Official wedding abroad. In which countries can you register a marriage?

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Published: 02/16/2018

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You can also register a marriage abroad. Such a marriage will be valid in Russia.

Civil marriage in the Russian Federation
Algorithm for marriage by citizens of the Russian Federation in another country
Application procedure (where to apply)
List of required documents
Price
How long will it take?
Is such a marriage valid in the Russian Federation?

Recently, marriages concluded in other countries have become increasingly popular. Russians are attracted to romantic or exotic settings.

Registration of marriage abroad from the point of view of Russian legislation

The first question that arises for future spouses who want to hold a wedding outside their homeland is whether such an event is legal and whether its result is legal. If you adhere to the necessary requirements dictated by law, a wedding on tropical sunny islands or within the walls of a medieval European castle is possible.

If you wish and have a sufficient wedding budget, such a ceremony will not be difficult or problematic. All you need to do is make sure you comply with the legal regulations of the country in which the wedding is planned - and you can pack your bags.

The procedure for concluding a marriage in another country is regulated by the legislation of the Russian Federation - https://stskrf.ru/158.

According to the Family Code, Russian citizens can hold an official wedding ceremony outside the territory of their own country, and such an event will be legal if:

There were no violations of the legislation of the country where the wedding will take place. Subject to compliance with all legal norms of the state, by which we mean the requirements for the form, place, and conditions of marriage, a wedding celebration abroad will receive its legal force.
There is no reason why marriage will not be possible.

Obstacles include:

Those wishing to get married are considered close blood relatives, full-blooded, half-blooded (those who have one common parent) brother and sister.
One of the future spouses who is already married.
Marriage is concluded between people who are declared incompetent by a court decision and both or one of them have mental disabilities.
If the newlyweds are an adoptive parent and an adopted child.

Places where you can hold a wedding ceremony abroad are:

City Hall.
Diplomatic representation.
Consular office of the Russian Federation in the country.
Another government or local government body where a wedding can take place.

Do I need to obtain permission from the authorities of the country in which registration is planned?

One of the first steps towards entering into marriage on the territory of a foreign state is for the future spouses to obtain permission from local authorities to conduct the ceremony.

To obtain such a document, the bride and groom apply to the local mayor's office , municipality or other authorized body at the place of planned registration.

In some countries (eg Cyprus), you can contact your local municipality by telephone or email to request permission to perform a marriage ceremony. To do this, the applicant will need to scan all the necessary documents and send them by email to Cyprus, and upon arrival, provide their originals a certain number of days before.

To obtain permission from local authorities to register a marriage, the following documents are required:

passports;
birth certificates;
if there was a marriage union in the past, a certificate of its dissolution.

In addition, future spouses fill out a questionnaire with standard items , including personal data, information about marital status and the conclusion of a future union.

The waiting period for obtaining permission to register a marriage depends on the selected country. In some cases, it may take up to 6 months to receive the document.

Authorities may refuse to marry citizens of the Russian Federation if any condition imposed by a foreign state is not met.

Foreign countries, in order to be able to register family relationships on their territory, may impose requirements on the length of residence in the country or the availability of a bank account.

Perhaps after reading the article, the bride and groom will decide to register their relationship in the Russian Federation and the following information will be useful to them:

Where can you get married?
What is needed to carry out the procedure in another city and can it be done without registration?
How to register a marriage?

Legalization of marriage in the Russian Federation

Among the member countries of the 1961 Hague Conference on Private International Law, the need for a complex procedure for legalizing documents is abolished. To legalize official documents, these countries need to carry out a simplified procedure - apostille.

In order for a marriage to be recognized as valid in the homeland, after receiving a marriage certificate , it must be affixed with a special stamp - an apostille. This is a stamp that confirms the competence of signatures and seals on official documents. Apostille can only take place in the country where the wedding ceremony took place. Thanks to him, the document has legal authority in the territory of all countries participating in the Hague Conference.

Apostille is considered a simplified option for legalizing official documents, which does not require prior consular legalization. In addition, it is carried out quite quickly, since one authorized body is enough for this.

Consular legalization is a procedure for recognizing the legal force of documents for countries that have not signed the Hague Convention. It represents confirmation of the validity of official papers, stamps certifying documents, seals, and signatures of officials who have the right to put them.

This option of recognizing the legal force of documents occurs if it occurs in a country
that has not signed the Hague Convention .
It is more labor-intensive, troublesome and time-consuming than apostille. To achieve consular legalization, you need to have the document certified by the Ministry of Justice of the state where the wedding took place, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the consulate. Unlike an apostille, with consular legalization this paper is valid only in the country whose consulate has put its mark. Upon arrival at home, newlyweds must have their certificate, previously legalized, translated into Russian by a notary.

