTIAL, or http://www.bahamas.com
BARBADOS
FEE: BDS$150 cash and a BDS$25 stamp from the post office
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: None
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS: Passports or certified birth certificates; proof of divorce or death certificate of former spouse/s (if applicable); letter from officiant performing service
NOTE: Both parties must apply in person at Ministry of Home Affairs in Cheapside, Bridgetown.
MORE INFO: Ministry of Home Affairs, (246) 228-8950, or http://www.barbados.org/weddings.htm
BERMUDA
FEE: US$205
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: None
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS: Passports and a "Notice of Intended Marriage" form from Bermuda's Registrar General's Office (The form is available by phone request or at http://www.bermudatourism.com. Fill it out and mail it along with a cashier's check or bank draft made payable to the Accountant General, Hamilton, Bermuda, in the amount of US$205 back to the Registrar General. Your license will be valid for three months and can be picked up at the Registrar's office by you or a designated person.)
NOTE: "Notice of Intended Marriage" must be filed 2 weeks before the wedding
MORE INFO: Bermuda's Registrar General office, (441) 297-7709 or -7707; the Bermuda Department of Tourism office nearest you; or http://www.bermudatourism.com
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
FEE: $110 (in BVI postage stamps) for those in the BVI for less than 15 days; reduced to $50 (also in stamps) for those in the BVI for at least 15 days; $35 if ceremony is performed at registrar's office or $100 if performed elsewhere
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: 3 days
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS: Passports or certified birth certificates; proof of divorce or death certificate of former spouse/s (if applicable)
NOTE: Publishing banns may be necessary for church weddings. Make plans with appropriate clergy.
MORE INFO: BVI Registrar's Office, (284) 494-3701 ext. 5001/2/3; BVI Tourist Board, (800) 835-8530, or http://www.bviwelcome.com
CAYMAN ISLANDS
FEE: US$200
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: Couple can marry on day of arrival.
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS: Passports; birth certificates; proof of divorce or death certificate of former spouse/s (if applicable); return or ongoing tickets; proofs of entry (Cayman Islands International Immigration Department pink slips or cruise-ship boarding passes); letter from authorized officiating marriage officer
MORE INFO: Cayman Islands Government Information Services, (345) 949-7900, or http://www.caymanislands.ky
ENGLAND
FEE: Varies by region and type of ceremony
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: 7 days
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS: Passports or certified copies of birth certificates; proof of divorce or death certificate of former spouse/s (if applicable)
MORE INFO: British Tourist Authority, (800) 462-2748; British Consulate General, (212) 745-0200; or http://www.britainusa.com
FIJI
FEE: F$20
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: 24 hours
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS: Passports; birth certificates; notarized letters of paternal consent if under 21; proof of divorce or death certificate of former spouse/s (if applicable).
NOTE: Registration formalities take about 15 minutes (you both must appear) but paperwork processing takes one working day. Other requirements vary by church. There are no non-denominational ministers in Fiji.
MORE INFO: Fiji Visitors Bureau, (800) 932-3454, or http://www.bulafiji.com
GREECE
FEE: Varies by region
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: None
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS: It is possible to use an American marriage license - but only if it meets certain requirements; passports; certified birth certificates; proof of divorce or death certificate of former spouse/s (if applicable); certificate from U.S. Consulate in Athens, stating that there is no impediment to the marriage; two announcements in local Greek newspaper (one announcement for each person)
***NOTE: Greek tourism officials advise that gathering and preparing required documents could take a few months. All documents must be translated into Greek by the Greek consulate in your area. The Greek National Tourist Organization, (212) 421-5777, will fax instructions and supply names of companies that specialize in arranging weddings for foreigners. Greek law does not provide for certain interfaith marriages such as Christians to non-Christians or Jews to non-Jews. Proof of religion, such as baptismal certificates, may be required.
MORE INFO: Greek National Tourist Organization, (212) 421-5777, or the Greek Consulate, (212) 988-5500
HAWAII
FEE: US$50
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: None
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS: Driver's license or passport; no proof of divorce is necessary, but those who are divorced must be able to provide the date, state, and county (or country) where the divorce was finalized
NOTE: Licenses must be filed with the state health department office in Honolulu, or call the department for listings of agents in rural communities. Forms require the names of parents and their places of birth. Both parties must appear in person.
