How to get married in 24 hours: top destinations for foreign couples

Choosing to tie the knot in a foreign country is a bold and exciting decision, but it’s one that requires meticulous planning. When selecting the perfect destination for your official registration, there are countless factors to consider.

The primary challenge often lies in the legal complexities: understanding the specific marriage procedures for non-residents and navigating the maze of document collection and authentication. Every country has its own unique set of legal requirements and local regulations. To ensure your big day goes off without a hitch, it is essential to dive deep into the legislative nuances of your chosen location.

Let’s break it all down step-by-step.

If circumstances prevent you from legally marrying in your home country, doing so abroad is a practical alternative.

However, there are universal international requirements for couples wishing to wed:

• Legal age: Every country has a set minimum age for marriage.
• Prohibited degrees of Relationship: Marriage between close relatives, including adoptive parents and their children or guardians and their wards, is strictly forbidden.
• Mental capacity: It is impossible to marry individuals who have been declared legally incapacitated.
• Mutual consent: Both partners must enter the marriage voluntarily.
• Legal residency status: The couple must be present in the country legally.
• Dissolution of previous marriages: Any prior marriages must be officially terminated, with documentary evidence provided.

Getting married abroad involves specific nuances dictated by local laws. For instance, in Mauritius, you must sign official paperwork at an office in the capital the day before the ceremony. In France, foreigners must be in the country for at least 10 days before they are granted a marriage permit (pre-registration). When planning your destination wedding, it is essential to research local regulations and requirements well in advance.

If you have decided to get married quickly and receive a document that will be recognized in your home country, we recommend following these suggestions. The best places to register a marriage abroad are countries with minimal document requirements, low bureaucracy, simplified wedding procedures, and reasonable prices for wedding services. Here are the top destinations for an express wedding where you can make your dream come true in just one day.

Marriage in Georgia: Minimum Paperwork and Maximum Convenience

Georgian hospitality, picturesque landscapes, unique culture, and incredible cuisine are known worldwide. But did you know that foreigners can officially register a marriage in Georgia with incredible ease? The visa-free entry policy makes the country highly attractive to travelers from various nations.

There are several other advantages for newlyweds. A wedding ceremony in Georgia is quite affordable due to the competitive prices for services and entertainment. Thanks to minimal bureaucracy, you won’t need a mountain of documents or certificates. All that is required are the couple’s passports and a completed application.

In the capital, there are several wedding registries where non-residents can get married in the shortest time possible. About a hundred kilometers from Tbilisi lies Sighnaghi, often called the “Georgian Las Vegas.” Instant weddings are organized in this city, where couples can be married immediately upon filing their application. Marriage certificates issued by Georgian registries are recognized by almost every country in the world (with rare exceptions like China and France).

If you dream of an unforgettable wedding in Georgia, contact the Violet Weddings agency. Our team is ready to organize your celebration with impeccable attention to every detail. We offer European-standard services at competitive prices. Our standard wedding packages are designed with all legal nuances in mind.

If an apostille is required, we will organize the wedding ceremony in Tbilisi, including passport translation and notarization, filing the application, and providing witnesses. We also provide an event coordinator and transfers for the couple to the registry office. Package prices start at $450. You will receive a marriage certificate translated into English with an apostille within 1–4 business days.

If your home country requires consular legalization of the marriage document, we offer a dedicated legalization package. Instead of an apostille, the certificate will undergo the legalization procedure with an English translation. This process takes 8–11 business days. The final document will be sent to you via express mail. The shipping cost is included in the package, which starts at $550.

Cuba: Exotic Ceremonies and Simple Legalization

Increasingly, couples are choosing this island nation for their wedding destination. If you dream of a romantic ceremony on the Caribbean coast beneath the glow of a setting sun, your dream is easily within reach. On this tropical island, the wedding naturally transitions into a honeymoon, where you can enjoy year-round warmth, stunning landscapes, and a vibrant culture.

Cuba offers official marriage registration. Since ceremonies are conducted in Spanish, you may require a translator. The required document package includes the couple’s international passports, birth certificates, and proof of single status (such as divorce decrees or death certificates if applicable). A certificate of no impediment to marriage is also required. All documents must be notarized and translated into Spanish. Please note that issuing the final certificate takes at least three months. To ensure its legal validity in your home country, it must be translated into your official language and certified.

