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Wedding legal requirements

Where can UK couples legally get married abroad?


Planning a wedding abroad?



If you're dreaming of saying "I do" in a destination wedding, it's important to understand the legal stuff before you travel. Sorting out the dress, flowers and photographer may be the most exciting parts, but the most important things to be aware of when getting married abroad are the legal requirements! Every country has its own rules around documentation, eligibility to marry and official requirements, and these can vary depending on your nationality and personal circumstances.

From gathering the correct paperwork to making sure your marriage is legally recognised in the UK, getting prepared well in advance will help avoid any unnecessary worry and stress on the day. This page explains the key legal requirements for getting married abroad in our wedding destinations and features lots of other handy information that you may need to know about.

The countries you can get married in with Jet2Weddings

Before you get married abroad

Most destinations require:


  • Valid passport
  • Birth certificate
  • Certificate of No Impediment (CNI)
  • Proof of address
  • Divorce or death certificates (if applicable)

  • Requirements vary by destination and local authority.

    Legal checklist

    Cyprus legal checklist

    Required documents: 

    • Original full-length birth certificates (must show names of your parents)  
    • Scanned copies of passports for both of you and your two witnesses (expiry date must be more than six months after your wedding, and witnesses must be over 18)  
    • If you’ve been adopted – adoption certificate  

    You’ll also need to provide the following documents with an apostille stamp issued by the FCO: 

    • Statutory declaration (this must be issued within three months of your wedding date and must be witnessed by a solicitor)  

      If you’ve previously been married or changed your name, you’ll also need to provide the following documents with an apostille stamp: 

    • Divorced – certified copy of divorce decree absolute  
    • Widowed – original marriage certificate and death certificate of your previous spouse  
    • Name change – original deed poll  

    *The above information applies to British passport holders. For any other nationality (including Irish), please contact us. 

    Greece legal checklist

    Required documents: 

    • Scanned copies of passports for both of you and your two witnesses (expiry date must be more than six months after your wedding, and witnesses must be over 18)  

    You’ll also need to provide the following documents with an apostille stamp issued by the FCO: 

    • Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) – this is issued by your local Register Office and must be dated within five months of your wedding date 
    • Newly issued full-length birth certificates – These must be issued within one year of the wedding and must show the names of your parents 

    If you've previously been married or changed your name, you'll also need to provide the following documents with an apostille stamp: 

    • Divorced – original divorce decree for each marriage (must bear the official court stamp from the issuing court)  
    • Widowed – original marriage certificate and death certificate of your previous spouse  
    • Adopted – adoption certificate  
    • Name change – original deed poll  

     

    Additional documents for Zante: 

    • Town hall application form – You must fill in this form after you receive the CNI, making sure all the details match the passports, birth certificates and CNI. 

    Italy legal checklist

    Required documents: 

    • Original full-length birth certificates (must show the names of your parents)  
    • Scanned copies of passports for both parties and your witnessed (expiry date must be more than six months after your wedding, and witnesses must be over 18)  

    You’ll also need to provide the following documents with an apostille stamp issued by the FCO: 

    • Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) – this is issued by your local Register Office and must be dated within six months of your wedding date 
    • Statutory declaration (this must be issued within six months of your wedding date and must be witnessed by a solicitor. The solicitor must also rubber-stamp the document before you send it to the FCO for apostille) 

    If you've previously been married or changed your name, you'll also need to provide the following documents with an apostille stamp: 

    • Divorced – original divorce decree for each marriage (must bear the official court stamp from the issuing court)  
    • Widowed – original marriage certificate and death certificate of your previous spouse  
    • Adopted – adoption certificate  
    • Name change – original deed poll  

    *The above information applies British passport holders. For any other nationality (including Irish), please contact us.

    Portugal legal checklist

    Required documents: 

    • Original full-length birth certificates (must show the names of your parents)  
    • Scanned copies of passports for both parties and your witnesses (expiry date must be more than six months after your wedding, and witnesses must be over 18)  

    You’ll also need to provide the following documents with an apostille stamp issued by the FCO: 

    • Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) – this is issued by your local Register Office and must be dated within six months of your wedding date 

    If you've previously been married or changed your name, you'll also need to provide the following documents with an apostille stamp: 

    • Divorced – original divorce decree for each marriage (must bear the official court stamp from the issuing court)  
    • Widowed – Original marriage certificate and death certificate of your previous spouse  
    • Adopted – adoption certificate  
    • Name change – original deed poll  

    *The above information applies to British passport holders. For any other nationality (including Irish), please contact us.

