
- valid Canadian passport
- birth certificate
- marriage search letter
- single status affidavit
- certificate of non-impediment to marriage abroad
- premarital blood test certificate
- statement of parental consent
- divorce certificate (if you were previously married)
- death certificate (if you are widowed)
Full Answer
What documents do I need to get married in Canada?
valid Canadian passport birth certificate marriage search letter single status affidavit certificate of non-impediment to marriage abroad premarital blood test certificate statement of parental consent divorce certificate (if you were previously married)
How do I authenticate a document for a marriage abroad?
Follow the steps to get your document authenticated. Certificate of non-impediment to marriage abroad A certificate of non-impediment to marriage abroad confirms there are no objections to a proposed marriage or civil partnership. Canada does not issue these certificates.
Do you need a notarised marriage certificate to get married abroad?
Many documents need notarisation before being used abroad, and some may need an apostille stamp or further legalisation. This will depend on the country you’re getting married abroad in – countries have different rules on what makes a document ‘authentic’.
What documents do I need to apply for a foreign passport?
Some foreign governments may require other documents such as a birth certificate, premarital blood test certificate, divorce papers, death certificate, and/or a statement of parental consent.

What are the requirements to marry abroad?
Legal requirements of getting married abroad can include: Having / bringing the correct documents with you. Ensuring documents are certified, or translated if needed. Meeting minimum age and same-sex marriage laws. Ensuring you meet the legal residency requirements. It’s important to understand that your marriage needs to meet legal requirements ...
What countries can I legally get married in?
Many countries allow UK couples to get married, and the easiest way to find out is to use the GOV.UK tool. Just enter where you want to get married abroad, and it will tell you whether it’s possible and what you will need to do.
What is an apostille stamp?
It’s a confusing process, but basically an apostille stamp certifies the public officer (e.g. notary’s or registrar’s signature), and then consular legalisation certifies the apostille stamp.
How long before a wedding do you need a license in Denmark?
Couples only need to be in Denmark a couple of days before the wedding. It’s known as “The Vegas of Europe”.
How long does it take to get married in New York?
New York is easy too – you can get married 24 hours after getting a standard marriage license there. Obviously, you need to take into account any difficulties getting to the USA in the first place, but once you’re in New York or Vegas it’s simple.
How long do you have to keep birth certificates before they expire?
These can include: Your passports – make sure they’re valid and have at least 6 months left before expiration. Full birth certificates from both parties (they need to be the originals, or certified copies) If divorced, the decree absolute, if widowed, the marriage and spouses’ death certificate.
Which country is the most popular for UK couples getting married abroad?
Italy. The most popular country for UK couples getting married abroad is Italy. The legal requirements are relatively easy, and there are no minimum residency requirements. In France and Spain, you need to have lived there for a while.
What is an affidavit in a marriage?
The 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 of your home country declaring that there is no legal impediment to the marriage — basically, the affidavit is evidence of your marital status.
Is marriage legal in the country where you choose to wed?
If you abide by the local law, the marriage will be considered valid in the country where you choose to wed.
Can a US diplomatic mission authenticate a foreign marriage certificate?
US diplomatic missions can help you authenticate local documents like the foreign marriage license. The authentication carries a fee, and you may need to obtain a notarized translation if the original marriage certificate was not written in English.
Can a foreign spouse become a permanent resident?
The foreign spouse can then apply to become a permanent resident.
Is there a national registration for marriage?
There is no such thing as a national registration of marriages in the United States, whether they have been officiated abroad or on national territory. That is because marriage is regulated by state law and state and county authorities issue marriage licenses.
Do I Need to Register My Marriage in the US If I Get Married Abroad?
If you married following the legal requirements of the country where you celebrated the union, then the marriage is recognized under US law too. That is, as long as your marriage does not break federal or state laws.
How to get a certificate of freedom to marry?
In order to obtain a Certificate of Freedom to Marry you must complete the online application form on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website.
How long does a passport last for a married couple?
Full Long Form Birth Certificate. 10 Year Passport with at least 6 months validity remaining.
