Top-10 Easiest Countries to Get Married for Foreigners
Civil marriage abroad is a great opportunity to combine a celebration with a honeymoon trip. Each country sets its own requirements for couples. Specialists from the wedding agency Violet Wedding have analyzed the legal nuances of popular destinations. We have prepared a detailed guide to the marriage procedures in different countries so you can choose the option with the simplest and most accessible conditions for your wedding.
Europe
This country is rightfully considered one of the easiest countries for foreigners to get married. Georgia is frequently described as one of the easiest places to get married abroad, where couples can get married in 1–2 days with minimal documents. This makes it arguably the easiest country to get married in for international couples seeking a fast and simple process.
Georgia
This country is rightfully considered one of the most comfortable places for official marriage between citizens of different countries. Here, couples can get married in 1–2 days with a minimal set of documents. The variety of landscapes, unique natural and man-made locations allows for a truly one-of-a-kind ceremony.
Legal advantages of marriage registration in Georgia:
- minimal document package – for registration, the couple only needs foreign passports and their notarized translation into Georgian;
- fast processing – application submission and registration ceremony are completed within one day, with no mandatory waiting period;
- no residency requirements – the law does not require couples to live in the country for a certain period before marriage; you can arrive, get married, and leave the same day;
- visa-free regime – citizens of more than 90 countries can enter without a visa and stay for up to one year (passport + insurance); this greatly simplifies guest attendance if the bride, groom, and guests have different citizenships;
- legal validity worldwide – the marriage certificate issued by the House of Justice has full legal force abroad; it only needs to be translated and apostilled (or legalized) in your home country;
- 24/7 registry office – in the famous “city of love” Sighnaghi, marriage can be registered at any time of day or night; the local marriage palace operates around the clock;
- affordable cost – government fees, translation expenses, and wedding services are significantly lower than in other countries.
In addition to obvious legal benefits, Georgia offers a unique atmosphere for celebration. The local culture is famous for incredible hospitality, distinctive traditions, and outstanding cuisine, which turns any wedding dinner into a true feast. A wedding ceremony can be organized to suit any taste: among the vineyards of Kakheti, against the backdrop of the snowy peaks of Kazbek, in the old streets of Tbilisi, or on the coast of Batumi. Developed tourism infrastructure and a mild climate make ceremonies comfortable almost year-round.
Iceland
Iceland is also among the easiest countries to get married in Europe for those who prepare documents properly in advance. Foreigners can legally register marriage here, but must submit documents to the National Registry at least three weeks before the date. This is a solid option for couples researching where to get married abroad with dramatic natural scenery.
Required documents include a passport, birth certificate, and certificate of marital status issued within 30–32 days before submission. All documents must be apostilled and translated. Iceland is especially attractive for couples looking for easy places to get married in a unique natural setting.
Denmark
Denmark is often called one of the easiest countries to get married in Europe due to its fast administrative process. It is frequently mentioned when discussing the best country for marriage in terms of speed for foreigners.
Couples submit an online application to the Danish Agency of Family Law and pay a fee. Processing takes 1–2 weeks. Even minor mistakes may lead to refusal, so accuracy is crucial. After approval, marriage can take place in any municipality, making it one of the easiest places to get married in Europe for well-prepared couples.
Scotland
Scotland has its own unique laws. Here, an official ceremony may be held in any location—whether in the mountains, in a castle, on a lakeshore, or along the coast—provided that the ceremony is conducted by a certified registrar. According to entry regulations, foreign nationals who do not hold resident status or citizenship in the United Kingdom must obtain a special marriage visa (either a Marriage Visitor Visa or a Fiancé Visa). It is not possible to legally marry using a standard tourist visa.
A foreign national is required to submit documents at least 29 days prior to the planned date. It is advisable to do so well in advance—10 to 12 weeks ahead of time. Form M10 (Marriage Notice) and a Declaration of Status must be completed, and birth and divorce certificates must be prepared. It is also necessary to obtain a certificate from one’s home country confirming the absence of any legal impediments to marriage. To verify one’s residential address, a utility bill (no older than three months) or a bank statement (issued within the last month) must be provided.