MORE INFO: Hawaii's Department of Health marriage licensing office or (808) 586-4544; or Go Hawaii.com can help.
ITALY
FEE: Varies by region
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: 4 days
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS: Passports or armed forces ID cards; certified copies of birth certificates; proof of divorce or death certificate of former spouse/s (if applicable); declarations "atto notorio" sworn to by four people attesting that they know of no reason to object to the marriage under the laws of the couple's home country; declaration sworn to by both parties that there are no obstacles to the marriage under U.S. law
NOTE: Certain documents must be translated into Italian with special "apostille" seals from the secretary of state from the state from which the documents originated. Additional requirements apply if one of the parties is an Italian citizen or resident of Italy. Requirements may vary by region and city. It is highly recommended that you work with a wedding planner to help you fulfill all requirements properly.
MORE INFO: Italian consulate nearest you; the Italian Government Travel Office, (212) 245-5618; the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Italy; or http://travel.state.gov/italy_marriage.html
JAMAICA
FEE: J$200 (approximately US$5-$6)
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: 24 hours - 48 at most resorts
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS: Certified copies of birth certificates that include father's name; proof of divorce or death certificate of former spouse/s (if applicable)
NOTE: Application must be made in advance of trip by calling the Ministry of National Security at (876) 922-0080.
*NOTE most wedding at ALL inclusive resorts like Sandals, Couples and SuperClubs include this fee.
MORE INFO: Jamaica Tourist Board, (800) 233-4582, or http://www.jamaicatravel.com
MEXICO
FEE: Varies across country about $1200
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: Couple must be in Mexico 3 business days prior to Wedding in most cases.
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS: Certified copies of birth certificates previously "legalized" by the Mexican consulate with jurisdiction over the place of birth; driver's licenses or passports; certified proof of divorce or death certificates of former spouse/s (if applicable) previously "legalized" by the Mexican consulate with jurisdiction over the place of filing; judge's form; tourist cards; Mexican-performed blood test results and X-rays
NOTE: The marriage requirements in Mexico vary from city to city and judge to judge. The Mexican Ministry of Tourism recommends that you budget two to four days to complete all requirements. It is recommended that you work with a wedding planner to help you fulfill all requirements properly.
MORE INFO: Mexican Tourism Board, (800) 446-3942
SCOTLAND
FEE: UK72
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: 24 hours
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS: Passports or certified copies of birth certificates; proof of divorce or death certificate of former spouse/s (if applicable); certificate of no impediment
NOTE: Notice must also be sent to the registrar at least six weeks in advance of the wedding.
MORE INFO: British Tourist Authority, (800) 462-2748; British Consulate General, (212) 745-0200; or http://www.britainusa.com
ST. MAARTEN
FEE: US$102 to $204, depending on the day of the week
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: 10 days
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS: Passports; original birth certificates and two photo IDs; proof of divorce or death certificates of former spouse/s (if applicable); publication of marriage banns and permission of the Lt. Governor; official, notarized translation of documents into Dutch
NOTE: You must be at least 21 years of age to marry in St. Maarten. The French side of the island, St. Martin, has prohibitive residency requirements.
MORE INFO: Office of Civil Registry, (011) 5995-22457
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
FEE: US$50
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: 24 hours
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS: Driver's licenses or passports; proof of divorce or death certificate of former spouse/s (if applicable); letter accompanying application for marriage stating date of visit, length of stay, and preferred wedding date if having ceremony performed by a judge
NOTE: Application must be received at least 8 days prior to wedding.
MORE INFO: USVI Division of Tourism (800) 372-8784; Territorial Court, St. Thomas and St John, (340) 774-6680; Territorial Court, St. Croix, (340) 778-9750; or http://www.virginisles.com
The catch? Some countries have a web of red tape and residency requirements that can vary by district or city, even judge! (In these cases, it is recommended that you work with a wedding planner to help you fulfill all requirements properly.) Certain religious ceremonies, or marriage between two different religions, can also throw a wrench into the process. Here are the most popular -- read: enticing and/or relatively easy -- destinations to plan a faraway wedding plus requirements for tying the knot on their turf.