Application procedure (where to apply)

There are two basic options:

At a consulate or representative office of Russia on the territory of another state.
Where marriages take place according to the laws of another country.

In the first option, the marriage will be valid in Russia without additional formalities. But a beautiful exotic ceremony is possible only in the second. But many couples go for her.

In most countries, registration with government authorities is required. In some, on the contrary, only church marriage is recognized. These are Israel, Iran and Iraq. In some, both forms of registration are possible.

If there is a divorce coming up

If the newlyweds’ life together does not work out, the marriage concluded abroad can be dissolved at home. This procedure will not cause any problems if there are no violations of the law during the marriage itself.

In order to get a divorce, the first thing you need to pay attention to is the presence of common children born in the marriage. Depending on this, divorce occurs through the registry office or court .

To terminate a marriage concluded abroad, it is necessary to provide a marriage certificate with a translation, an apostille or a consul's mark upon legalization and pay a state fee. The algorithm for dissolving a marriage follows the same pattern as for a marriage concluded on the territory of the Russian Federation.

You can organize a bachelorette party in your homeland. Here we have compiled a list of the 11 best places for a bachelorette party.

In this article you will find tips on how to properly organize a bachelorette party: ideas, dress code, photographer, transport, expenses, etc.

Germany and the complexities of German legislation

The conditions for obtaining the right to be called a German citizen are even stricter than in Italy and the USA. Dual citizenship is prohibited in this country, and the procedure for renouncing one’s homeland is carried out thoroughly, with a written application and submission of a passport to the consulate.

The Germans are convinced that their country is attractive due to the opportunity to travel around the eurozone, social benefits and high cultural level, so previously only Germans could legally enter the country. From 2005 to 2015, some changes were made to German legislation, and now there are slightly more such opportunities:

through marriage;
through investment in the economy (business emigration);
to reunite with family members;
by refugee status;
according to the EU card;
for adoption up to 18 years of age;
according to the standard naturalization procedure.

Watch the video: the procedure for obtaining German citizenship.

The birth of a child in Germany by parents who are tourists or guests visiting one of the citizens does not provide grounds for granting the child German citizenship. After adoption by full-fledged Germans, the baby becomes a German citizen only after 3 years.

In order to become a citizen of a country through marriage, you must live legally married on its territory for at least 3 years, and the marriage must be legal, which is obligatory observed with the help of relevant services.

Citizenship through marriage in Germany is not the easiest path. This is very difficult to do if marriage is chosen as a way to obtain it, and is not the result of love and consent.

We recommend you watch: Residence permit and German citizenship through marriage.

List of the most popular countries for a wedding ceremony

Having decided to hold a wedding ceremony abroad, you need to decide on the country where the registration will take place.

Foreign countries in which
official registration is valid for Russians: Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Hungary, Grenadines, Greece, Dominican Republic, Iceland, Spain, Italy, Cyprus, Cuba, Mauritius, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, Romania, Seychelles, Slovenia USA, Fiji, Montenegro, Czech Republic, Sri Lanka, Jamaica.
You need to choose very carefully, because in each country marriage legislation dictates its own rules and can have very significant differences. Some of the most popular countries for holding an official wedding ceremony are:

Jamaica. This country has a hot temperament and beautiful, fascinating nature. Its residents are simple and hospitable, they know how to work, but also love to relax with all their hearts. If the newlyweds know how to have fun, then a Jamaican wedding is a great option to create a bright and noisy celebration for yourself and your guests.

The Czech Republic is an ancient country steeped in history, which is associated with knights and princesses. If the bride dreamed of a fairytale wedding, then getting married in Prague to the sounds of an organ against the backdrop of medieval fortresses and castles will make her dreams come true.

Italy. It is not for nothing that it is called the birthplace of spring and the place where eternal love reigns. To the attention of future spouses there are cozy bays, snow-white villas, rocky caves, shady emerald groves, kilometers of beaches. This is a country that is considered a Mecca for lovers' pilgrimages. And not without reason: Rome, Florence, Venice are some of the most romantic cities in the world. And the world famous tragic and beautiful love story of Romeo and Juliet took place in Verona. This is the ideal place for a long-awaited event.

Australia. In Australia, you can enjoy stunning nature far from civilization, but also admire the unique architecture and the results of technological progress. Having had a wedding in the center of Sydney or in a hidden bay near the ocean, the newlyweds will remember the unique atmosphere of Australia for a long time.

New Zealand is a country of extraordinary beauty. Getting there, the tourist feels a complete separation from civilization, immersion in nature, unity with it. Like nowhere else, here you get the impression of the edge of the earth, a place where time has stood still. Weddings in New Zealand are original and unforgettable, because against the backdrop of emerald nature, a wedding dress will look like something from a fairy tale.

