Getting Married Abroad
Most countries have rules about residency before you can get married and you should seek advice form the consulate or embassy of the country concerned. You may need to supply copies of the following before you travel, taking the originals with you to be produced before your ceremony:
- Birth Certificates
- Valid 10-year passport
- Affidavit /statutory declaration confirming single status
- Decree Absolute (if you are divorced)
- Previous spouse's death certificate (if you are widowed)
- Parental consent if you are under 18 (21 in some countries)
Confirming Single Status
To confirm your single status you will need to produce either an Affidavit or Statutory Declaration stating that you are both free to marry, that you are single, divorced or widowed and this must be signed and stamped by a solicitor. It should contain your full name, address, nationality, religion, passport number and occupation. This document must be obtained within 3 months of your intended date of wedding and must also state your intent to marry in the destination you have chosen.
The requirements for a Single Status Statutory Declaration are per person (i.e. not a joint declaration).
Certificate of No Impediment
Some countries ask for a Certificate of No Impediment, which is obtainable from the Registry Office in area where you reside. You will have to Give Notice of your marriage in the same way as you would for a civil wedding in the UK and after twenty-one days you will be issued with the certificate. You will then most likely be required to send a copy of the certificate to the authorities where you plan to marry, taking the original with you when you travel.
Is my marriage legal in the UK?
As long as your marriage is legally recognised (validly contracted) in the country that it takes place, it is deemed to be valid in England and Wales. However to confirm the position you should contact the local British embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
You can use your foreign marriage certificate to change your name on your documents and with your bank as you would if you married in the UK. It is a good idea to obtain several copies of your marriage certificate, just in case you lose the original, as it is very difficult to get further copies at a later date.
Marriages solemnised in a foreign country cannot be registered in the UK.
If these matters effect you please complete a contact form or call us directly on 01483 302 000 or email samantha.jago@www.rhw.co.uk
