The process of getting married abroad is different from country to country. It can be time-consuming and expensive, so you may need to prepare.
Requirements for marriage abroad
If you plan to marry in a foreign country, find out the requirements of the country where the marriage will take place. It is important to do that before you travel to the destination. You must follow local laws when marrying overseas.
Some examples of marriage requirements include:
Contact the office that issues marriage certificates or tourist information bureau of the country where you plan to marry. They can tell you about the specific requirements. If you are already abroad, you may wish to consult with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Some couples having destination weddings choose to get legally married in the United States before or after their destination wedding ceremony overseas. Completing the legal marriage in the United States and holding the celebration overseas avoids the complexity of obtaining a foreign marriage certificate and otherwise complying with local laws on marriage.
U.S. embassy and consulate employees cannot perform marriages in foreign countries
Validity of marriages abroad
If you get married abroad, you may need to know if the United States recognizes your marriage. Contact the office of the Attorney General of the state where you live. They can inform you of any documentation you may need to provide.
Affidavit of eligibility to marry
Some countries need this as proof of legal ability to enter into a marriage contract. The United States government cannot attest to your marital status. However, you may be able to provide a written statement saying you can marry. If you need the document notarized overseas, make an appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Early and forced marriage
Early marriage, often referred to as child marriage, is a formal or informal union where one or both parties are under the age of 18. A forced marriage is one that takes place at any age without the consent of one or both people in the marriage. Sometimes, family or others may force someone into marriage. They might also use threats or violence to try to keep someone in a marriage they want to leave. Forced marriages occur in the United States and overseas.
In some U.S. states, forced marriage is a crime, and in all U.S. states, people who force someone to marry may be charged with violating state laws even if the marriage occurs abroad. Some laws are prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law overseas. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website. U.S. state and federal laws, including those against domestic violence, child abuse, rape, assault, kidnapping, threats of violence, stalking, or coercion, may apply. People who force someone to marry may also face significant immigration consequences, such as being inadmissible to or removable from the United States. Help is available
If you are a U.S. citizen outside of the United States and are being forced into a marriage, or are unable to return home to the United States over the objection of your parents, other family members, your fiancé, or spouse you can:
If you think contacting us or the authorities would put you at risk, consider asking a friend to call for you.
Review the information on getting a visa for a foreign spouse when marriage occurs.
