Legalities Regarding Destination Weddings

A destination wedding is so romantic that it may be easy to forget the important legalities. Every destination has different laws governing "tying the knot". Find out the legalities of getting married early in the process, so that your wedding day can be a happy, joyous event.

Documentation that you will most probably need includes: proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate will probably do) and a valid picture ID such as a driver's license. If one of you has been divorced, a copy of divorce papers will be needed. If a previous spouse is deceased, you will need a copy of the death certificate.
Different locales also have varying requirements for waiting periods. Couples definitely should make sure that their application will be entered in time to comply with all of the local rules and that they have established any necessary residency requirements.

Your officiant at the destination should be able to guide you about the laws of the land, what documentation you will need, and any applicable waiting periods. It wouldn't hurt to double check the information with the civil government of the destination. Contact the city hall, as well as the American Embassy, (if abroad) and verify the information. This should be done as soon as you have selected a destination, as well as verified close to the wedding date, to make sure that that laws have not changed.

You should also double check to make sure that the United States will recognize your marriage as legal. They usually will, but you should double check. If there is any question, you can always have a civil ceremony before departing for the destination.

If you are uncomfortable with concerns about the legality of marriage at the destination, consider getting married at your local city hall before traveling, making the destination wedding ceremony a beautiful renewal of vows. The wedding will still be beautiful and enchanting for the, guests, as well as for the bride and groom.

There are varying laws is different locales in regards to waiting periods. Following are some different waiting periods.

Las Vegas: No waiting period

Hawaii: No waiting period after the marriage license is issued.

The Bahamas: Couple must be on the island one day before the license is issued. After the marriage license is issued there is no waiting period. Documentation, along with declarations that both are unmarried are required.

Fiji: Couples can get a marriage license upon arrival. Ceremonies are not performed on Sundays.

Aruba: Couples need to petition the Office of Civil Registry a week or two before arrival. Drivers Licenses, passports, divorce papers, death certificates and the passports of two witnesses will be needed.

British Virgin Islands: Apply for license upon arrival. There is a three day waiting period.

Jamaica: After the marriage license is issued, there is a 24 hour waiting period.

Bermuda: Fairly stringent requirements include publishing a notice of your intent to marry in your local paper.

French Polynesia: Thirty day waiting period.

France: Forty day waiting period.

St. Maarten: Ten day waiting period.

Ireland: Fifteen day waiting period.

Kenya: Twenty day waiting period.

Mexico: Varies depending upon city and judge.

Turks and Caicos: Must be on island 24 hours before applying. It takes two to three days to process.

St. Thomas / St. Johns: Eight day waiting period.

Planning a destination wedding takes extra organization. The event should be really beautiful and memorable for everybody involved. It's important to insure that the legalities are taken care of so that the event can be truly happy.

Resources:
The Everything Destination Wedding Book, A Complete Guide to Planning Your Wedding Away From Home" by Shelly Hagen, published by Adams Media
the knot guide to destination weddings, by Carley Roney with Joann Gregoli, published by Clarkson Potter