THE ISLANDS OF THE BAHAMAS
FEE: US$40
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: 48 hours
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS: Passports; birth certificates; proof of divorce or death certificate of former spouse/s (if applicable); declaration certifying both parties are unmarried U.S. citizens, sworn before a U.S. Consul at the American Embassy in Nassau, or a marriage license from the Commissioner's Office on other islands; proof of arrival in the Islands of the Bahamas.
NOTE: Both parties must apply in person.
MORE INFO: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism's wedding desk, (888) NUPTIAL, or http://www.bahamas.com
BARBADOS
FEE: BDS$150 cash and a BDS$25 stamp from the post office
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: None
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS: Passports or certified birth certificates; proof of divorce or death certificate of former spouse/s (if applicable); letter from officiant performing service
NOTE: Both parties must apply in person at Ministry of Home Affairs in Cheapside, Bridgetown.
MORE INFO: Ministry of Home Affairs, (246) 228-8950, or http://www.barbados.org/weddings.htm
BERMUDA
FEE: US$205
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: None
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS: Passports and a "Notice of Intended Marriage" form from Bermuda's Registrar General's Office (The form is available by phone request or at http://www.bermudatourism.com. Fill it out and mail it along with a cashier's check or bank draft made payable to the Accountant General, Hamilton, Bermuda, in the amount of US$205 back to the Registrar General. Your license will be valid for three months and can be picked up at the Registrar's office by you or a designated person.)
NOTE: "Notice of Intended Marriage" must be filed 2 weeks before the wedding
MORE INFO: Bermuda's Registrar General office, (441) 297-7709 or -7707; the Bermuda Department of Tourism office nearest you; or http://www.bermudatourism.com
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
FEE: $110 (in BVI postage stamps) for those in the BVI for less than 15 days; reduced to $50 (also in stamps) for those in the BVI for at least 15 days; $35 if ceremony is performed at registrar's office or $100 if performed elsewhere
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: 3 days
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS: Passports or certified birth certificates; proof of divorce or death certificate of former spouse/s (if applicable)
NOTE: Publishing banns may be necessary for church weddings. Make plans with appropriate clergy.
MORE INFO: BVI Registrar's Office, (284) 494-3701 ext. 5001/2/3; BVI Tourist Board, (800) 835-8530, or http://www.bviwelcome.com
CAYMAN ISLANDS
FEE: US$200
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: Couple can marry on day of arrival.
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS: Passports; birth certificates; proof of divorce or death certificate of former spouse/s (if applicable); return or ongoing tickets; proofs of entry (Cayman Islands International Immigration Department pink slips or cruise-ship boarding passes); letter from authorized officiating marriage officer
MORE INFO: Cayman Islands Government Information Services, (345) 949-7900, or http://www.caymanislands.ky
ENGLAND
FEE: Varies by region and type of ceremony
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: 7 days
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS: Passports or certified copies of birth certificates; proof of divorce or death certificate of former spouse/s (if applicable)
MORE INFO: British Tourist Authority, (800) 462-2748; British Consulate General, (212) 745-0200; or http://www.britainusa.com
FIJI
FEE: F$20
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: 24 hours
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS: Passports; birth certificates; notarized letters of paternal consent if under 21; proof of divorce or death certificate of former spouse/s (if applicable).
NOTE: Registration formalities take about 15 minutes (you both must appear) but paperwork processing takes one working day. Other requirements vary by church. There are no non-denominational ministers in Fiji.
MORE INFO: Fiji Visitors Bureau, (800) 932-3454, or http://www.bulafiji.com
GREECE
FEE: Varies by region
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: None
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS: It is possible to use an American marriage license - but only if it meets certain requirements; passports; certified birth certificates; proof of divorce or death certificate of former spouse/s (if applicable); certificate from U.S. Consulate in Athens, stating that there is no impediment to the marriage; two announcements in local Greek newspaper (one announcement for each person)
***NOTE: Greek tourism officials advise that gathering and preparing required documents could take a few months. All documents must be translated into Greek by the Greek consulate in your area. The Greek National Tourist Organization, (212) 421-5777, will fax instructions and supply names of companies that specialize in arranging weddings for foreigners. Greek law does not provide for certain interfaith marriages such as Christians to non-Christians or Jews to non-Jews. Proof of religion, such as baptismal certificates, may be required.
