Quick answer: Can you get legally married abroad?
Yes, but it varies significantly by country. Italy, Greece, Spain, Cyprus and Malta offer legally valid weddings for foreign couples with proper documentation. In Thailand, Bali and Mexico the process is more complex. About 70% of couples who marry abroad choose a symbolic ceremony at the destination and handle the legal part at home - often the simplest and cheapest option.
Legally valid wedding abroad - what are the rules?
The dream of a destination wedding quickly raises a practical question: can we actually get legally married there, or do we need to handle the legal side at home? The answer depends entirely on which country you choose, what documents you can obtain and how much bureaucracy you are willing to handle. The good news is that it is possible to get legally married in most popular wedding destinations - but the process looks very different depending on the location.
This guide covers the rules country by country, which documents are required, what it costs and when it makes more sense to handle the legal side at home. We cover all 24 destinations on our platform so you can make an informed decision regardless of where in the world you dream of saying yes.
Two paths: Legal wedding or symbolic ceremony
There are essentially two paths, and both have their advantages. The first option is a legally valid wedding abroad - you marry on location and the marriage is then recognized in your home country. The second option is a symbolic ceremony abroad combined with a legal wedding at home - either before or after the trip.
Legal wedding abroad means obtaining all necessary documents in advance, having an authorized officiant perform the ceremony and registering the marriage locally. The marriage must then be recognized in your home country through a process called legalization or apostille. The advantage is that everything becomes official during the actual wedding. The disadvantage is significantly more paperwork, often requirements for translation and notarization, and in some countries waiting periods that can stretch over weeks.
Symbolic ceremony abroad means having the emotional and festive ceremony at your dream destination - complete with vows, rings and celebration - but handling the legal side separately at home. You can have a civil ceremony in your home town before the trip (many do it the week before) or after. Symbolic ceremonies give total freedom: you can write your own vows, choose exactly who leads the ceremony and shape it precisely as you wish without legal constraints.
According to our experience, approximately 70% of all couples who marry abroad choose the symbolic option. It is simpler, cheaper and gives you complete creative freedom. But for the 30% who want the legal part done on location, we go through exactly what is required per country below.
Europe - legally valid weddings by country
Mediterranean countries - easiest in Europe
Wedding in Italy - Italy is one of the simplest European countries for legally valid weddings. You need a Nulla Osta (certificate stating no impediment to marriage) from your country's embassy in Italy, valid passports, birth certificates and an Atto Notorio (affidavit). Documents must be translated into Italian by an authorized translator. Processing time is normally 2-4 weeks and banns are published for 2 days. Civil ceremonies are performed by the mayor or a delegated official. Religious ceremonies (Catholic) are also legally recognized through the Concordat agreement. Cost for the legal process: 300-800 EUR excluding translations. Best regions: Tuscany, Amalfi Coast and Lake Como all have well-established processes.
Wedding in Greece - Greece requires relatively little bureaucracy compared to other European countries. You need valid passports, birth certificates, affidavit confirming you are free to marry and any divorce documents. All documents need an apostille stamp and authorized translation into Greek. Banns are published locally for at least 7 days. Civil ceremonies are performed by the mayor. Santorini and Crete have particularly streamlined processes with English-speaking officials. Cost for the legal process: 200-500 EUR. Greek Orthodox weddings require at least one party to be Orthodox Christian.
Wedding in Spain - Spain has a more complex process. You must apply for marriage through the local civil registry (Registro Civil) at least 2-3 months in advance. Document requirements include passports, apostilled birth certificates, certificate of marital status and a medical report. All documents must be translated by an official translator (traductor jurado). A matrimonial investigation (expediente matrimonial) is conducted and you may need to be interviewed by a judge. The process takes 4-8 weeks after submission. Cost: 400-1,000 EUR for the entire legal process.
Wedding in France - France is the most demanding European country for legal weddings. At least one of you must have resided in the commune for at least 40 days before the wedding. You need a Certificat de Coutume (certificate from the embassy), medical certificate, birth certificates and proof of residence. Banns are published for 10 days. Civil ceremonies must be performed at the mairie (town hall) before any religious ceremony. The process can take 2-3 months. Recommendation: a symbolic ceremony in France combined with a legal wedding at home is almost always the better choice unless you already live in the country.
Wedding in Portugal - Portugal is relatively uncomplicated. You need valid passports, birth certificates, certificate of marital status and a Declaracao de solteiro/a (certificate of single status). All documents need apostille and Portuguese translation. Process takes 3-4 weeks via Conservatoria do Registo Civil. Civil weddings can be performed at any location with an approved official. Cost: 200-400 EUR.
Wedding in Croatia - Croatia is unusually simple for legal weddings. Document requirements are minimal: passports, birth certificates and certificate of marital status with apostille. No requirements for local residence or long banns period. Civil weddings can be performed at any location with a registered matrikulant. The process takes just 1-2 weeks. Cost: 150-400 EUR. Croatia is the simplest EU country for foreign couples wanting legally valid weddings.
