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Weddings Abroad Guide

Weddings Abroad Guide - How to Get Married Abroad

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Civil Wedding Abroad

I believe I would be correct in saying that a civil wedding service is the most popular type of ceremony for couples getting married abroad.

I think it’s also important to note that in certain countries a civil wedding is the only type of wedding ceremony with any legal status.  Therefore, if you wish to have a religious ceremony you must also have a civil ceremony to validate your marriage.

Wedding Abroad Civil Ceremony | Caro & Lachlan’s Destination Wedding in Italy | Chantal Lachance-Gibson Photography

Caro & Lachlan’s civil ceremony – Palazzo Belmonte, Italy

In countries such as Australia and the United States, a civil ceremony is legally binding if performed by a Civil Celebrant and is very much like a wedding blessing. In this type of ceremony you may incorporate your own choice of words and hold your ceremony in a location of your choice.

However, this is not the case in many parts of Europe, where a civil ceremony may only take place in officially deemed premises.  Although you may include your own readings, the standard framework of the ceremony in most instances may not be altered.

That being said, Europe has some of the most beautiful venues in which you can have a civil wedding ceremony. They range from stunning 13th century monastery cloisters, incredible frescoed rooms, beautiful palaces to balconies overlooking the sea.

Wedding Abroad Civil Ceremony | Erin & Brett’s Destination Wedding in Austria | Claire Morgan Photography| Grenzelos Events & Lifestyle

Erin & Brett’s civil ceremony – Schloss Mirabell, Austria

Some of the reasons why couples elect to have a civil wedding abroad:

  • It is a non-denominational ceremony and does not contain any religious references.
  • You often have the ability to personalise some of your service by choosing your own readings, music and vows.
  • In many countries (although not all) a civil wedding can be conducted at a venue of your choice, e.g. on a beach, rainforest, chateau, hotel wedding chapel, aboard a yacht.
  • It is generally the easiest and most straightforward ceremony to organise and you do not have to meet any extra religious requirements.
  • In some countries, religious ceremonies are not legally recognised.

The legal requirements for having a civil wedding abroad do vary from country to country, but in most cases are relatively easy and straightforward. The documentation you will be required to produce to ensure your overseas wedding is legally binding is outlined in the required documentation section and the specifics about individual countries are detailed in a each country’s legal requirements guide.

Need more help with the Legal Requirements?
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Legal Requirements Overview

Required Documentation

The following page outlines the documentation you may be required to produce if you are getting married abroad.

Required Documentation

Wedding Blessing

Having a wedding blessing allows you to get married in the country of your choice even if you are unable to fulfil their legal and residency requirements.

Wedding Blessing

Registering Your Marriage

The following page outlines if and how you can register your marriage in your country of residence.

Registering Your Marriage

Getting Help!

If you do not feel comfortable sorting out the legalities for getting married abroad yourself, most Wedding Planners will be happy to provide assistance with this aspect for you.

Getting Help!

Welcome to Weddings Abroad Guide a website dedicated to those planning a destination wedding providing independent information & advice for those planning a wedding abroad.

Digital Wedding Planning Tool Kit - The Essential must have Easy to Follow Checklists, Spreadsheets & Workbooks Guide for a Destination Wedding Abroad by Weddings Abroad Guide

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Honeymoon & Wedding Gift List by Holidaysplease member of the Destination Wedding Directory by Weddings Abroad Guide

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Digital Wedding Planning Tool Kit - The Essential must have Easy to Follow Checklists, Spreadsheets & Workbooks Guide for a Destination Wedding Abroad by Weddings Abroad Guide

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