Marriage Abroad: Documents Required & Why You May Need a Notary Public
Planning a marriage abroad is an exciting step. Whether you’re dreaming of a beach ceremony in the Mediterranean or a romantic city wedding in Europe, there’s one crucial aspect you must get right: the documents required to marry outside the United Kingdom.
Each country has its own legal requirements, and failing to prepare the correct paperwork can delay — or even prevent — your wedding. In this guide, we explain the typical documents required, why you may need a Notary Public, and how to ensure your paperwork is legally recognised overseas.
Why Documents Are Important When Marrying Abroad
When you marry outside the UK, you must comply with:
The local laws of the country where the marriage takes place
UK legal requirements (if you want the marriage recognised at home)
Foreign authorities often require official UK documents to be:
Certified
Notarised
Legalised with an Apostille
This ensures your documents are genuine and legally valid in the destination country.
Documents Required for Marriage Abroad
While requirements vary by country, the following documents are commonly requested when UK nationals marry overseas:
1. Valid Passport
A valid UK passport is essential as proof of identity and nationality. Some countries may require copies to be certified or notarised.
2. UK Birth Certificate
Most foreign authorities require a full (long-form) birth certificate, showing your parents’ details.
You may need:
A certified copy
A notarised copy
An Apostille from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
If the certificate is not in the official language of the destination country, a certified translation may also be required.
3. Certificate of No Impediment (CNI)
Some countries require a Certificate of No Impediment, confirming that you are legally free to marry.
This is usually obtained from your local register office in the UK. In many cases, it must then be:
Notarised
Legalised with an Apostille
4. Decree Absolute or Final Order (If Divorced)
If you were previously married, you must prove the legal termination of that marriage.
This means providing your:
Decree Absolute (England & Wales)
Final Order (under newer divorce terminology)
Foreign authorities frequently require this document to be:
Certified as a true copy
Notarised by a Notary Public
Legalised with an Apostille
5. Death Certificate (If Widowed)
If your former spouse has passed away, you will need the official death certificate. As with other documents, notarisation and legalisation may be required.
6. Statutory Declaration or Affidavit of Single Status
Some countries require a sworn statement confirming:
Your identity
Your nationality
Your marital status
Your intention to marry
This is often called an Affidavit or Statutory Declaration of Single Status.
This document must usually be:
Signed in front of a Notary Public
Officially notarised
Possibly legalised with an Apostille
This is one of the most common reasons people require notarial services when planning a marriage abroad.
Why You May Need a Notary Public
When marrying abroad, a Notary Public plays an essential role in ensuring your documents are accepted internationally.
You may need a Notary Public to:
Witness Your Signature on an Affidavit or Statutory Declaration
Many foreign authorities require sworn statements confirming you are free to marry. A Notary Public verifies your identity and witnesses your signature, making the document legally valid overseas.
Notarise a Decree Absolute or Divorce Final Order
If the foreign authority requires a certified copy of your divorce document, a Notary Public can:
Verify the original
Produce a notarised copy
Apply a notarial certificate
Notarise a UK Birth Certificate
In some cases, authorities require confirmation from a UK Notary that your birth certificate is genuine.
Obtain an Apostille
An Apostille is an official certificate issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. It confirms that:
The notary’s signature is genuine
The document is legally valid for use abroad
Without an Apostille, your notarised document may not be accepted in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention.
Do All Countries Have the Same Requirements?
No. Requirements vary significantly depending on:
The country where you plan to marry
Whether that country is part of the Hague Apostille Convention
Whether documents must be translated
Whether additional consular legalisation is required
It is essential to check the specific requirements with the local marriage authority or embassy before arranging notarisation.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Timescales vary depending on:
Whether you need replacement documents
Whether notarisation is required
Whether an Apostille is needed
Whether consular legalisation is required
Because of these steps, it’s wise to begin preparing your documents well in advance of your wedding date.
Ensuring Your Marriage Is Recognised in the UK
If you marry legally according to the laws of the country where the ceremony takes place, your marriage will generally be recognised in the UK. However, proper documentation is essential to avoid complications later — especially for:
Visa applications
Name changes
Property matters
Probate and inheritance
How We Can Help
Preparing the documents required for marriage abroad can feel overwhelming — especially when dealing with international authorities, notarisation requirements, and Apostilles.
At KG Notary Public, our notary can assist with:
Witnessing affidavits and statutory declarations
Notarising birth certificates and divorce documents
Certifying copies of passports and other identification
Obtaining Apostilles from the UK authorities
Advising on document requirements for marrying abroad
If you are planning a marriage abroad, getting professional guidance early can save time, stress, and costly delays.
Contact us to ensure your documents are correctly prepared, notarised, and legalised — so you can focus on celebrating your special day with confidence.