Making It Legal

Courtesy Luxe Destination Weddings

One of the first items on your ‘Destination Wedding Checklist’ should be ensuring that your wedding will be legally recognized both in your destination and back at home. Requirements vary from country to country, so be sure to do your homework carefully and ahead of time!

Hiring a wedding planner can give you peace of mind when it comes to meeting all legal requirements. A planner will do the research for you and inform you of the important documentation and procedures required for a legally recognized marriage. This element will be looked into early in the planning process, but because laws are frequently changing, it’s important to keep abreast of any changing regulations. One of the first items on your ‘Destination Wedding Checklist’ should be ensuring that your wedding will be legally recognized both in your destination and back at home. Requirements vary from country to country, so be sure to do your homework carefully and ahead of time!

Hiring a wedding planner can give you peace of mind when it comes to meeting all legal requirements. A planner will do the research for you and inform you of the important documentation and procedures required for a legally recognized marriage. This element will be looked into early in the planning process, but because laws are frequently changing, it’s important to keep abreast of any changing regulations.

The documents you will need to provide to obtain your marriage license will depend on your chosen destination, and typically includes birth certificates, passports, and proof of divorce or death of a previous spouse (if either has been married before). You may be required to send copies of these documents ahead of time so that they can be translated into the local language or be pre-registered at the local marriage office. Many locations, like Mexico for example, also require blood tests or medical tests. And some destinations require that you are in the country for a set duration prior to your ceremony, so be sure to check this out before making travel arrangements and reserving your wedding date. Again, the help of a wedding planner will ease such concerns.

If the procedures for a legal ceremony seem too daunting, you may opt to get hitched at city hall before you leave home and have a ‘symbolic’ ceremony at your destination. If you choose to be legally married in your hometown before embarking, your destination ceremony will not appear any differently to your guests – you can enjoy the same celebration with family and friends, minus the paperwork. If you decide to go this way, call your city hall to find out how far in advance you’ll need to get married before you take off to your destination. If you are having a religious wedding, your officiant may ask to see proof before performing the ceremony, so make sure there is time to process any paperwork you may need before you depart.

Whether you are preparing the legal components of your marriage alone or with the assistance of a wedding planner, remember to have fun with it – this step will help ensure you have the destination wedding celebration of your dreams!

Article by Bree Honey of LUXE Destination Weddings

(As Seen in the Isle Do Bride Guide 2008)

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