LoveLife Weddings:
Country by Country Marriage Guide
This guide outlines the key legal steps and considerations for couples looking to get legally married with LoveLife Wedding, using online marriage services and destination wedding options.
Marriage Options in Popular Countries
United States (Utah & Online)
Marriage License: Required; must be obtained from a jurisdiction that recognizes online weddings (Utah County is recommended).
Eligibility: Any nationality; couples can be in different countries at the time of ceremony.
Process:
- Apply for a license online through Utah County.
- Applications must use accurate identity and address information.
- The ceremony may be performed online by a LoveLife Weddings officiant.
Validity: License is valid for 32 days once issued; ensure the officiant's email is added and IDs are provided to LoveLife.
Recognition: Recognized in most US states and many countries[1][2]
Denmark
Eligibility: Open to all nationalities, with minimal residency or document requirements.
Required Documents: Passports, birth certificates, Certificate of Marital Status.
Benefits:- No need for a marital status certificate or birth certificate translation in many cases.
- Can marry on a tourist visa.
- Quick processing (as little as 10 days).
- Submit required documents.
- Ceremony can occur at the City Hall or other approved venues.
- Marriage certificates available in multiple languages and recognized internationally[3][4]
Greece, Italy, United Kingdom
Eligibility: Open to foreign couples but may involve extra legal steps.
Requirements:
- Greece and Italy: May require a visa, document translations, and proof of marital status.
- UK: Less onerous, but legal marriage recognized only with local government registration.
General Note: These countries often need longer lead times for paperwork and residency (sometimes 30+ days in country before ceremony in France).
Recommendation: Consider a symbolic ceremony abroad and legal marriage through LoveLife if local legal requirements are challenging[3][2]
Australia
Notice: "Notice of Intended Marriage" must be lodged at least 1 month in advance.
Eligibility: Both partners must be at least 18.
Required Documents: Passports, certified birth certificates, divorce/death certificates if previously married.
Process: Two witnesses required. Civil or religious approved celebrant must officiate.
Flexibility: No residency requirement; new option for remote witnessing of documents as of June 2024[7]
Egypt
Eligibility: Only civil marriages for foreigners.
Requirements:
- Embassy "No Objection Certificate."
- Medical exams from local clinic/hospital.
- Visa or proof of permitted residency.
- Age and witness requirements (minimum age 18, two Egyptian witnesses).
Process: Only official civil marriages are legally recognized[7]
Popular, Easy Destinations for International Couples
| Country | Residency Needed | Process Duration | Main Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denmark | No | 10 days + | Minimal paperwork, fast & inclusive |
| Gibraltar | No | Few days | Simple, English-friendly, globally valid |
| Cyprus | No | Few days | English paperwork/ceremonies |
| USA (Utah) | No | Few hours | Fully online, any location |
| Iceland | No | 3-5 days | Simple, quick, scenic options |
| Portugal | Minimal | Few weeks | Recognized in EU, low paperwork |
| Las Vegas (USA) | No | Immediate | Walk-in marriage license[6][3][4] |
- https://www.lovelifewedding.com/obtain-marriage-license
- https://www.lovelifewedding.com/how-to-legally-get-married-across-international-borders
- https://www.foyerglobalhealth.com/blog/a-comprehensive-guide-to-getting-married-abroad/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOZtCkp22cw
- https://thebudgetsavvybride.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-getting-married-abroad/
- https://shuwedd.com/blog/top-7-countries-where-its-easiest-for-foreigners-to-get-married-in-2024/
- https://weddedwonderland.com/your-global-guide-to-legal-wedding-requirements-in-different-destinations/
- https://www.lovelifewedding.com
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/while-abroad/marriage-abroad.html
Country Marriage Requirements
Below is an expanded table of marriage requirements in popular countries for destination and international weddings. This covers key aspects like residency, necessary documents, and unique legal considerations.
