What Documents Do I Need to Get Married Abroad?
- Apr 27
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 18
If you're planning to get married in another country, the first question is usually: what documents are required? The answer depends on the destination, but most foreign governments ask for a combination of identity documents, proof of marital status, and properly authenticated paperwork before they'll allow the marriage to proceed. Knowing these requirements ahead of time - and getting your documents apostilled or legalized correctly - can help you avoid delays, rejected paperwork, and last-minute stress.
Documents Needed to Get Married Abroad
While requirements vary by country, most people are asked to provide:
Valid passport
Proof of address (in some cases)
Single Status Affidavit
Divorce decree (if previously married)
Death certificate (if widowed)
Many of these documents must be prepared for international use before they are accepted.
What Is an Apostille and Why Is It Required?
An apostille is a certificate that verifies the authenticity of a public official's signature so your document can be recognized internationally under the Hague Apostille Convention. If the country where you are getting married is part of the Hague Convention, your documents will usually need an apostille. If the country is not part of the Hague Convention, your documents may require embassy legalization instead, which is a different process.
Single Status Affidavit (Proof You Are Free to Marry)
One of the most commonly required documents is a Single Status Affidavit, which confirms that you are not currently married. This document may also be called:
Certificate of No Impediment
Affidavit of Marriageability
Certificate of Freedom to Marry
Learn more here: single status affidavit apostille
Divorce Decree (If You Were Previously Married)
If you were previously married, you will almost always need to provide proof that your prior marriage legally ended.
This typically requires:
A certified divorce decree
Apostille or legalization for international use
Learn more here: California divorce decree apostille process
Do Your Documents Need to Be Translated?
In many cases, yes.
If you are getting married in a country where English is not the official language, your documents may need:
Certified translation
Sworn translation (depending on the country)
Learn more here: certified document translation services
Important: Every Country Has Different Requirements
This is where many people run into issues.
Some countries require:
Documents issued within a specific timeframe (ex: last 90 days)
Additional certifications
Specific document formats
Always confirm requirements with the receiving authority before preparing your documents.
Apostille vs. Embassy Legalization
Understanding this difference is critical:
Hague Convention country → Apostille
Non-Hague country → Embassy legalization
Using the wrong process can result in rejection, even if your documents are valid.
Apostille Services in San Mateo County
If you're located in San Mateo County, you don't have to navigate this process alone. I provide mobile apostille facilitation services throughout San Mateo County and Santa Clara County, including Burlingame, San Mateo, Redwood City, Palo Alto, and surrounding areas. I handle document review, notarization when required, and submission to the California Secretary of State to help ensure your documents are accepted for international use.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Most delays come from a few avoidable issues:
Using the wrong document type
Not obtaining a certified copy
Missing notarization when required
Not confirming country-specific requirements
Waiting too long to start the process
Starting early and verifying requirements upfront can save significant time.
Before You Start the Process
Before submitting anything, confirm:
Which documents are required by the destination country
Whether apostille or embassy legalization is needed
Whether translation is required
That all documents are properly certified or notarized
Getting Married Abroad FAQ
What documents do I need to get married abroad?
The documents required depend on the destination country, but many foreign authorities request a valid passport, certified birth certificate, Single Status Affidavit, divorce decree if previously married, death certificate if widowed, and certified translations when required.
Do I need an apostille to get married in another country?
If the country where you plan to marry is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, your documents may need an apostille before they are accepted. If the destination country is not part of the Hague Convention, authentication and embassy or consular legalization may be required instead.
What is a Single Status Affidavit?
A Single Status Affidavit is a sworn statement confirming that you are not currently married and are legally free to marry. Many countries require this document before issuing a marriage license or allowing a marriage ceremony to take place.
Does a Single Status Affidavit need to be notarized?
Yes. In California, a Single Status Affidavit is generally notarized before it can be submitted for apostille. Once notarized, it may be eligible for California apostille processing if required by the receiving country.
Do I need a divorce decree to get married abroad?
If you were previously married, the receiving country may require a certified divorce decree to prove that your prior marriage legally ended. Depending on the destination country, the divorce decree may also require an apostille or embassy legalization.
Do my marriage documents need to be translated?
Many countries require certified or sworn translations of documents used for marriage abroad. Translation requirements vary by country and receiving authority, and some destinations may require the apostille to be translated as well.
What is the difference between an apostille and embassy legalization?
An apostille is used for countries that participate in the Hague Apostille Convention. Countries that are not members of the Convention generally require authentication followed by embassy or consular legalization before documents can be accepted.
How long does it take to apostille documents for marriage abroad?
Standard California apostille processing is typically completed within 5-7 business days. Priority apostille service may be available in as little as 1-2 business days for eligible documents. Additional time may be required for certified translations or embassy legalization.
Can I get help preparing my documents for marriage abroad?
Yes. I assist with document review, mobile notarization when required, California apostille processing, certified translation coordination, embassy legalization support, and secure return delivery for documents used internationally.
If you're preparing documents to get married abroad, it's important to make sure everything is done correctly the first time.
I can help review your documents, coordinate notarization when needed, and handle the apostille process so your paperwork is ready for international use.
You can also view my apostille pricing in California or request a quote to get started.
Call or text (650) 675-7760
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