Marrying Overseas The First Step
Many couples choose to pack their nuptial attire and passports and head off to wed in far off locations.
But!! before you fly off overseas to tie the knot, you need to comply with the country’s marriage laws, as well as Australia’s, to ensure you will legally married upon your return home.
Do your research. Contact the Embassy, Consulate or local representative of the country you wish to marry in and find out exactly what the legal requirements are before booking anything. You can also ask your travel agent who may already have these details.
What can you expect
Some countries require you to arrive several days prior to your wedding so this will need to be factored in to your travel plans. Other destinations state you must have lived in the country for an extended period of time or only allow citizens to marry.
Other possible requirements are that you hold both a civil and religious ceremony or that you have a blood test prior to saying I do.
You may be required to show proof that you are free to marry which will mean obtaining a divorce decree or a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage. These can be obtained from overseas missions and state and territory offices of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade www.dfat.gov.au/missions
Other records you may need other than your passport and Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage, is an original birth certificate, immunization records or religious documents. For example Catholic Weddings held overseas will probably require confirmation, baptism or pre-Cana records.
Once you’ve sorted out the dates make sure you give friends and family plenty of notice to organise their own travel plans. Send out a save the date notice at least 6 months in advance.
If you are finding the legalities all too hard then do as some couples have done and plan a trip to the registry office or meet with a celebrant or your house of worship prior to jumping on the plane. Get your Marriage Certificate at home first then hold your own wedding ceremony at your chosen destination followed by an unforgettable reception.
Images Provided By: Feather and Stone Photography
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