Weddings With Style International Magazine

General Marriage License Requirements
“Making Your Marriage Legal”

United States & Abroad

United States

Couples need to obtain a marriage license which will authorize you to be married. The license will be signed by all parties including witnesses, typically right after the wedding ceremony. The person who performs the ceremony will then file a marriage certificate in the appropriate county office. A certified copy of the marriage certificate may be mailed to the couple to prove you are married. You will need copies of this certificate to use as legal information when changing your name and performing other such tasks.

The summary of laws regarding premarital procedures is provided for general informational purposes only. Once you have made a decision for your wedding location it is suggested that you verify specific requirements at least three months before your event. Consulting a travel agent can be very helpful if you have chosen a wedding destination outside of the United States. Fees for licenses may vary from county to county within each state and may change without notice and you may be asked to pay in cash. Contact the clerk of courts in the city where you are to be married for more details.

For the most part, you do not have to be a resident in the state where you are applying for a marriage license. However, if you are not a resident, several states require you to apply for the license in the county where the marriage is to be performed.

There are specific requirements for identification to show proof of your name, age, and nationality. You will need to bring a valid picture ID such as, driver’s license, passport, or active military ID card. You may be asked for a certified copy of your birth certificate or Social Security card as well. On occasion, you might be asked to provide the full names (maiden name) and birthplaces of your parents. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age; applicants under the age of 18 will need to have parental or court consent in order for the license to be issued.

If you were previously married and you received your divorce within 30 to 90 days prior to applying for your license, you may be asked to show evidence of your divorce certificate with original seal. Photocopies will not be accepted. In some states there are laws that require a waiting period before remarrying. These laws vary from state to state, for specific information regarding a situation check with the clerk of court where you are applying for a license. If you are widowed you will need to provide a copy of the death certificate. We have listed a waiting period in a category. This waiting period pertains only to the period of time before you can marry after receiving your license.

Choose your state:

Marriage License Requirements  – Outside the U.S.

Getting married abroad can be a reality. When applying for your marriage license documentation requirements are a must to show prove proof of age, identity, citizenship and nationality. Documents to bring with you would include a valid U.S. passport, original or certified copy birth certificate with a raised seal which must also include the father’s name. You will need to provide proof of divorce with dissolution papers, or copy of death certificate if widowed, when applicable. For the most part, documents will need to be translated, as well as certified, to the language spoken in that particular country.

There may be residency requirements that vary from country to country. In many countries a notice of intended marriage must be filed days, weeks, or months before the ceremony. It is suggested to confirm the exact costs, requirements, and laws with the country you have chosen for marriage. This information is provided for general use only.

Canada (back to top)

Europe & United Kingdom (back to top)

Belize
Marriage Regulations (back to top)

You must be at least 18 years or older to apply for a marriage license in Belize. Under the age of 18 requires parental consent.

Documentation Requirements:  Proof of age, identity, and citizenship is required. A valid passport, original or certified copy birth certificate with raised seal, which must include the father’s name. Proof of divorce with dissolution papers, or a copy of the death certificate, if widowed, may be required.

Waiting Period: There is a 1 day wait for residents, and a 3 day wait for non-residents.

Approximate Fees for License:  $100+

Medical Testing: Blood tests are not required.

For more information contact the General Registry in Belize City or the Solicitor General’s Office in Belmopan.

Bermuda
Marriage Regulations (back to top)

In Bermuda, minors are considered to be persons 16, not yet 21 years of age. If you are under 21 years old you must have notarized written consent of both parents.

Couples wanting to be married in Bermuda must obtain a Notice of Intended Marriage and mail to Registrar General, Government Administration Building, 30 Parliament Street, Hamilton HM 12 Bermuda, at least  two weeks prior to your trip. Residents that do not live in Bermuda may pick up forms from the Bermuda Government's Department of Tourism offices in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, London and Toronto. Fourteen days must pass from the date of receipt the notice is received by the Registry before the Registry General can issue the marriage license. Once your license is issued it will be valid for 3 months.

