Important Information for Expatriate Getting Married Abroad

Have you moved abroad as an expatriate and decided to have your wedding in your host country? Perhaps you are marrying a native of your host country.

Planning a wedding in a country you are not from can throw up some interesting points which you may not have thought about.

In this article, we provide you with those all-important questions to ask, and things to think about.

Laws and the legality of your wedding ceremony as an expat
As we already know, different countries come with different laws. For instance, some countries require you to provide that you have lived in that particular country, non-stop, for a certain amour of time. Other countries may require you to hold a residence permit, with others not allowing particular religious ceremonies.

In the case of same-sex marriages, these can be a little more complicated and require further research. For instance, in some countries, same-sex marriages may be illegal completely.

Working out the formalities of your wedding abroad as an expatriate
The first thing you should do is contact the local council of the area you are planning to wed in to find out any formalities you need to know and adhere to. For instance, some countries require medical certificates before marrying. There are sometimes different rules in many countries for widows, widowers and those already divorced. Another thing you may be asked for is a Single Status Certificate.

Make sure your wedding is valid back home
There are cases when your wedding ceremony may be legal in your host country, but not back home. The best port of call is to contact the embassy of your home country in your host country to make sure it will be back home.

Tips for the wedding planning itself

Consider hiring a wedding planner
Hiring a wedding planner can take a lot of stress of both you, your partner, and your families. If you are in a country which is not your native language, your wedding planner will be able to arrange things much easier for you, for instance. 

Think about your international wedding guests
Many of your guests will likely be from your home country if you are getting married aboard, meaning they will have to take the time and effort to travel to your location. It is advised to make it as easy and hassle-free for them as possible. Provide detailed information on the location, venue, accommodation options, dress code etc. Also, give them as much notice as possible so they have time to make arrangements and book the time off work.

With all your planning in place, you can have peace of mind and enjoy your day.