Getting Married Abroad? Here’s What You Need for Your Documents to Be Accepted

Planning a Destination Wedding? Your Paperwork Needs to Travel Too

Getting married abroad is a beautiful and exciting experience, but it comes with paperwork that must be handled correctly if you want your marriage recognized in the United States and your destination country.

Many countries require U.S. documents to be apostilled or legalized before they will issue a marriage license or register the marriage. These steps make your paperwork valid internationally.

Apostille or Embassy Legalization? It Depends on the Country

• If you're getting married in a country that is part of the Hague Apostille Convention (like Italy, France, or Portugal), you’ll only need an apostille.

• If you're marrying in a non-Hague country such as the UAE, your documents must go through embassy legalization, which involves multiple steps: state authentication, federal certification, and embassy or consulate approval.

Documents You May Need to Apostille Before Your Wedding Abroad

• Birth Certificate: To prove identity, age, and citizenship

• Single Status Affidavit: To confirm you are not currently married

• Divorce Decree or Death Certificate: If previously married

• Passport Copy (Notarized): Often required for identification purposes

• FBI Background Check: Some countries require it for marriage

• Power of Attorney: If someone is helping register the marriage

Tip💡: Requirements vary by country, so always confirm with the foreign registry office or your wedding planner in advance.

Don’t Forget the Translation

If your destination country does not use English, you may also need a certified or sworn translation of your documents before they’re accepted. Some countries even require the apostille to be translated as well.

Porchlight Group Apostille & Global Docs offers both certified and sworn translations that are accepted by foreign marriage authorities.

How the Process Works

1. Notarize Documents if Needed
   Some documents, like affidavits or passport copies, must be notarized first.

2. Determine the Destination Country’s Requirements
   Apostille for Hague countries, embassy legalization for non-Hague countries like the UAE.

3. Request Certified Translation if Required
   Check with the local registry or consulate to confirm whether your documents or apostille must be translated into the country’s official language. We offer certified and sworn translations if needed.

4. Submit for Apostille or Legalization
   We’ll handle state, federal, and embassy steps as needed.

5. Receive Completed Documents
   Ready to be submitted to the foreign registry or marriage authority.

Why Couples Trust Porchlight Group Apostille & Global Documents

• Fast, nationwide apostille and legalization service

• Expertise in international marriage requirements

• Certified and sworn translations in multiple languages

• Secure processing from anywhere in the world

• Personal, friendly support during your planning journey

Say “I Do” with Documents That Are Ready for Anywhere

Let Porchlight Group Apostille & Global Docs take care of the paperwork so you can focus on your big day. Whether you're eloping, planning a luxury wedding, or relocating abroad with your spouse, we’ll make sure your U.S. documents are accepted—wherever love takes you.

👉 Request a Custom Quote for Your Wedding Documents