Practical Issues to Consider When Getting Married Abroad

by KristenJanuary 18, 2010 2

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Getting married abroad

Getting married abroad is something that appeals to many couples nowadays for a range of different reasons.

Some have always had the idea of a wedding abroad, on a beautiful beach beneath the palm trees. Others would prefer a smaller ceremony and feel the only way to do this is by getting away from it all. Or, as is typical with Zankyou‘s international couples, some will marry in multicultural weddings in either the bride or groom’s home country, even though they may live in another.

Whatever your reasons for getting married away from where you live and work, there are some practical issues that you need to remember. We at Zk know you love to travel, so here’s some advice on different aspects of weddings abroad.

Let’s look at the legal issues associated with getting married abroad.

In the US, the Department of State offers valuable information for couples wanting to celebrate their wedding abroad. Check out other similar institutions in your own country.

Processes in each country vary greatly, so you will likely need to take certain steps to ensure that your marriage is legal and recognized in your home country.

The best way to start is to contact your country’s embassy in the country where your wedding will take place, as well as that country’s embassy in your home country. (That is, if you’re American and getting married in Jamaica, you’ll need to contact the American embassy in Kingston and the Jamaican embassy in Washington, D.C.)

In addition to valid passports, the authorities may well tell you that you need to obtain special documents that are required in either the country of marriage or your home country, so it’s best to check as soon as possible. They may then have to be translated, so bear that in mind in terms of time and cost.

Getting in touch with a lawyer who specializes in family law will also make things easier, as in some cases, marriages carried out abroad are not recognized in the US.

After the wedding, you will also have to go through certain processes, either to deposit your marriage license or register your marriage in your home country. Find out about these processes from your city’s marriage license bureau.

And remember, even if you’re returning to the place you were born to get married, if your current residence is in another country, you may still have to register in order to get married ‘at home’, just like your foreign partner may.

Here is a list of the world’s Foreign Ministries – get searching!

Why not read our post on marriage blessings after coming home? Or click on the link if you want to know more about more administrative procedures related to your wedding.