How long before marriage do you have to complete a declaration?
The applicable forms must not be completed earlier than 6 months before your marriage and should be returned to the Department of Foreign Affairs at least 4 months before the date of your marriage. Please note that all Statutory Declaration forms must be completed in the presence of and witnessed by a Notary Public, a Commissioner for Oaths, a Solicitor in Ireland or a Diplomatic or Consular Officer.
How long does it take to get a marriage certificate?
The certificate will be issued between 3 to 5 weeks on receipt of the application.
How long before a wedding do you need to submit documentation?
Some countries require your documentation to be submitted a number of months prior to your wedding whilst others only require it be submitted a couple of days before your wedding takes place.
Can a certificate of no impediment be used for marriage in a foreign country?
Please also be aware that a standard Certificate of No Impediment may be insufficient on its own to allow a marriage to take place in a foreign country. You may be required by the foreign authorities to comply with the following, so please ensure that you allow sufficient time for processing.
Where to execute affidavits?
The foreign authorities may allow you to execute the above Affidavit before a Consular official at the Embassy of Consular office (in the United States) of the country in which you will marry. Some countries may also require witnesses who will execute Affidavits testifying to the fact that you are free to marry.
What else do I need to bear in mind when getting married abroad?
In all cases, you will need to be mindful of the validity period of your CNI, as you will often be required to complete the ceremony within a certain window after this certificate has been issued to you. On many occasions, you will also have to give your notice of marriage and allow a specified time to elapse before it will be processed for you, so make sure you give your notice of intent in plenty of time.
How to get married in Cyprus?
If you are looking to get married in Cyprus, you will need to present documents at the local government offices in the Municipality in which you wish to marry. This is a formal notice of marriage, after which date you must wed within 15 days at the earliest, or within 3 months at the latest from the date the notice is given. If your ceremony has not taken place within the 3 month time frame, your notice will be void and you will need to re-apply. To complete all processes you should aim to be in Cyprus for around 20 days, although for a fee you can expedite your notice to get married within 3 days at the earliest.
How to get a certificate of no impediment for a wedding in Greece?
If the wedding is to take place within a Greek Orthodox Church , then the non-Orthodox partner must obtain their Certificate of No Impediment from the British Embassy in Athens or one of the British Consulates in Greece once they have been resident in Greece for at least 21 days. Once the Certificate of No Impediment has been issued, this will then need to be signed, sealed and dated by the Anglican Church Authority. Enquiries for this certification should be addressed to St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Athens in all cases other than for Corfu which is handled by the Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Corfu.
What is a notary declaration if you have never married?
If never married: A Statutory Declaration, stamped by a notary or solicitor, declaring single marital status and eligibility to marry.
What is a full birth certificate?
If the person has been adopted, it is a copy of the Adoption Certificate that is needed and not the original Birth Certificate.
How long is a passport valid?
Full passport with minimum validity of six months.
Do you have to check your own wedding requirements?
It’s highly important that you check your individual requirements for your own ceremony, as sometimes different states, venues and even celebrants will have additional requirements. Only the person or the representing office of the person who is marrying you can give you the exact list of requirements.
What documents are needed to get a marriage license in Nassau?
Passports; birth certificates; proof of divorce or death certificate of former spouse/s (if applicable); declaration certifying both parties are unmarried U.S. citizens, sworn before a U.S. Consul at the American Embassy in Nassau; a marriage license from the Commissioner's Office on other islands; proof of arrival in the Islands of the Bahamas.
What is required to get married in a far away location?
Top 10 Wedding Destinations. Getting married in a far-away location may require early planning and preparation. To make sure your destination wedding is legal, it may be necessary to fulfill residency requirements, take blood/medical tests, or produce official documentation, such as birth certificates, divorce records, and valid U.S. passports.
What documents are required to be translated into Italian?
Passports or armed forces ID cards; certified copies of birth certificates; proof of divorce or death certificate of former spouse/s (if applicable); declarations "atto notorio" sworn to by four people before an Italian consulate officer att esting that they know of no reason to object to the marriage under the laws of the couple's home country ; declaration sworn to by both parties that there are no obstacles to the marriage under U.S. law.Certain documents must be translated into Italian with special "apostille" seals from the secretary of state from the state from which the documents originated.
