Live in the U.S. and dream of a destination wedding abroad? We’ve got you covered, lovers!

 

 

Who wouldn’t want to take their wedding vows with a view of the Eiffel Tower? Or while toasting custom wedding cocktails in Belize or Mexico, or while surrounded by friends and family in a fairy-tale palace in Portugal? 

 

Destination weddings are a dream come true for many Americans, but there are a few important details to take care of to ensure your marriage ceremony meets the legal requirements. 

 

Here’s what to know if you and your partner are both U.S. citizens planning a wedding abroad! 

 

 

Above: Happy brides pose after their destination wedding in Portugal. (Photo: KAMPUS / iStock)
ASK AMM: Can I get married in another country?

Are you a US citizen getting married abroad? U.S. citizens should contact the embassy or tourist information bureau of the country where they plan to marry before traveling to ask about specific requirements. If you’re already abroad when you read this, you might want to contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for advice.

 

The truth? Applying for a foreign marriage license can be a hassle

 

You can't use a U.S. marriage license to get married in another country, which means if you're set on getting married abroad, you'll have to apply for a marriage license in the location you want to marry.  

 

But the truth is, applying for a marriage license in a foreign country can quickly become a bureaucratic headache. There are more steps to take, more paperwork to file, and more details to keep track of after the wedding when you return home to the United States. It can be time-consuming and expensive.

 

You can take this approach, but don’t say we didn’t warn you! For an easier way to get married abroad, skip to the next section.

 

If you're determined to legally marry in a popular wedding destination, remember: Each country has its own requirements on how to apply for a marriage license and the type of identification you'll need to provide. We strongly recommend that you thoroughly research the country’s marriage laws before booking your trip. This is especially important for same-sex, same-gender, and other LGBTQ+ couples who may encounter descrimination abroad.

 

Contact the local embassy and the American embassy or consulate in your destination country for specific instructions on what identification you’ll need to bring with you; the tourist information office may also provide useful tips on how to apply for a marriage license as a noncitizen.

 

And remember, U.S. embassy and consulate personnel cannot perform marriages in foreign countries, and local law decides who can perform marriages. You’ll have to find a local officiant who’s qualified to perform your ceremony. For more information visit U.S. Department of State: Marriage Abroad.

 

Luckily there is a much easier way to have a destination wedding… Keep reading!

 

 

Instead, complete your marriage license in the U.S. and hold a symbolic ceremony in your destination 

 

The easy way: Instead of applying for a marriage license abroad, we recommend that you complete your marriage paperwork here in the U.S. first – then hold a ceremonial wedding or 'symbolic ceremony' in your destination. This symbolic ceremony doesn't need to meet the local legal requirements because you'll already be married before you go.

 

There are several benefits to this low-stress approach: It’s simple, it’s less expensive, you won’t have to travel with as many important documents, and (most importantly) it’s sure to be legal! 

 

Above: A bride and groom run happily through the picturesque streets of Positano, Italy (Photo: AleksandarNakic / iStock)
ASK AMM: If you get married in another country is it legal in the US?
Marriages entered into legally overseas will be recognized in the U.S., but it can be expensive and time consuming to marry abroad. Instead, we recommend you complete your marriage paperwork at home and hold a ceremonial wedding in your destination.

 

Here’s what to do: 

 

• Apply for your marriage license at your local City or County Clerk’s Office before you travel. Click the link below for tips:

 

• Understanding the Wedding License Process: Marriage License Basics

 

• Then, ask an authorized wedding officiant to perform a short ceremony to marry you. They can simply meet with you to sign your license (called a 'sign and go' ceremony), or you can hold a small elopement with a few friends and relatives as witnesses. This is a great choice if you have loved ones who want to participate but who can’t travel to see your ceremony abroad.

 

• Once your marriage paperwork is signed by your officiant here in the U.S., you can hop on a plane for anyplace your heart desires! 

 

• Your wedding abroad will be a symbolic ceremony because you are already married. This means that anyone can perform the ceremony, and you won’t need to apply for or file any foreign marriage documents.

 

To make your license signing ceremony even sweeter, ask a friend or relative to get ordained online to marry you! 

 

Friends and family can get ordained with American Marriage Ministries for free to officiate your wedding. Click the links below to learn more: 

 

 

• Get ordained online with American Marriage Ministries here
• Weddings by State: Officiant Registration Requirements

 

Above: Affordable destination weddings in Mexico and the Caribbean are always popular due to stunning beaches, sparkling ocean views, and friendly resorts. (Photo: Cancun beach wedding / Elis_Blanca / iStock)
ASK AMM: Do you have to register your marriage if you get married abroad? In general, no, but we recommend you contact your state’s Attorney General for more information and advice on what to do after getting married abroad. 

 

 

Read Next: 

 

A Wedding Officiant's Guide to Performing Destination and Cruise Ship Weddings

 

For the wedding officiant: Learn how to officiate a cruise ship wedding and what cruise ship operators require to legally perform a destination wedding.

 

• Read the full article here!

 

 

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You might also like: 

 

• Can you use a marriage license in another state?

 

• Can I Officiate Weddings in Another Country?

 

• AMM Officiant FAQ: I am not a U.S. citizen. Can I officiate weddings in the U.S.?
   

Read all Destination Wedding Ideas & Inspiration

 

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