After reviewing the documentation, the local registrar creates a Marriage Schedule, which must be collected one week prior to the wedding and brought to the ceremony. During the ceremony, it is signed by the newlyweds, the witnesses, and the officiant. The law stipulates a three-day timeframe for returning the signed document to the registrar so that the marriage may be officially entered into the state registry. Only after this—typically one to two weeks later—will the couple receive their marriage certificate. To ensure its international validity, an Apostille must be obtained from the Legalisation Office.
Portugal
Portuguese law allows foreign citizens to register marriage without a residency requirement. The process is initiated through the Central Civil Registry (Conservatória do Registo Civil). All foreign documents must be translated into Portuguese and apostilled. Submission is 1–3 months before the desired date. Personal presence of the couple before the wedding is not mandatory. An accredited Portuguese lawyer can start the procedure by power of attorney.
The document package includes a passport, full birth certificate, certificate of marital capacity, and documents on termination of previous marriages. After verification (2–4 weeks), a marriage authorization is issued, valid for six months. Both civil and Catholic marriages are legally recognized. The ceremony can be conducted by a registrar at the registry office or at an external location. The Assento de Casamento is issued immediately. Apostille is obtained at the office of the Attorney General of Portugal.
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Gibraltar
This British Overseas Territory is located at the southern tip of Spain. A wedding here is ideal for international couples. Scenic Mediterranean landscapes and the Rock of Gibraltar create an incredible backdrop for wedding photos. To get married, the couple needs minimal documents: passports and birth certificates (and divorce certificates if applicable). The main legal requirement is that the couple must stay in Gibraltar for at least one night before or after the ceremony and provide proof of this (for example, a hotel bill). Documents must be submitted in English.
United Kingdom
An official marriage requires strict compliance with immigration rules. Each foreigner without residency needs a special Marriage Visitor Visa. The process is strictly controlled. Documents must be submitted in person to the local Register Office at least 28 days in advance. Wedding culture here is highly regulated: the venue must hold a special license for marriage registration. The United Kingdom is one of the most difficult destinations for couples planning to marry. Waiting times and document checks take months.
Asia
Asian destinations appeal with their exotic allure. They feature a culture that is entirely distinct—and unfamiliar to Europeans—as well as a unique way of life. It is essential to carefully study the local religious and civil laws regarding marriage.
Indonesia (Bali)
Indonesia is a popular but complex option for getting married abroad. It is sometimes searched as one of the easiest countries to get married for foreigners in Asia, but in reality, legal requirements are strict.
Couples must complete both religious and civil ceremonies. They must share the same religion and provide multiple documents, including proof of residence and photos. Due to bureaucracy, many couples instead choose Bali for symbolic ceremonies, even if they legally register marriage elsewhere.
Thailand
Only civil registration at a local district office (Amphur) is legally valid. To make the marriage official, a foreigner must personally visit their country’s embassy in Bangkok. There, they obtain a notarized affidavit of marital status, translate it into Thai, and legalize it at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Only after this can an official marriage take place.
The affidavit is supplemented with an original passport and documents confirming the termination of previous relationships. After registration, a Marriage Certificate is issued. Legalization is done in reverse order: translation into English, certification at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the embassy of the home country, or apostille.
Registration at an official district/provincial office is free. If conducted outside the office, it costs 200 THB (about $6). Foreigners also bear additional costs for marital status certificates, translation, and legalization.
Now you are aware of all the “pitfalls” that await couples in different countries. It is extremely difficult to take into account all the nuances when organizing a wedding abroad on your own. However, even this overview shows that the most advantageous place to get married is Georgia. Clear conditions, fast registration, and minimal costs are the main advantages. Entrust the preparation and execution of your wedding to professionals so that the entire process goes flawlessly.
Our agency is ready to organize the wedding of your dreams in Georgia. We will promptly handle all bureaucratic and organizational issues, while you enjoy your special celebration. Allow yourself to experience the most important day without stress! Contact us now by phone or messenger to get a free consultation.