    Malta legal checklist

    Required documents: 

    • Scanned copies of passports: For both of you and your witnesses (expiry date must be more than six months after your wedding, and witnesses must be over 18)  
    • RZ1: One form to be filled out by the couple  
    • RZ2: One form for the bride and another form for the groom (2 forms in total). They both need to be filled out in front of the solicitor and stamped by the same solicitor.  
    • Letter of confirmation: One form to be filled out by the couple  

    You’ll also need to provide the following documents with an apostille stamp issued by the FCO: 

    • Original full-length birth certificates (must show the names of your parents)  
    • Third-party affidavit: One form for the bride and one form for the groom (two in total). The witness signing the affidavit needs to have known the bride/groom for more than five years 

    If you've previously been married or changed your name, you'll also need to provide the following documents with an apostille stamp: 

    • Divorced – Certified copy of divorce decree absolute  
    • Widowed – Original marriage certificate and death certificate of your previous spouse  
    • Name change – Original deed poll  

    *The above information applies to British passport holders. For any other nationality (including Irish), please contact us.

    Turkey legal checklist

    Required documents: 


    British nationals wishing to marry in Turkey need to provide the following documents to process the marriage application: 

    • An affidavit of marital status, notarized and apostilled in the UK 
    • Valid full ten–year passports with a minimum of six months validity 
    • Four recent colour passport-sized photographs each 
    • Two witnesses (immediate family members cannot be used) 

    The following documents may also be required, depending on where you’re getting married: 

    • Full birth certificates 
    • If divorced, decree absolute 
    • If adopted, adoption certificate 
    • If you had a name change, legal proof 

    There’s no minimum period of residency required for getting married in Turkey, just enough time for your paperwork to be prepared, which is between 1-2 days, depending on where the wedding will take place. 

     

    *Affidavits are valid for 180 days following the date of issue. 

    *Blood tests may be required for certain resorts 


    Compare wedding destinations

    Destination Legal marriage Paperwork Beach weddings Luxury Resorts
    Cyprus Yes Low Excellent Excellent
    Greece Yes Medium Excellent
    Excellent
    Italy Yes
    Medium-High Good Excellent
    Portugal Yes
    Medium
    Excellent
    Excellent
    Turkey Yes
    Medium
    Excellent
    Excellent

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    FAQs

    Can UK citizens legally get married abroad?

    Yes. UK citizens can legally marry in many countries around the world, provided they meet the destination's legal requirements. These can include residency periods, documentation requirements and local registration procedures.

    Is my marriage recognised in the UK?

    In most cases, yes. A marriage that is legally valid in the country where it takes place is generally recognised in the UK. However, you must make sure all local legal requirements have been met and obtain the correct marriage certificate.

    What is a Certificate of No Impediment?

    A Certificate of No Impediment confirms there is no legal reason preventing you from getting married. Many countries require this document before a wedding ceremony can take place.

    How far in advance should we start planning?

    It's recommended to begin planning at least 9–12 months before your wedding date. This allows time to gather documents, arrange translations, meet any residency requirements and secure your preferred venue.

    Can same-sex couples legally get married abroad?

    This depends on the destination. Some countries fully recognise same-sex marriage, while others only permit civil partnerships or do not legally recognise same-sex unions. Please check our individual destination pages for more information on this.

    Can we have a symbolic ceremony abroad?

    Yes. Many couples complete the legal marriage process in the UK before celebrating abroad.

    Is a symbolic wedding ceremony legally binding?

    No. A symbolic ceremony is a celebration only and does not create a legal marriage. Many couples choose to complete the legal paperwork in the UK before then hold a symbolic ceremony abroad.

    Can I get married abroad if I am divorced?

    Yes. Most destinations allow divorced individuals to marry, although you may need to provide your decree absolute or equivalent legal documentation.

    Do my wedding documents need to be translated?

    Some destinations require official translations of documents such as birth certificates and Certificates of No Impediment. Translation requirements vary by country.

    Browse our new Jet2Weddings brochure

    In this handy e-brochure, you’ll discover how to book your nuptials in Cyprus and Greece, match-made hotel recommendations and need-to-know hints and tips for a dazzling destination wedding…


    Read our brochure


    Jet2holidays works in association with Perfect Weddings Abroad Limited. Jet2Weddings is a trading name used by Perfect Weddings Abroad Limited to provide wedding services to Jet2holidays customers. Terms and conditions apply.

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