Wedding Destinations & Marriage Licenses
Wedding destinations are attractive to couples for a variety of reasons, such as exoticism, special interest and cost. Many hotels and resorts offer all-inclusive packages for the bride and groom to ensure all elements are covered for their special day. Marriage licenses are an imperative part of the ceremony and must be obtained in advance. Each country has different requirements and these must be met prior to the ceremony.
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Fee
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A marriage license requires a monetary fee specific to the location of the wedding and, sometimes to the origin of the couple. The fee is payable by various methods, but it is best to have cash on hand. Contact your destination in advance and be sure you know the fee, requirements, identification and any other documentation required for the marriage to be officiated. Also ensure you know the rules of the governmental body that distributes marriage licenses in the country where you are getting married. Each country has a specific government department responsible for this type of documentation.
Identification
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Each country has different requirements for obtaining a marriage license. Common pieces of identification that are often required are a birth certificate, passport and driver's license, which may need to be translated into the country's official language. Other documents that may be required depending on the country are divorce or death certificates of any previous spouses. In some rare cases, a blood test may be required for proof of identity. All of these elements must be discussed prior to choosing and booking a wedding at any wedding destination.
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Waiting Period
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Many countries require a specific time period during which at least one member of the couple must reside there. The waiting period, which may also be referred to as a residency requirement, varies by country, from two days up to 30. Many of the waiting periods correspond with the period required for the license itself to be processed. This is a crucial piece of information that must be explored before the booking takes place to ensure you can accommodate the waiting period.
Special Requirements
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In light of the fact that each country has different requirements for obtaining a marriage license, it is also imperative to check for any other special requirements that are specific to that country. For example, some nations require documentation for the couple's departure date with their airline tickets to reinforce their claims. Some ask for a letter from the officiant who will perform the ceremony to confirm the date and time, while others require further documentation toward obtaining a marriage license. The only way to ensure all requirements are met is to call the country chosen for the wedding well in advance to avoid surprises. The governing body will be able to state, confirm and elaborate on the requirements.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit beach wedding image by chinatiger from Fotolia.com
