All you need to know about getting married abroad without a hitch
Planning a wedding overseas? Watch out for these legal loopholes
More couples than ever are jetting off for sun-soaked destination weddings – yet planning the Big Day from afar can be daunting, and legalities can often be overlooked.
Partner at law firm JMW Solicitors (jmw.co.uk), Katie Lowe, said: “Year-onyear, we see an increase in calls from couples with issues relating to weddings abroad. They’ve had a wonderful wedding then find out they’re not married after all.”
To ensure your wedding is bona fide rather than bogus, make sure these boxes are ticked. Gather the right legal documents
Gathering documents can feel like a chore, but make sure you’re clear on the paperwork you need before booking your wedding. The rules differ considerably between regions, with some more onerous than others.Don’t leave it to your wedding planner to make sure you’ve dotted the i’s and crossed the t’s – it’s not uncommon for couples to be married without the right paperwork in place. Jerry Hall and Mick Jagger’s exotic marriage in Bali is a famous example. It was claimed the priest who officiated the ceremony did not receive the right legal documents, there was only one witness, and a letter of authority hadn’t been received from the British consul. Quirky customs If you’re jetting to Mexico, don’t forget to arrange blood tests; both the bride and groom will need blood tests at a Mexican hospital before the wedding, witnessed by four
people. Katie said: “Along with documents and paperwork, some countries do have very specific rules which can be somewhat left-field. Make sure you do your research well in advance to make sure you are comfortable with the conditions.” Check the residency rules
Those planning on heading straight down the aisle could find they need to spend time in the country before saying, ‘I do’.
In Croatia and Cyprus, for example, the couple must spend three days in the country before the wedding can take place legally; in Thailand you’re required to spend four days in Bangkok. Even more planning is required in Greece, where documents must be obtained from the local registrar at least 28 days in advance, and Italy has a few strange regulations – if you’re female and have been divorced or widowed in the last 300 days, you won’t be permitted to marry. Have documents translated
Gathering the right paperwork is just the beginning. You’ll also need documents to be translated, including birth certificates, passports and a decree absolute if either of you is divorced. Make sure you have this done well in advance to avoid delays. Certify marriage certificates and keep them safe
Make sure you keep marriage documents safe to avoid issues further down the line.
Katie said: “People often don’t get a certified copy of their marriage certificate on returning to the UK, assuming all the legal legwork has been done prior to the wedding. The General Register Office will need to register it, which can’t be done if the original copy has been lost. Where copies are lost, it’s very difficult to get hold of new versions. Without them, those wanting to divorce will find it difficult to move on.
“If you’re getting married abroad, seek legal advice beforehand to make sure the necessary requirements have been met – it could save an awful lot of
heartache.”