Documentation Requirements:  Proof of age, identity, and citizenship is required. A valid passport, original or certified copy birth certificate with raised seal, which must include the father’s name. You will need to provide proof of divorce with dissolution papers, or a copy of death certificate, if widowed, may be required.

Approximate Fees for License:  US $210+

Medical Testing: Blood tests or medical certificates are not required.

Validity of Marriage: Marriages occurring in Bermuda are recognized in the U.S.

For more information contact http://www.bermuda-online.org/marriages.htm or the office of tourism

http://www.bermudatourism.com/docs/index2.html

Barbados
Marriage Regulations (back to top)

To be married in Barbados you must first obtain an application for a marriage license at the Ministry of Home affairs office.

Documentation Requirements:  Proof of age, identity, and citizenship is required. A valid passport, original or certified copy birth certificate with raised seal, which must include the father’s name. Proof of divorce with dissolution papers, or a copy of death certificate, if widowed, may be required. Additionally, all documents written in English must be certifiably translated. Photocopies will not be accepted.

Waiting Period: There is no required waiting period or required residency.

Approximate Fees for License:  BSD $150 + a $25 stamp duty for non residents or citizens.

For more information:  http://www.barbados.org/weddings.htm

Cayman Islands
Marriage Regulations (back to top)

The minimum legal age for getting married in the Cayman Islands is 18 years of age.

Documentation Requirements:  Proof of age, identity, and citizenship is required. A valid passport, original or certified copy birth certificate with raised seal, which must include the father’s name. Proof of divorce with dissolution papers, or a copy of the death certificate, if widowed, may be required. Photocopies will not be accepted. You will need to provide your embarkation/disembarkation card.

Non-residents need a special license to be granted by the Governor. You will need to obtain the license from the Deputy Chief Secretary’s Office in the Government Administration Building, Georgetown, Grand Cayman. Two witnesses are required.

Approximate fees for license:  CI$150 + a CI$10 stamp duty or US$200.

For additional information:  http://www.caymanislands.ky

Fiji
Marriage Regulations (back to top)

If either party is under the age of 21, a notarized parental consent from the father is required. Consent from the mother is acceptable only if the father is deceased or cannot be found. A written consent can be obtained from a Court Magistrate if necessary. The minimum age to request to be married is 16 for females and 18 for males.

Documentation Requirements:  Proof of age, identity, and citizenship is required. A valid passport, original or certified copy birth certificate with raised seal, which must include the father’s name. Proof of divorce with dissolution papers, or a copy of the death certificate, if widowed, may be required. Photocopies will not be accepted.

Residency Requirements: None

Approximate Fees for License: Costs for license varies, and is valid for 28 days.

Witnesses: You will need two witnesses, which will have to provide required identification and must be 21 years or older.

For additional information: http://www.fijiembassy.org/consularservices/getting.htm

Hong Kong
Marriage Regulations (back to top)

Documentation Requirements:  Proof of age, identity, and citizenship is required. A valid passport, original or certified copy birth certificate with raised seal, which must include the father’s name. Proof of divorce with dissolution papers, or a copy of the death certificate, if widowed, may be required. Photocopies will not be accepted. If documents are written in English, certified translations are required.

Residency Requirements: None

Approximate Fees for License: Fees vary depending on if the ceremony is on a weekday or on a weekend. The approximate cost can between HK$715 (about US$ 93) and HK$1,935 (about US$ 251).

Waiting Periods: If you both are non-residents of Hong Kong, you will have to file a Notice of Marriage with the Hong Kong Marriage Registration Office, fees will vary. After the Notice of Marriage is filed and posted, 15 days (17 days including Sundays) must pass in order for objections to be made. If no objection is received the marriage can take place.

Witnesses: You will need two witnesses.

For additional information: Hong Kong Marriage Registration Office, at 3/F, Queensway Government Offices, Low Block, Hong Kong.

Island of the Bahamas
Marriage Regulations (back to top)

Documentation Requirements:  Proof of age, identity, and citizenship is required. A valid passport, original or certified copy birth certificate with raised seal, which must include the father’s name. Proof of divorce with dissolution papers, or a copy of the death certificate, if widowed, may be required. Photocopies will not be accepted. If documents are written in English, certified translations are required. Must be 18 years of age, otherwise you will have to obtain parental consent.