Greece is a place famous for its hospitality. A couple in love will feel comfortable in this country, and a wedding against the backdrop of alluring landscapes and amazing architecture will become one of the most memorable days in the life of a young family.

O. Crete is the largest island of Greece, the landscapes of which are amazing: mountains, forests, clean beaches of the Aegean and Libyan Sea. Along with ancient monuments, monasteries, fortresses, chapels, more and more buildings of modern architecture are appearing on the island. A wedding in Crete is for those lovers who are attracted by a land full of romance of centuries-old history.

Iceland. A small island that is famous not only for its untouched nature, unique landscapes, but also for many amazing legends about elves and wizards. Therefore, for lovers of everything mysterious and unique, a wedding in Iceland will certainly be a suitable option.

USA. Rarely does a state present such a variety of landscapes and a wealth of natural monuments. Each of the 50 states is ready to offer something different for a couple in love planning to register the birth of a new family in this country. An unforgettable wedding celebration can be organized against the backdrop of a waterfall, desert, blue ocean or emerald green forest, climb onto the roof of a New York skyscraper, or arrange a rock-and-roll-style party in Vegas. There are no clichés or restrictions in America!

Here's what a wonderful wedding you can have in Mauritius:

Where difficulties may arise with a wedding

In which countries may difficulties arise in the process of registering a marriage, and what obstacles may a couple in love encounter?

By choosing some countries, for example, China, Thailand, Egypt, the UAE, it will be possible to organize only a symbolic ceremony. Marriage will not be legal there.

A marriage license obtained in Hawaii requires certification from the Department of Health. When deciding to get married in Bali, young people must be of the same religion. To get married in the Seychelles, you must live there for at least 11 days, in Sri Lanka - 4 days before the wedding ceremony, and in France you will have to stay 40 days before the wedding.

For a ceremony in some European countries (Austria, Germany, Switzerland), you need to wait for permission from the authorities, which can take from two to six months. Therefore, if future newlyweds decide to arrange official registration outside the Russian Federation, they should pay very close attention to the peculiarities of marriage legislation in other countries.

Wedding abroad

All lovers want their wedding to be an unforgettable event and to be held at the highest level. Today, young people planning to get married have great opportunities to organize a wedding of the highest standard. There are agencies on the market that specialize in organizing and holding celebrations, both in Russia and abroad. And tour operators have a huge number of ready-made wedding tours in their assortment; all that remains is to choose a suitable tour package and start preparing for the cherished day!

Official registration of marriage abroad

The Family Code of the Russian Federation, in accordance with paragraph 1 of Article 158, allows marriage between citizens of Russia outside the country in compliance with the legislation of the state in whose territory they are concluded, if there are no circumstances provided for in Article 14 of the Code that prevent marriage. That is, those getting married are not married and are not close relatives, then nothing prevents them from getting married where they wish.

In order for a marriage concluded abroad to be recognized as legal on the territory of the Russian Federation, the laws of the country where the wedding ceremony is taking place must also be observed. True, the laws in each country differ, which also needs to be taken into account when choosing a wedding location.

For example, in order to register a marriage in France, at least one of the spouses must remain in the country continuously from 40 days to three months before the marriage; the exact period of stay is indicated by the mayor's office. If the bride and groom do not permanently reside in France, then fulfilling this requirement can become a serious obstacle to the fulfillment of their dreams. And in Muslim countries, only those foreigners who profess Islam will be able to register a marriage.

Marriage abroad can be registered at the consulates of the Russian Federation, or at the relevant authorities of a foreign state. And yet, experts have compiled a list of countries where the legislation is most favorable for the marriage of foreigners. It includes: Australia, Austria, Greece, Dominican Republic, Iceland, Italy, Cyprus, Cuba, Mauritius, Seychelles, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Sri Lanka, Jamaica and the USA.

The marriage registration procedure in each of these countries has its own nuances, but they can be easily resolved if professionals get down to business. Therefore, in order to have the wedding of your dreams, you should not refuse the help of specialists who will take on the organizational and legal hassle. You should contact an agency that organizes the registration of marriages abroad approximately three months before the desired wedding date in order to calmly resolve all the necessary legal formalities.

A marriage entered into in the above countries will be considered valid both in Russia and in other states that have signed the Hague Convention of October 5, 1961, abolishing the requirement for legalization of foreign official documents.

An approximate list of documents that will need to be collected to register a marriage abroad:

Russian passports of the spouses;
Birth certificates;
Certificates of marital status;
Divorce certificates (if one of the parties was previously married);
Death certificates of the former spouse, if applicable;
Previous marriage certificates, where applicable;
Certificates of change of surname.

However, it must be taken into account that the requirements for the documents provided may vary in each country. Moreover, the requirements for documents may vary in different cities of the same country. Exactly what documents need to be provided to organize a wedding ceremony in a particular country can be found on the websites of companies involved in organizing weddings abroad.