Wedding in Cyprus - Cyprus is Europe's Las Vegas for legal weddings and exceptionally popular among couples wanting to marry quickly abroad. Document requirements: passports, birth certificates and certificate of marital status. No banns period required - you can marry within 3 working days of application. Civil ceremonies performed by the mayor and can be held anywhere. Cost: 250-500 EUR including fees. Paphos and Limassol have specialized wedding offices that handle all bureaucracy.
Wedding in Malta - Malta offers a smooth process. You submit a Notice of Marriage at least 6 weeks before the planned wedding. Document requirements include passports, birth certificates and certificate of marital status. Civil weddings can be held at approved venues including historic palaces and gardens. Cost: 200-400 EUR.
Wedding in Turkey - Turkey requires some bureaucracy but the process is established. You need passports, birth certificates, medical report (blood test) and certificate of marital status - all with authorized Turkish translation. Application is made at the local marriage office (Evlendirme Dairesi). Cost: 200-500 EUR. Religious ceremonies (Muslim) are not legally recognized - civil ceremony is always required.
Wedding in Switzerland - Switzerland requires a marriage preparation application submitted at least 2 months in advance at the Zivilstandsamt (civil registry office). Documentation requirements are extensive but well-defined. Civil ceremonies are performed at the Zivilstandsamt and are the only legally recognized form. Cost: 500-1,000 CHF. Process takes 2-3 months.
Nordic countries
Iceland, Norway and the Faroe Islands - Nordic countries fully recognize each other's marriages. In practice it is simpler and cheaper to marry civilly at home and have the symbolic ceremony at your dream destination. If you still want to marry legally in Iceland, valid passports and a certificate of no impediment from your home country's authorities are required.
Asia and Oceania - more complex processes
Wedding in Thailand - Thailand recognizes legal weddings for foreign couples but the process requires several steps. First you visit your embassy in Bangkok to obtain an Affidavit of Freedom to Marry. The document must then be legalized by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Then the marriage is registered at the local Amphur office (district office). The entire process takes 2-3 working days but requires being in Bangkok for at least one day. Cost: 200-500 EUR including translation and legalization.
Wedding in Bali - Indonesia requires the wedding to be performed according to one of the recognized religions (Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism). Civil weddings for non-religious couples are essentially impossible. Strong recommendation: symbolic ceremony in Bali and legal wedding at home - this is what 90% of foreign couples do.
Wedding in the Maldives - The Maldives does NOT allow legally valid weddings for foreign couples. All weddings in the Maldives are symbolic. Resort wedding ceremonies - regardless of how fantastic they are - have no legal validity. You must marry legally at home before or after the trip.
Wedding in Sri Lanka - Sri Lanka allows legal weddings but the process takes time. You need to register your intention with the Registrar General at least 4 days in advance, but recommended time is 2-3 weeks. Cost: 100-300 EUR. The process is relatively simple but requires planning.
Wedding in Vietnam - Vietnam allows legal weddings for foreign couples but the process is bureaucratic. Registration occurs at the Justice Department in the province where the wedding takes place. Requires extensive documentation and the process takes 2-4 weeks. Recommendation: symbolic ceremony and legal wedding at home.
Wedding in New Zealand - New Zealand is one of the simplest countries outside Europe for legal weddings. You apply for a Marriage Licence online at least 3 working days before the wedding. Document requirements: passports and birth certificates - no apostille or translation required. The ceremony can be performed by any registered celebrant anywhere in the country. Cost: 150-300 NZD. The process is fast, uncomplicated and completely digital.
Caribbean and Central America
Wedding in Mexico - Mexico allows legal weddings but the process varies by state. Quintana Roo (Cancun, Tulum) is easiest with English-speaking judges. Document requirements: passports, birth certificates, blood tests (within Mexico, usually 2-3 days), and 4 witnesses. Process takes 3-5 working days. Cost: 500-1,500 USD. Note: the blood test requirement surprises many couples.
Wedding in Jamaica - Jamaica is relatively simple. You must be on the island for at least 24 hours before applying. Marriage License is issued within 2-3 working days. Cost: 200-500 USD. Many all-inclusive resorts offer wedding packages including all legal administration.
Wedding in the Dominican Republic - Legal weddings are possible and relatively uncomplicated. A local lawyer is required to handle the paperwork. Process takes 3-5 working days. Cost: 300-800 USD. All-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana often offer wedding packages with legal administration included.
Wedding in Costa Rica - Costa Rica offers a simple process. You need valid passports and a local lawyer who acts as officiant. No requirements for residency, blood tests or banns. Cost: 500-1,000 USD including legal fees. Costa Rica is one of the simplest countries in all of Latin America.
