Getting Married Overseas?

Destination weddings are a growing trend for many American (U.S.) couples. If you are planning a wedding overseas it is important to research all of the legal requirements of the country and which documents are needed prior to your wedding date.

At a minimum, most countries will require birth certificates, passports and evidence of single status (e.g. divorce documents or death certificate of former spouse for people entering second marriages). The majority of countries also have a minimum residency requirement before allowing a couple to marry. This is usually between one and seven days.

For a list of country requirements it is wise to check with the foreign consulate of that country. Also, be sure to ask which of any of the documents require authentication by the U.S. government (apostille or certification) prior to being accepted by the destination country.

Just this week, I received a call from a frantic bride who was getting married in France and she was just informed that she needed to have her birth certificate and divorce decree apostilled, and the wedding is this weekend.

To prevent such headaches The Document Diva can quickly and easily get your California originated documents apostilled, usually within 3 to 4 days.