Top 7 countries where it’s easiest for foreigners to get married in 2024

Each year, more couples from different parts of the world choose to get married abroad, seeking to make their special day unique and unforgettable. One of the key factors influencing the choice of wedding destination is the ease of the marriage process for foreigners. In some countries, this process is significantly simplified thanks to favorable legal conditions and minimal bureaucratic barriers.

In this article, we’ll explore the top 7 countries where it’s easiest for foreign couples to legalize their relationship in 2024. To compile this list, we relied on up-to-date data and our own experience. It’s worth mentioning that depending on your citizenship, the requirements may vary, so before heading abroad, it’s advisable to contact the embassy. Or, if you wish to get married in Georgia, you can reach out to the specialists at our wedding agency, Shu Wedding. We’re always up-to-date with the latest legal requirements and wedding costs in Georgia.

In our list, you’ll find information on legal norms, the time required for document processing, and other aspects that can make your wedding ceremony in another country as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Our top 7 countries include: Georgia, Denmark, Gibraltar, Cyprus, Portugal, Las Vegas (USA), and Iceland. Each of these countries offers unique advantages and specific features of the marriage registration process.

General Legal Requirements in Different Countries

• Age – In most countries, the minimum age for marriage is 18 years. However, there are exceptions; for example, in some countries, it’s allowed to marry at 16 with parental consent.
• Legal Capacity – Both partners must be legally capable and able to give informed consent to the marriage.
• No Impediments – Neither partner should be married to someone else. In some countries, the absence of close kinship between the couple is also checked.
• Waiting Period – Some countries have a mandatory waiting period between filing the application and the wedding ceremony. For instance, in Denmark, this may take 7-10 days.
• Presence of Witnesses – Most countries require the presence of one or two witnesses at the ceremony.

Top 7 Easiest Countries for Foreigners to Get Married

Denmark

Denmark is rightfully considered one of the most popular wedding locations for foreigners. Annually, more than 10,000 foreign couples get married here, accounting for over a quarter of all marriages in the country. What makes Denmark so attractive:

• No residency requirement – You don’t need to live in Denmark to get married.
• Recognition of same-sex marriages – Denmark was the first country in the world to legalize same-sex unions in 1989.
• Fast procedure – From application submission to the ceremony, it can take just 1-2 weeks.
• Minimal bureaucratic barriers – The process is as simplified as possible for foreigners.

Required documents:

• Valid passports of both partners.
• Certificate of No Impediment.
• Divorce or death certificate of a previous spouse (if applicable).
• Completed marriage registration application form.
• Proof of residence or registration.
• Visa (in some cases).

Gibraltar

Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory at the southern tip of Spain, offers unique advantages for couples wishing to marry abroad. To give you an idea of how popular this location is, especially among Spanish citizens, it’s worth mentioning just one fact – in 2015, 85% of all marriages in Gibraltar were between foreign nationals. Impressive, isn’t it? Let’s take a look at the advantages offered by this British Overseas Territory:

• Simplicity of procedure – Gibraltar is known for its simplified marriage registration process for foreigners.
• Marriage recognition – A marriage registered here is recognized worldwide, including in the UK and EU countries.
• Scenic locations – The famous Rock of Gibraltar and the Mediterranean Sea provide a stunning backdrop for wedding photos. No wonder this place was chosen for the wedding of the legendary John Lennon and Yoko Ono.

Required documents:

• Valid passports of both partners.
• Birth certificates.
• Proof of marital status (if applicable, divorce or death certificate of a previous spouse).
• Name change certificate (sometimes required).
• Visa (depending on your citizenship).
• Proof of stay in Gibraltar for at least one night before or after the ceremony.