After you have collected all the documents, they need to be translated into the language of the country where the wedding ceremony will take place, apostilled and legalized at the consulate of that country. You will also need to comply with the formalities that the laws of the countries provide for persons wishing to get married.

In Cuba, an official wedding ceremony can only be organized in a hotel, but this is not a problem! In order to register a marriage in Greece, you need to stay in Athens for at least a day. If you want to get married in Mauritius, you will have to sign the marriage documents in the capital of the island, Port Louis. In Thailand, only those Russians who are registered with the Russian Embassy or have a permit for permanent residence in the country will be able to sign. To register a marriage in the Seychelles, you need to arrive in the country at least 11 days before the ceremony, but you can rest a little and acclimatize. And in Sri Lanka, only couples are signed in which the bride and groom are already 21 years old and have spent 4 nights in the country before the official ceremony.

After registering the marriage, the newlyweds receive a marriage certificate. It will need to be translated into Russian and legalized at the consulate of the country where the wedding took place. If this country is acceded to the Hague Convention, then problems with legalization should not arise. After an apostille is placed on the marriage certificate, it will be considered legal in Russia and in all other countries that have joined the Hague Convention.

Legalization of a marriage certificate may take some time. Especially if the wedding took place in Cuba or the Dominican Republic, the legalization process can take up to six months.

After apostilling the marriage certificate, you can go to the registry office with it and have your passports stamped. If the bride wants to take her husband’s surname after marriage, then a corresponding statement should be attached to the marriage certificate. Keep in mind that in many countries the bride's premarital surname appears on the wedding certificate. But for those who get married in Austria, the Czech Republic or Slovenia, it will be easier. In these countries, the new surnames of the spouses are immediately indicated on the marriage certificate.

The cost of organizing marriage registration abroad varies depending on the country, flight distance, choice of hotel, number of guests, etc. This is an individual tour, the cost of which will be clear after you have decided on all the details. For those who are not ready to spend a lot, countries such as Cyprus and Greece are suitable, and if you don’t mind the money, you can organize a wedding somewhere on distant exotic islands.

Wedding abroad

Abroad, you can not only get married, but also have a wedding ceremony. In the countries of the Czech Republic, Israel, Italy, Spain, Greece, France and Cyprus, it is possible to have a wedding in an Orthodox church.

Newlyweds may need the following documents for the wedding ceremony:

baptismal certificate;
official written permission from your church (you can ask the rector for this);
marriage and birth certificate;
newlyweds may be asked to sign a document confirming that they are baptized, are not related and have not previously married in a church marriage;
Divorced people must provide a certificate of dissolution of their previous marriage and permission from the church to remarry.

Those who want to combine civil registration with a wedding ceremony are better off going to Cyprus, where they will not require you to provide a marriage certificate in advance.

Similarly, as in the case of concluding an official marriage, the requirements for the set of documents provided may vary depending on the country. Somewhere additional certificates may be required, while in another country, on the contrary, there will be fewer formalities.

Symbolic wedding

The most convenient option in terms of time and money is a symbolic wedding ceremony. There is no need to fill out documents or prepare in advance. You also do not have to deal with legalization of documents. In order to hold a symbolic wedding, you do not need to comply with any legal formalities.

A symbolic wedding ceremony can be organized anywhere in the world, absolutely anywhere: in a medieval castle, in the air, under water, on a picturesque uninhabited island, etc. If the country where you would like to get married is not a member of the Hague Convention or does not allow a formal wedding ceremony for religious reasons (Maldives), then a symbolic wedding is a great alternative.

The newlyweds will be sealed by the captain of a pirate ship, a shaman or a cult priest, or a mythical character. It all depends on your imagination and financial capabilities.

A symbolic ceremony can be a wonderful addition to your honeymoon. Many couples sign at the registry office, and then go abroad, where they have the wedding of their dreams, which they will remember for the rest of their lives. Moreover, even if you have been married for a long time, you can safely arrange a symbolic wedding for yourself in order to feel like a bride and groom again!

Cost of an official ceremony in other countries

Registering a marriage abroad is not the cheapest pleasure.
But if you want an unforgettable holiday, it’s easy to find an alternative option. You can reduce expenses by saving on the list of invitees. You should not invite casual acquaintances, colleagues or distant relatives. Or cut the budget planned for the holiday menu. You can do without an organizer, a wedding decorator, or the services of a toastmaster. All these expenses are unimportant when you want an original and unconventional wedding in an ancient Prague castle or at the foot of an active volcano in Iceland.

But first you need to familiarize yourself with the pricing policy for wedding registration abroad. So, what is the approximate cost of a formal wedding ceremony in other countries? Price for registration and 7 days for two / for 3 days + 8 guests:

1. From 15,000 rub./45,000 rub.