Residency Requirements: 24 hours with proof of when you arrived in the Bahamas.

Waiting Period: 24 hours

Approximate Fee for License:  $100

Medical Testing: None

License Valid: 3 months

For additional information you may contact The Registrar General's Office, open Monday through Friday 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Tel: 242-352-4934, Fax: 242-352-4060 or visit http://www.grand-bahama.com/

Japan
Marriage Regulations (back to top)

Males must be 18 years of age and females must be at least 16 years of age. However, for Americans, if the minimum age in your home state is 18 years of age to marry, you cannot marry earlier in Japan. A person from Japan cannot marry under the age of twenty without parental consent.

Non-residents must first prepare a sworn Affidavit of Competency to Marry, in order to make a formal statement that you are legally free to marry; you must visit your own country's embassy or consulate in Japan.

To marry in Japan you must complete specific marriage procedures. The civil registration constitutes a legal marriage in Japan. Once you have met the specific requirements you will be issued a "Certificate of Acceptance of Notification of Marriage" from a government office. 

Documentation Requirements:  Proof of age, identity, and citizenship is required. A valid passport, original or certified copy birth certificate with raised seal, which must include the father’s name. Proof of divorce with dissolution papers, or a copy of the death certificate, if widowed, may be required. Photocopies will not be accepted. A female cannot be married within six months of dissolution of a previous marriage.

Residency Requirements: None

Waiting Period: None

Witnesses: You will need two witnesses over the age of 20.

Validity of Marriage: If you are legally married in Japan, it is recognized as being legal in the U.S. Please not that your "Certificate of Acceptance of Notification of Marriage" (Kon-in Todoke Juri Shomeisho ????O???gI?L?o?L?\????|3/4??e) is the only proof of your marriage. Records of marriages are not maintained in Japan, and are not retrievable from government offices. It is recommended to have your marriage certificate translated into an English language document.

For additional information: http://japan.usembassy.gov/e/acs/tacs-7114a.html or the Japan National Tourist Organization http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/index.html

Mexico
Marriage Regulations (back to top)

Most resorts in Mexico have wedding consultants on hand to assist you in the wedding arrangements. Check with your travel agent or directly with the resort to find out if this service is available.

Documentation Requirements:  Proof of age, identity, and citizenship is required. A valid passport, original or certified copy birth certificate with raised seal, which must include the father’s name. Proof of divorce with dissolution papers, or a copy of death certificate, if widowed, may be required. Photocopies will not be accepted. You will need to provide a tourist card as well. All documents written in English will have to be translated into Spanish.

Residency Requirement: None

Waiting Period: 3 days, it usually takes at least 3 business days prior to the wedding to have your documents processed.

Approximate Fees for License:  US$200+

Medical Testing: A blood test for RPR and HIV is required. Additionally, you may be asked for chest x-rays. Medical testing should be done 2-3 days before the ceremony.

Witnesses: You will need two witnesses, which will have to provide required identification and must be 18 years or older.

Certain requirements may have to be fulfilled in order for your marriage to be legally recognized in the United States. Consult an attorney for more information.

For additional information contact the Mexico Tourism Board, 800-446-3942.

Puerto Rico
Marriage Regulations (back to top)

Documentation Requirements:  Proof of age, identity, and citizenship is required. A valid passport, original or certified copy birth certificate with raised seal, which must include the father’s name. Proof of divorce with dissolution papers, or a copy of death certificate, if widowed, may be required. Photocopies will not be accepted. Must be 18 years of age, otherwise you will have to obtain parental consent.

You must request and complete the marriage license papers from the Dept. of Health, Demographic Registry Office, Box 11854, Fernandez Juncos Station, Santurce, PR 00910 or call (787) 728-7980. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery.

Approximate Fees for License:  Varies, license stamps must be purchased.

Medical Testing: Blood tests are required within 10 days of the wedding and must be obtained from a Puerto Rican physician or a federally certified laboratory.

The marriage license can then be picked up from the Demographic Registry.

For additional information: http://escape.topuertorico.com/resource/before.shtml#marr