If you are researching the requirements for marriage in the country of your choice and looking for these requirements well before your wedding day, make sure you know everything you need to do to prepare for your wedding and have enough time to make these preparations. So what exactly do you need to know about knots in a foreign country – and what do you need to prepare before your international wedding? Let`s take a look at the specifics of marriage in another country: as explained above, the documents needed to get married abroad depend on local regulations. It is important to familiarize yourself with these documents in advance, as obtaining them can take a long time. The embassy or consulate of the country where you want to get married is a good place to look for information. Generally, marriages are not contracted on the premises of a U.S. embassy or consulate, but officials can certify foreign marriage documents. The validity of marriages abroad does not depend on the presence of a U.S. diplomat or consular officer, but on compliance with the laws of the country where the marriage is contracted. Here are some general requirements that U.S. citizens may need to complete and the paperwork they may need to present to get married abroad: If you have any questions or concerns about marrying in another country, contact your embassy or tourist office in the country. In general, they have more information about what exactly you need to say your “I want” in this country – and how to make sure those “I want” are legal. If you`re getting married in another country, you should do your research to make sure you`re ready with everything you need to easily (and legally!) marry your future spouse.
The age of majority for marriage varies from country to country. As a general rule, persons under the age of 18 must submit a written declaration of consent from their parents to a notary. Some countries require parental consent to be certified by a consular officer of that foreign country in the United States. The peculiarities of getting married in another country. In some countries, marrying a national of that country automatically means that the spouse is a citizen of that country or has the right to become a naturalized citizen in that country quickly. The automatic acquisition of a second citizenship does not affect U.S. citizenship. However, naturalization in a foreign country at one`s own request or at the request of a duly authorized representative may result in the loss of U.S.
citizenship. Individuals who wish to apply for foreign citizenship should contact a U.S. embassy or consulate for more information. Created by FindLaw`s team of writers and legal writers| Last updated November 16, 2018 Getting married on the sandy coastal beaches of the Caribbean or under a canopy of roses at the Château de Français or even on a mountain in New Zealand may seem heavenly, but you`ll need to check the country`s local (foreign) laws to make sure your marriage is legal when you return to the United States. Saying “yes” in a medieval church in Tuscany or on a pristine beach in Negril is a moment you will never forget. About a quarter of weddings are destination weddings, meaning the couple are getting married in a place that isn`t their hometown or where they currently live.1 Whether you`re planning to get married abroad or in the United States, remember to protect yourself and your future spouse with travel insurance. We`ll help you make sure your married life starts well, even if you run into a few travel issues along the way. Once you`ve figured out which country you want to get married in, the next step in the process is to figure out exactly what it takes to get married in that country. Getting married legally in another country can be complicated, so read on for a helpful introduction to marriages for U.S. citizens. If you`re a meticulous planner who enjoys challenges, try getting married in Italy.
(If you`re not that kind of person, hire someone who is.) While a wedding in Italy can be the pinnacle of romance, it also requires a lengthy scavenger hunt. Here`s what you need to do.10 The embassy or tourist information office of the country where the marriage is to be concluded is the best source of information about marriage conditions in that country. In addition, U.S. embassies and consulates abroad often have information about marriage in the country where they are located. With that in mind, below is a list of general legal requirements for weddings you may encounter in other countries. An affidavit is a document that can be used as proof of your legal capacity to enter into a marriage contract. This is usually a statement from the authorities in your home country that there are no legal impediments to marriage – basically, the affidavit is proof of your marital status. Getting married in Jamaica is much easier than getting married in Mexico, but there are still legal requirements to meet. At least two weeks before the wedding, the couple must obtain a license by contacting a Jamaican wedding planner or registrar general and providing basic documents and information:8 Some couples choose a third option: obtain the nonimmigrant visa to enter the United States as a fiancé, and then marry in the United States.
The foreign spouse can then apply for permanent residence. But there are certainly circumstances where this is not the case, so don`t assume that your international marriage is legally binding in the United States. The U.S. Department of State`s Bureau of Consular Affairs recommends contacting your state`s attorney general`s office to clarify whether your international marriage is recognized in the United States and whether you need to do anything (such as proof of marriage) to obtain that recognition. According to their website, “If you are getting married abroad and need to know if your marriage will be recognized in the United States and what documents may be required, contact the Attorney General`s office in your state of residence in the United States.” Narrowing down the country where you plan to hold your wedding can help guide the rest of the process and ensure that the information you collect is accurate. So the question is whether that is the case in the United States. Or, in other words, if you get married in another country, is that marriage legally recognized in the United States? In general, marriages legally contracted and valid abroad are also valid in the United States. Enquiries about the validity of a marriage abroad should be directed to the Attorney General of the state where you live. If you comply with local law, the marriage is considered valid in the country where you wish to marry. However, while a marriage in another state can sometimes be difficult, things can get even more complicated for international weddings.
As is often the case, planning is essential to avoid bureaucratic nightmares. Most countries require a valid U.S. passport to be presented. Birth certificates, divorce decrees and death certificates are also often required.