How long does it take to get a birth certificate in Jamaica?
Jamaica. 24 Hours. Certified copies of birth certificates that include father's name; proof of divorce or death certificate of former spouse/s (if applicable). Application must be made 48 hours in advance of trip by calling the Ministry of National Security at (876) 906-4908.
How to get permission to marry in a civil ceremony?
Write to the American Consulate in advance asking permission to marry in a civil ceremony.
How long does it take to register for a church?
Registration formalities take about 15 minutes (you both must appear) but paperwork processing takes one working day. Other requirements vary by church.
Do you need a driver's license to get divorced in Bahamas?
Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. Hawaii. None. Driver's license or passport ; no proof of divorce is necessary, but those who are divorced must be able to provide the date, state, and county (or country) where the divorce was finalized.
What is a certificate of non-impediment to marriage abroad?
A certificate of non-impediment to marriage abroad confirms there are no objections to a proposed marriage or civil partnership. Canada does not issue these certificates. Instead, we can issue a statement in lieu of certificate of non-impediment to marriage abroad. Find out how to get a statement in lieu of certificate of non-impediment to marriage abroad from the Government of Canada.
What is a marriage search letter?
A marriage search letter is issued by the office responsible for registering marriages in the province or territory where you live. This document will confirm whether or not you have registered a marriage there. Some countries may require you to provide an authenticated marriage search letter before you can get married. Follow the steps to get your document authenticated.
Can a husband travel to Canada?
In some countries, a husband can lawfully impose travel restrictions on his wife and children and preventing them from returning to Canada. Local laws may also allow him to retain the woman’s passport and assets, even if the two are divorced.
Is it a crime to force someone to marry in Canada?
In Canada, it is also a crime to force anyone, whether a child or an adult, to marry. It is also a crime to take anyone under the age of 18 out of Canada to force him or her to marry in another country. For more information, see our Forced Marriage page.

United Kingdom – Certificate of No Impediment
Ireland – Certificate of Freedom to Marry
- Irish Citizens Resident in Ireland A Certificate of Freedom to Marry can be obtained from the Consular Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs. Tel: (01) 408 2682 or for the Munster area (021) 494 4763. If getting married in ItalyTel: (01) 408 2568. The applicable forms must not be completed earlier than 6 months before your marriage and should be returned to the Departmen…
USA – Affidavit of Eligibility to Marry
- American Citizens Resident in the USA. A Certificate of Freedom to Marry document does not exist in the United States. However, almost all countries will accept a Sworn Affidavit testifying to your freedom to marry known as an Affidavit of Eligibility to Marry. Application This may be accomplished by: 1. Executing the Affidavit before a U.S. consul...
Canada – Certificate of Non-Impediment to Marriage Abroad
- Canadian Citizens Resident in Canada A Certificate of No Impediment does not exist in Canada. However, a Statement In-Lieu of Certificate of Non-Impediment to Marriage Abroad may be obtained in its place from the Departments of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. Processing time for the Statements is approximately 15 working days. Prior to making an application for th…
Australia – Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage
- Australian Citizens Resident in Australia A Certificate of No Impediment to Marriageis issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. At least one person applying for the CNI must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident. Application Download and complete the application form for a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (CNI), you can print it and fill it in, or comple…
New Zealand – Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage
- New Zealand Citizens Resident in New Zealand A Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage is issued by the Department of Internal Affairs, Birth, Deaths and Marriages. The certificate will be issued between 3 to 5 weeks on receipt of the application. Application In order to obtain A Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage you must complete the following. 1. A Certificate of N…
South Africa – Letter of No Impediment
- South African Citizens resident in South Africa A Letter of No Impediment (Certificate of No Impediment) is issued the by the South African Department of Home Affairs and has as a validity of 6 months. Application Contact your nearest Department of Home Affairsoffice to obtain the applicable application form. Documentation 1. A letter stating the reason for which you require t…