Cyprus

Cyprus, known as the «Island of Love,» offers excellent conditions for a romantic wedding by the sea. According to the Cyprus Tourism Organization, over 7,000 couples choose the island for their wedding ceremonies each year. Cyprus can be attractive for several reasons:

• Beautiful wedding venues – The beaches of Ayia Napa and Protaras, the medieval castle in Paphos, vineyards in the Troodos Mountains.
• Well-established wedding tourism industry, high service quality, and luxury hotels, villas with sea views.
• Year-round wedding season – 340 sunny days a year. Peak wedding season: May-October.
• Fast and simple bureaucratic system for marriage registration for foreign citizens.

Document requirements:

• Valid passports of both partners. They must be valid for at least six months.
• Birth certificates.
• Divorce or death certificate of a previous spouse (if applicable).
• Affidavit of freedom to marry, notarized.
• Special marriage license (issued in Cyprus).
• Copies of passport pages showing photos. For the couple and witnesses.

Important: All documents must be translated into Greek or English and apostilled.

Georgia

Georgia has become a popular destination for foreigners looking to get married quickly and without unnecessary complications. For several years in a row, this country has been among the top places most attractive to foreign couples who want a swift marriage. Couples are drawn by:

• No residency requirement – You can come to the country specifically to get married.
• No visa requirement – Citizens of over 90 countries can enter Georgia visa-free.
• Minimal bureaucratic procedures – The process is highly simplified, and from document submission to marriage registration, it can take less than a day.
• Affordability – The cost of marriage registration in Georgia is significantly lower than in many European countries.

Minimum required documents:

• Valid passports of both partners.
• Marriage registration application (filled out on the spot).

It’s important to note that in Georgia, you don’t need to provide a birth certificate, medical examination results, or a certificate of no impediment, which greatly simplifies the process for foreign couples.

Portugal

Portugal attracts couples from around the world with its simplified marriage registration process and additional benefits for future citizens. According to the National Institute of Statistics of Portugal, the number of marriages between foreigners in the country has increased by 25% over the past 5 years. This is due to several factors:

• No requirement for a minimum stay in the country.
• Ability to submit documents online.
• Application review time: 2-4 weeks.

Required documents:

• Valid passports.
• Birth certificates.
• Certificate of No Impediment (Certificado de Capacidade Matrimonial).
• Proof of termination of a previous marriage (if applicable).
• Name change certificate (sometimes required).
• Residence permit in Portugal.

All documents must be translated into Portuguese by a certified translator and apostilled.

Las Vegas, USA

According to the Clark County Marriage Bureau, about 80,000 marriages are registered in Las Vegas annually. Approximately 80% of the couples getting married in Las Vegas are visitors from other states or countries. According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, about 3% of all city visitors come specifically to get married. The average time from obtaining a license to the ceremony: 2-4 hours. Advantages:

• Minimum age – 18 years (16-17 years with parental consent).
• Ability to hold the ceremony in a casino and even in a car.
• Minimum requirement – 1 witness (many chapels provide witnesses for free).
• Average registration time – 10-30 minutes.

Required documents:

• Marriage license (about $110).
• Valid passports.

Iceland (Reykjavik)

Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, offers a unique experience for couples wishing to marry in the land of fire and ice. It’s important to note that same-sex marriages have been legal in Iceland since 2010, making the country attractive to LGBTQ+ couples from around the world. About 500 foreign couples choose Iceland for their wedding each year (according to the Icelandic Statistics Office). What to expect:

• Iceland does not require a minimum stay for marriage.
• Possibility to organize a wedding 2-3 days after arrival.

Required documents:

• Marriage intention application (submitted in advance).
• Valid passports.
• Birth certificates.
• Certificate of No Impediment (issued in the country of residence).
• Divorce or death certificate of a previous spouse (if applicable).

All documents must be translated into Icelandic, English, or Scandinavian languages and apostilled.

Remember that even if you choose one of the countries listed above, you may encounter various challenges. For example, errors in filling out documents, excessive unplanned expenses, or misunderstandings with service providers. These problems are almost inevitable if you try to organize a wedding in another country on your own. To save your time, nerves, and money, consider hiring a professional wedding planner. In Georgia, Shu Wedding specialists can handle all the legal and organizational matters. We’ll ensure that your wedding goes exactly as planned!