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 all information below is a generalisation only as documentation varies depending on your country of residence.
Quick weddings are unsual in Europe as most countries require a "cooling off" period between declaring your intent to marry and legally being 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.
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 their country
Certificate of Single Status/Sworn affidavit that you are free to marry
These are similar to 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, Certificate 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 3 months ago, two proofs of domicile, certificates of single status, certificate 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 apostille 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: four 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
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 a civil ceremony is recognised by Austrian law.
Germany
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 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 documents above, if you are 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 the deceased spouse, all required documents above. Residency requirement: none.
Ireland
You will need: give notice to the registrar 4 weeks before wedding in writing signed by both of you, 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 then 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 imprdiment 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
