There are so many stunning places to marry in Europe to choose from you'll be spoilt for choice!
Organising the paperwork can sometimes be complicated, however as long as you double check with the authorities that you have all the correct documents beforehand it should be possible to get legally married in most European countries. Please note that all information below is a generalisation only, as documentation varies depending on your country of residence.
Quick weddings are unusual in Europe as most countries require "cooling off" period between declaring your intent to marry and being legally able to exchange your vows. When planning a European wedding we would recommend you start the legal process at least 3 months in advance of your planned wedding day.
Documents to get married in Europe
Required documents for all countries:
- Full birth certificates showing both parents' names
- Passports
- If divorced, show your original final divorce papers
- If widowed, show the death certificate of your former spouse
- If you have changed your name then show legal proof of the change
- (Bride and groom must not be related by blood, marriage or adoption)
Some countries also require these documents:
Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage
This can be obtained from your local department of foreign affairs or your embassy in the country in which you are getting married.
Apostille Stamp
Some countries require foreign legal documents to be stamped with an apostille which then makes them legal documents in that country.
Certificate of Single Status/Sword Affidavit that you are free to marry
These are similar to a Certificate of No Impediment, but instead you have to swear you are single in front of a legal representative.
Western Europe
Italy
You will need: an official interpreter for the ceremony, Certificates of No Impediment (Nulla Ostra), certified translations of all required documents above, if the bride has been married before she must wait 300 days after the end of her last marriage before she can remarry. Residency requirement: none.
France
You will need: birth certificates issued less than 6 months ago, two proofs of domicile, certificates of single status, certificates of no impediment, certified translations of all required documents above with apostille stamps, medical certificates issued less than 3 months ago by a doctor in France. Residency requirement: 40 days.
Spain
You will need: application to marry form, certificate of no impediment, certified translations of all required documents above with aspostille stamps, affidavit stating where you reside, consular registration certificate. Residency requirement: 21 days if non catholic and non resident. None if catholic or if you own property in Spain.
Gibraltar
You will need: all required documents above. Residency requirement: 24 hours.
Portugal
You will need: 4 witnesses, certificate of no impediment, certified translations of all required documents above issued within the last 6 months with apostille stamps. Residency requirement: 30 days.
Malta, Gozo & Comino
You will need: form RZ1 application to publish banns, form RZ2 Declaration on Oath, all required documents above, provide for the registrar details of when and where the marriage will take place, name of the minister conducting the wedding and name the bride will use after marriage. Residency requirement: none.
Gibraltar
You will need: if widowed your previous marriage certificate, all required documents above. Residency requirement: none.
Monaco
You will need: birth certificates issued less than 3 months ago, certificate of publication of the marriage banns, all required documents above with certified translations countersigned by consuls of the issuing country. Residency requirement: 30 days.
Central Europe
Switzerland
You will need: promise of marriage form, sworn affidavit that you are free to marry, certified translations of all required documents above, if you are divorced your former marriage certificate. Residency requirement: none. Only a civil ceremony is recognised by Swiss law.
Austria
You will need: an official interpreter for the ceremony, proof of domicile, sworn affidavit that you are free to marry, any former marriage certificates, certified translations of all required documents above with apostille stamps. Residency requirement: none. Only civil ceremony is recognised by Austrian law.
Germany
You will need: an official translator for the ceremony, proof of domicile, sworn affidavit that you are free to marry, any former marriage certificates, certified translations within the last 3 months of all required documents above with apostille stamps. Residency requirement: none. Only a civil ceremony is recognised by German law.
Northern Europe
Sweden
You will need: sworn affidavit that you are free to marry, certified translations of all required translations above, if divorced your former marriage certificate, certified and notarised. You may need to show a certified copy of your country's marriage laws. Residency requirement: none.
Iceland
You will need: witness forms, certificate of marital status, confirmation from the Directorate of Immigration that you are legally staying in Iceland, flight tickets, if widowed papers showing the estate and liabilities of hte deceased spouse, all required documents above. Residency requirement: none.
Ireland
You will need: give notice to the registrar 4 weeks before the wedding in writing signed by both of your, marriage registration form, certificate of no impediment, all required documents above. Residency requirement: none.
Eastern Europe
Czech Republic
You will need: certificate of no impediment, certified & legalised translations of all required documents above. Residency requirement: none.
Croatia
You will need: birth certificates issued less than 3 months ago, certificate of no impediment, certificate de coutume, affidavit signed before a solicitor, if divorced tehn your previous marriage certificate, certified translations of all required documents above with apostille stamps. Residency requirement: 21 days.
Slovenia
You will need: an official interpreter for the ceremony, birth certificates issued less than 6 months ago, single status certificate, certificate of no impediment, certified translations within the last 3 months of all required documents above. Residency requirement: none.
Poland
You will need: certificate of no impediment, personal details form, certified translations of all required documents above. Residency requirement: none.
Southern Europe
Greece
You will need: certificate of no impediment issued within the last 3 months, if divorced then previous marriage certificate, certified translations of all required documents above. Residency requirement: none.
Cyprus
You will need: notice of marriage form, swear before a registrar that you are single and that there is no impediment to the marriage, if divorced then your previous marriage certificate, all required documents above. Residency requirement: 2 or 3 days.
Turkey
You will need: certificate of no impediment, 6 recent photos of bride and groom, certified translations of all required documents above. Certain resorts may require medical examinations. Residency requirement: none.