MORE INFO: Greek National Tourist Organization, (212) 421-5777, or the Greek Consulate, (212) 988-5500
HAWAII
FEE: US$50
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: None
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS: Driver's license or passport; no proof of divorce is necessary, but those who are divorced must be able to provide the date, state, and county (or country) where the divorce was finalized
NOTE: Licenses must be filed with the state health department office in Honolulu, or call the department for listings of agents in rural communities. Forms require the names of parents and their places of birth. Both parties must appear in person.
MORE INFO: Hawaii's Department of Health marriage licensing office or (808) 586-4544; or Go Hawaii.com can help.
ITALY
FEE: Varies by region
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: 4 days
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS: Passports or armed forces ID cards; certified copies of birth certificates; proof of divorce or death certificate of former spouse/s (if applicable); declarations "atto notorio" sworn to by four people attesting that they know of no reason to object to the marriage under the laws of the couple's home country; declaration sworn to by both parties that there are no obstacles to the marriage under U.S. law
NOTE: Certain documents must be translated into Italian with special "apostille" seals from the secretary of state from the state from which the documents originated. Additional requirements apply if one of the parties is an Italian citizen or resident of Italy. Requirements may vary by region and city. It is highly recommended that you work with a wedding planner to help you fulfill all requirements properly.
MORE INFO: Italian consulate nearest you; the Italian Government Travel Office, (212) 245-5618; the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Italy; or http://travel.state.gov/italy_marriage.html
JAMAICA
FEE: J$200 (approximately US$5-$6)
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: 24 hours - 48 at most resorts
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS: Certified copies of birth certificates that include father's name; proof of divorce or death certificate of former spouse/s (if applicable)
NOTE: Application must be made in advance of trip by calling the Ministry of National Security at (876) 922-0080.
*NOTE most wedding at ALL inclusive resorts like Sandals, Couples and SuperClubs include this fee.
MORE INFO: Jamaica Tourist Board, (800) 233-4582, or http://www.jamaicatravel.com
MEXICO
FEE: Varies across country about $1200
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: Couple must be in Mexico 3 business days prior to Wedding in most cases.
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS: Certified copies of birth certificates previously "legalized" by the Mexican consulate with jurisdiction over the place of birth; driver's licenses or passports; certified proof of divorce or death certificates of former spouse/s (if applicable) previously "legalized" by the Mexican consulate with jurisdiction over the place of filing; judge's form; tourist cards; Mexican-performed blood test results and X-rays
NOTE: The marriage requirements in Mexico vary from city to city and judge to judge. The Mexican Ministry of Tourism recommends that you budget two to four days to complete all requirements. It is recommended that you work with a wedding planner to help you fulfill all requirements properly.
MORE INFO: Mexican Tourism Board, (800) 446-3942
SCOTLAND
FEE: UK72
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: 24 hours
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS: Passports or certified copies of birth certificates; proof of divorce or death certificate of former spouse/s (if applicable); certificate of no impediment
NOTE: Notice must also be sent to the registrar at least six weeks in advance of the wedding.
MORE INFO: British Tourist Authority, (800) 462-2748; British Consulate General, (212) 745-0200; or http://www.britainusa.com
ST. MAARTEN
FEE: US$102 to $204, depending on the day of the week
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: 10 days
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS: Passports; original birth certificates and two photo IDs; proof of divorce or death certificates of former spouse/s (if applicable); publication of marriage banns and permission of the Lt. Governor; official, notarized translation of documents into Dutch
NOTE: You must be at least 21 years of age to marry in St. Maarten. The French side of the island, St. Martin, has prohibitive residency requirements.
MORE INFO: Office of Civil Registry, (011) 5995-22457
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
FEE: US$50
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: 24 hours
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS: Driver's licenses or passports; proof of divorce or death certificate of former spouse/s (if applicable); letter accompanying application for marriage stating date of visit, length of stay, and preferred wedding date if having ceremony performed by a judge
NOTE: Application must be received at least 8 days prior to wedding.
MORE INFO: USVI Division of Tourism (800) 372-8784; Territorial Court, St. Thomas and St John, (340) 774-6680; Territorial Court, St. Croix, (340) 778-9750; or http://www.virginisles.com
