Marriages performed abroad are generally recognized in the US if valid under the laws of that country. Requirements vary by destination: documentation, waiting periods, witnesses, and civil/religious ceremonies differ.
12 steps across 2 sections
1. Steps Process
- Research destination requirements — Contact embassy/consulate. Common needs: passport, birth certificate, proof of single status, divorce/death certificates if applicable.
- Obtain required documents — Get certified copies, usually within 3-6 months.
- Get documents apostilled — Hague Convention countries: apostille from Secretary of State. Others: consular legalization.
- Get translations — Certified translations if documents not in local language.
- File notice of marriage — Some countries require advance notice (France: 40 days, Italy: 2-4 weeks).
- Civil ceremony — Most countries require civil ceremony for legal validity.
- Obtain foreign marriage certificate — Get multiple certified copies.
- Register in US — Not required for recognition, but needed for name changes, benefits, tax filing.
2. Key Details
- US recognizes marriages valid under local law — no need to remarry
- US embassies do NOT perform marriages
- Same-sex marriages: legal in many but not all countries
- Residency requirements vary (some countries require days/weeks in-country)
Common Mistakes
- Not starting paperwork 3-6 months early
- Not getting documents properly apostilled
- Assuming religious ceremony is legally binding
- Not getting enough certified copies of marriage certificate
Pro Tips
- Denmark, Gibraltar known for simple requirements
- Consider legal ceremony at home, symbolic ceremony abroad if requirements too...
- Hire local wedding planner experienced with foreign couples