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Marriage AbroadTraveling to a deserted island or a romantic Italian beach may be a dream come true for someone desiring a marriage abroad. Dont assume that saying your I Dos overseas will stand up when you return to the US. Rules and regulations, as well as marriage requirements in some countries, are below.
A marriage abroad must be performed by a local religious or civil official. A consulate or diplomat from America is not permitted to perform a marriage. You can receive an authentication of a foreign marriage by visiting the US consulate in the country. There is a fee for this, though it is under $50. This validation will allow your marriage to be recognized upon return to the US.
For a marriage to be considered valid, all rules of the country hosting the wedding,
rather than the US, must be followed. To find the rules of marriage in the country, the best source of information is the embassy or tourist information bureau in that country. You can also write to the address below for general information for some countries.
Overseas Citizens Services
Room 4811
Department of State
Washington, DC 20520
Some countries require that one or both parties be residents of that country for a specified length of time. Many countries have lengthy waiting period requirements as well.
Be prepared to present a valid US passport and possibly a birth certificate, divorce decree or death certificate (in the case of previous marriages). Prepare these well in advance of your nuptial trip, as some countries require that the US consulate within that country prior to issuing a license authenticate the documents. The authentication can take weeks or months and be costly.
Unlike marriages in the United States, many marriages abroad require proof of capacity to enter into the contract of marriage. In essence, the competency of both parties is judged and each party must swear that they are not legally married or bound to another person. This is usually done by a consular official in the country of your marriage abroad. There is often a fee for this.
Be aware you may lose your US citizenship when you marry a national of another country. While this is not always the case, it is if you become naturalized in your spouses country.
You can obtain information for a spousal visa by contacting any Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, US embassies and consulate offices or the Department of State Visa Office. You can call them at 202-663-1225 or write to
Department of State Visa Office
Washington, DC 20520-0113
Marriage abroad in England and Wales requires a passport or other identification although they prefer a birth certificate. You must prove your name, address, marital status and nationality. You will be required to reside in the UK for at least 7 days in addition to the 15-day waiting period. Evidence of divorce includes original, court-sealed divorce decree or death certificate is required if married previously. There are no blood or physical tests. Same sex marriages are prohibited, as are common law and proxy marriages. Cousins may marry, however. You can email for questions on marriage licensing in the UK at marriages.gro@ons.gov.uk
Weddings in Ireland are a bit more complicated than the rest of the UK. If you or your spouse-to-be has been divorced, a written statement including where you were raised, where you resided at the time of the divorce, when and why the divorce took place is also required. The divorced party may also need to obtain permission to marry from their previous spouse. The Registrar must receive notice of Marriage at least three months prior to marriage.
Regardless of where and when you are planning your wedding, if you are planning a marriage abroad it is imperative you do your research well in advance.
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