Which are the most popular countries for weddings abroad?

We're thinking about couples who are considering getting hitched away from home, maybe thinking abou


Bride and groom at tropical wedding destination

We're thinking about couples who are considering getting hitched away from home, maybe thinking about holding their marriage ceremony on a warm, sunny beach. Yesterday we passed on some wedding tips and advice from Marry Abroad and today we learn which are the most popular countires in which to marry and which could be problematic wedding destinations for brides and grooms-to-be.

Most Popular Countries in Which To Marry. (2010 statistics from marryabroad.co.uk)

1. Canada

You will need: all required documents below. Additional documents vary per province.

2. Sri Lanka

You will need: certificate of single status, if divorced your previous marriage certificate, full names, addresses, religions and occupations of couples and their parents, all required documents above. Residency requirement: 4 days.

3. Italy

You will need: an official interpreter for the ceremony, Certificates of No Impediment (Nulla Ostra), certified translations of all required documents below, if the bride has been married before she must wait 300 days after the end of her last marriage before she can remarry.

4. Greece

You will need: certificate of no impediment issued within the last 3 months, if divorced then previous marriage certificate, certified translations of all required documents below.

5. France

You will need: birth certificates issued less than 6 months ago, two proofs of domicile, certificates of single status, certificates of no impediment, certified translations of all required documents below with apostille stamps, medical certificates issued less than 3 months ago by a doctor in France. Residency requirement: 40 days.

6. Cyprus

You will need: notice of marriage form, swear before a registrar that you are single and that there is no impediment to the marriage, if divorced then your previous marriage certificate, all required documents below. Residency requirement: 2 or 3 days.

7. Portugal

You will need: 4 witnesses, certificate of no impediment, certified translations of all required documents below issued within the last 6 months with apostille stamps. Residency requirement: 30 days, unless you are an European Union resident in which case there is no residency period.

8. Spain

You will need: application to marry form, certificate of no impediment, certified translations of all required documents below with apostille stamps, affidavit stating where you reside, certificate of residence. Residency requirement: usually 2 years if non catholic and non resident. None if catholic or if you own property in Spain.

9. Australia

You will need: notice of intended marriage form, all required documents below.

10. India

You will need: certificate of no impediment, certificate from local police station that you have lived in the area for at least 30 days, all required documents below. Residency requirement: 30 days.

Required documents for all countries

    • Full birth certificates showing both parents' names
    • Passports
    • If divorced, show your original final divorce papers
    • If widowed, show the death certificate of your former spouse
    • If you have changed your name then show legal proof of the change
    • (Bride and groom must not be related by blood, marriage or adoption)



Please note: this information is for guidance purposes only and liable to change without notice. Please check with your wedding planner in resort or the relevant embassy of the country in which you intend to marry for up to date details before you marry.

Problematic places in which to get married (these are all due to residency requirements)

Spain

France & Moncao

India

Singapore

Morocco

Maldives

Tahiti

Portugal (for non EU citizens)

Thanks to Marry Abroad who kindly supplied all the information above and the photography.