Africa and Middle East
Wedding in South Africa - South Africa offers a well-organized process. You submit a Notice of Intention to Marry at Department of Home Affairs at least 3 days in advance. Cost: 100-300 ZAR (extremely affordable). Cape Town has the most experience with international weddings.
Wedding in Morocco - Morocco has a complex process following Muslim family law. At least one party must be Muslim for a legally valid wedding. Non-Muslim couples cannot marry legally in Morocco. Recommendation: symbolic ceremony in Morocco and legal wedding at home.
Wedding in Dubai - Dubai allows legal weddings for foreign couples of all religions since 2021 through Dubai Courts Marriage Services. Registration via the Dubai Courts online portal. Cost: 500-1,500 AED (120-400 EUR). Process takes 1-2 weeks.
Documents you almost always need
Regardless of destination, a basic set of documents is required almost everywhere. Valid passports with at least 6 months validity after the planned wedding date. Birth certificates - international versions can be ordered from your national registry. Certificate of no impediment showing you are free to marry, issued by your home country authorities. Apostille stamp on official documents. Authorized translations into the destination country's language. Any divorce or death certificates if applicable.
Important detail: most countries require documents to be no older than 3-6 months. Start the process 3-4 months before your planned wedding date to have sufficient margin. Hire a local wedding coordinator who can guide you through the process - it saves weeks of frustration.
Costs for the legal process by country
Most affordable (under 500 EUR): Croatia (150-400 EUR), Cyprus (250-500 EUR), Greece (200-500 EUR), South Africa (50-150 EUR), Jamaica (200-500 USD), Sri Lanka (100-300 EUR).
Mid-range (500-1,000 EUR): Italy (300-800 EUR + translations), Portugal (200-400 EUR + apostille), Malta (200-400 EUR), Turkey (200-500 EUR), Thailand (200-500 EUR + Bangkok trip), New Zealand (150-300 NZD).
More expensive (over 1,000 EUR): Spain (400-1,000 EUR + long process), France (500-1,500 EUR + residency requirement), Mexico (500-1,500 USD + blood tests), Indonesia (500-1,500 EUR + religious requirement), Switzerland (500-1,000 CHF).
Want a full cost overview including ceremony costs? Read our complete cost guide by country. Need a step-by-step plan? See our planning guide with complete checklist. Dreaming of a ceremony by the sea? Check out our beach wedding abroad guide.
How to proceed based on your nationality
The process for getting legally married abroad varies significantly depending on your citizenship. Here is a summary of the key documents and authorities for the most common nationalities among our users.
UK citizens: Obtain a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) from your local register office. Valid for 3 months (7 days in some countries). Cost: approximately 35 GBP. After your wedding abroad register the marriage with the General Register Office if you wish (not mandatory but recommended). The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) provides country-specific marriage guidance at gov.uk/marriage-abroad.
US citizens: The US does not issue a national CNI. Instead obtain an Affidavit of Eligibility to Marry from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate in the destination country. Cost: approximately 50 USD. After returning register the marriage at your county clerk's office. Source: US Department of State (travel.state.gov).
Australian citizens: Obtain a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage from the Australian Embassy or Consulate in the destination country. You will need to provide a statutory declaration confirming your marital status. After returning have the marriage registered with the Australian Embassy. Source: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (smartraveller.gov.au).
EU/EEA citizens: Most EU countries issue some form of Certificate of No Impediment or Marital Status Certificate. The issuing authority varies: in Scandinavia it is the tax authority or population registry; in Germany and Austria the Standesamt (registry office); in France the mairie; in the Netherlands and Belgium the gemeente. EU citizens benefit from simplified procedures within the EU thanks to mutual recognition of documents and the EU apostille convention.
General tips for all nationalities: Start the document process 4-6 months before your planned wedding. Contact the embassy of the destination country in your home country for the exact list of required documents. Most certificates expire after 3-6 months so timing is critical. Always hire a local wedding coordinator who knows the legal process in the destination country - the investment of 300-800 EUR typically saves weeks of frustration and prevents costly errors.
Sources and reliability
The information in this guide is based on official sources from the respective national authorities consular guidelines and experience from wedding coordinators with over 10 years of experience in international weddings. We update the guide regularly but regulations can change - always verify current requirements directly with the destination country's authorities.
Official sources by country: UK - GOV.UK (gov.uk/marriage-abroad). USA - Department of State (travel.state.gov). Australia - DFAT (smartraveller.gov.au). Italy - Ministero degli Affari Esteri. Greece - Ministry of Interior. Spain - Ministerio de Justicia. France - Service-Public.fr. Croatia - Ministarstvo uprave. Cyprus - Civil Registry Department. Thailand - Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This guide was produced by the editorial team at Wedding Abroad in collaboration with experienced international wedding coordinators. Last updated March 2026. The information does not constitute legal advice - always consult a qualified legal professional or current authorities for your specific situation.