| Country | Residency Needed | Main Documents Needed | Waiting Period | Notes & Main Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA (Utah/Online) | No | Passports/ID, marriage license | None | Online wedding options available; widely recognized[1][2] |
| USA (Las Vegas) | No | ID/passport, application form | Same Day | Minimal paperwork; walk-in marriages[1] |
| Canada | Varies by province | Birth certificate, passport, divorce/annulment certificate if applicable[3] | None to several days | Non-residents can marry; translations may be required. |
| Mexico | No | Passports, tourist cards, original birth certificates, blood test results (in some states)[4][5] | 0-3 days | Civil ceremony required for legal validity. |
| Denmark | No | Passports, Certificate of No Impediment, divorce/death cert. (if applicable) | 7-14 days | Fastest route for non-residents; recognized globally[6][1][7] |
| Gibraltar | No | Passports, birth certificates, proof of marital status | 1-3 days | Simple English-language process[6][1] |
| Italy | Sometimes (varies) | Passports, birth certificates, proof of termination of prior marriage, "Nulla Osta" | 2-14 days | Translations required; may need an interpreter[3][8] |
| France | 30-40 days | Passports, birth certificates (<6 months), proof of domicile, certificate of single status | 30-40 days | Residency required unless one party is French[3][8] |
| Spain | 2 years (non-citizens), none if Catholic or property owner | Passports, birth certificates, proof of single status, affidavit of residence | Varies | Residency waiver for Catholic or property owners[3] |
| Cyprus | 2-3 days | Passports, birth certificates, proof of single status/previous marriage | Few days | Quick process for tourists; English paperwork[3] |
| Greece | No | Passports, birth certificates, certificate of no impediment, translations | 8-10 days | Civil or religious ceremonies permitted[3] |
| Turkey | No | Passports, birth certificates, certificate of no impediment, medical certificate | 1-3 days | Only civil marriages are legally valid[9] |
| Portugal | Varies | Passports, birth certificates, certificate of no impediment, proof of termination of previous marriage | 2-4 weeks | Translations and apostille required[1][3] |
| Iceland | No | Passports, birth certificates, proof of marital status | 3-5 days | Fast, scenic weddings, minimal paperwork[1] |
| Georgia | No | Passports, marriage registration application on the spot | 1 day | No birth certificate or medical exams required; very quick process[1] |
| Australia | No | Passports, birth certificates, "Notice of Intended Marriage" form lodged 1 month prior[3] | 1 month | English paperwork, no residency required. |
| India | 30 days | Passports, birth certificates, proof of single status, 30 days residency certificate from police | 30 days | Police certificate required; complex process for foreigners[3] |
| Japan | No | Passports, sworn Affidavit of Competency to Marry, "Kon-in Todoke" form, 2 witnesses | None | Only civil registrations recognized; US citizens must prove free to marry[10] |
| Brazil | 30 days | Passports, birth certificates, proof of single status | 30 days | Residency/notice required in most states. |
| South Africa | No | Passports, birth certificates, marital status declaration | 2-3 days | Some documentation must be translated or apostilled. |
Key Notes
Legal Age: Most countries require both parties to be at least 18; minors may need parental consent[11][7]
Same-Sex Marriage: Legal in many Western nations (e.g., USA, Canada, Denmark, Iceland, Portugal)[6][1]
Translations: Many non-English-speaking countries require officially translated and apostilled documents[9][3][8]
Recognition: Civil ceremonies are mandatory for legal marriage in many countries; religious-only ceremonies are often not legally binding[9][8][10]
Apostille: An official Apostille may be required for documents to be recognized in another country.
*Couples should confirm the latest requirements with consulates or local authorities, as processes may change. Professional wedding planners specializing in destination or international weddings can help streamline paperwork and translations
- https://shuwedd.com/blog/top-7-countries-where-its-easiest-for-foreigners-to-get-married-in-2024/
- https://marryfromhome.com/blog/marry-someone-from-another-country-online/
- https://ca.dessy.com/blog/post/which-are-the-most-popular-countries-for-weddings-abroad
- https://www.uniqueromancetravel.com/blog/top-wedding-destination-marriage-requirements
- https://mx.usembassy.gov/marriage/
- https://www.foyerglobalhealth.com/blog/a-comprehensive-guide-to-getting-married-abroad/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/coolguides/comments/gxy85k/different_ages_for_legal_marriage_around_the_world/
- https://www.findlaw.com/family/marriage/destination-weddings-is-your-marriage-legal.html
- https://www.wedaways.com/international-marriage-license-requirements-by-country/
- https://jp.usembassy.gov/services/marriage/marriage-in-japan/
- https://assets.pewresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2016/09/FT_Marriage_Age_Appendix_2016_09_08.pdf
