With the wedding season fast approaching, you may be considering a romantic ceremony in a far-away destination. A hot climate, beautiful sea and sand – it is easy to see why this might be an appealing idea for your marriage ceremony. There are however, just a few things you need to consider before your big day:
1. Getting the correct documentation
Every country has its own requirements regarding the documentation you will need to present in order to get married. This may include a Certificate of No Impediment, or other documentation such as birth certificates etc. Planning in advance is essential. The government website provides a useful search tool that allows you to find out exactly what you need depending on the country you are planning your marriage in.
2. Contact the Embassy of where you plan to marry
The Foreign Office also recommend contacting the embassy of where you plan to marry. This will allow you to check the finer details of what you need, whether you need proof of residency in that country before you can get married ( in some countries it is required that you spend a certain number of days there before making your vows)
3. A Certificate of No Impediment
In some countries, such as Italy, a Certificate of No Impediment (Nulla Osta) is required to confirm there are no objections to your proposed marriage. This is something that can be discussed with a family solicitor.
4. Affidavit of Marital Status (Statutory Declaration)
In some countries you may need to swear an affirmation/affidavit confirming that you are free to marry.
5. Will your foreign marriage be legally valid in the UK?
In general, yes this will be recognised by the UK if it was both, legally valid in the country where it took place and the parties would have capacity to marry in the UK. If you are in doubt, check with a solicitor prior to your marriage to ensure it will be valid.
The key to planning your perfect marriage abroad is planning. Do not be caught out by a small practicality that could ruin your big day!
We are happy to assist in preparing statutory declarations which are often required and the certification of documents for travel abroad. These can be arranged on a fix fee basis to be discussed with one of our expert family lawyers.
Contact Ramsdens Solicitors for advice regarding your wedding abroad on 08000 147720, email family@ramsdens.co.uk or text LAW to 67777 to arrange a free thirty minute consultation in any of our ten offices across West Yorkshire.
If you are planning on getting married........why not join us at the Thomson Holiday Superstore Wedding Fair in Huddersfield on Sunday12th April from 11:00 - 15:00. (Great Northern Retail Park, Huddersfield HD1 6ND)
Thomson Holiday's are launching their 2016 Wedding Destinations Brochure....so if you're are #gettingmarried abroad come along and say hello....we're here to help.