Denmark: The European Capital of Express Weddings

Danish laws are exceptionally liberal toward foreigners of all nationalities and genders, offering a highly simplified registration process. It is a convenient choice for both EU citizens and residents of other countries. The marriage process itself takes only a few hours, and the certificate is recognized globally. The required documents include passports, birth certificates, and certificates of no impediment. If the couple has children together, their birth certificates must also be submitted.

Czech Republic: Official Registration for International Couples

The medieval charm of this country, with its Gothic architecture and cozy cobblestone streets, is the perfect setting for an unforgettable wedding. For a romantic style, choose an ancient manor or castle; for a modern ceremony, a sophisticated hotel is ideal. The best times to plan a Czech wedding are April–May or September–November. Foreigners must hold a Schengen visa or other valid residency documents for the EU. If the bride and groom wish to have a religious ceremony, it can be arranged at the Cathedral of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Prague.

In the Czech Republic, non-residents must complete a marriage application and gather a specific document package. Prepare copies of the photo pages of both your international and domestic passports in advance, as well as pages indicating your marital status. Additional certificates may be required depending on the couple’s citizenship.

Turkey: A Romantic Alternative with Simple Requirements

This hospitable country attracts not only tourists but also newlyweds. With its resorts, hotels, warm climate, and endless entertainment, Turkey is perfect for a stylish wedding followed by a honeymoon. Registrations are handled by local marriage offices. The primary advantages include visa-free entry for most non-residents and the affordable cost of wedding services.

However, getting married in Turkey has its challenges. First, there can be long waiting lists for ceremony slots. Second, you must provide apostilled documents along with your application, including birth certificates and proof of single status. It is best to obtain these in your home country to avoid long delays. Additionally, you will need six 3×4 cm photos and a medical certificate, which is issued only after both partners provide blood samples at an authorized medical facility.

Gibraltar: British Law and Rapid Processing

This territory offers one of the most efficient marriage systems for international couples. To tie the knot, foreigners only need their birth certificates and international passports. A single day’s stay is enough to complete the legal process. Romantic ceremonies can be held on beaches or private yachts, creating wonderful emotions, lasting memories, and stunning wedding photos and videos.

Las Vegas (USA): Legendary One-Day Weddings Without the Formalities

In Vegas, you can organize anything from a classic ceremony to a vibrant Elvis-themed wedding. If you have a spontaneous urge to get married, the city makes “instant weddings” easy at any time of day or night. First, you must obtain a marriage license from the Clark County Marriage License Bureau, then simply choose one of the city’s many wedding chapels. To ensure the marriage is recognized internationally, an apostille is required.

If your couple has legalized your relationship in a foreign state, you will need to have your marital status recognized in your home country. There are several ways to prepare a marriage certificate for recognition, depending on the destination. EU member states, Israel, Canada, and the USA accept an Apostille. For countries such as Thailand, Qatar, the UAE, and others, a full legalization procedure is required. If specific bilateral agreements are in place between the countries, a simple notarized translation of the marriage certificate may be sufficient.

If your country of citizenship is a party to the 1961 Hague Convention, an Apostille affixed at the time of registration will be enough. Other states require the certificate to be legalized. First, it is stamped in the country where the marriage took place, and then by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your country of citizenship. In some cases, a stamp from the embassy is also required.

If you are serious about registering your marriage abroad, your wedding can become a vivid adventure that will be remembered for a lifetime. Remember that the result of the event is a document with full legal force. It is important to be attentive to details to avoid potential problems or complications.

Our team offers you the opportunity to conclude an official marriage in Georgia without any hassle or risk. We will perfectly plan your celebration and ensure that all your wishes and dreams are brought to life. Magnificent nature, beautiful weather, a romantic ceremony, delicious food and drinks, and diverse entertainment—everything is designed for the pleasure of you and your guests.

A marriage concluded in Georgia is legal and recognized in any state. You won’t have to handle any logistics or worry about a thing. We will manage all bureaucratic procedures for you. Call us, write to us in our chat, via messenger, or by email to learn more about our services.

We have prepared a table showing the average cost of standard wedding packages offered by other agencies. You can compare them with our company’s offers to help you make your choice.

Just give us a hint of how you envision your wedding, and we will create a truly romantic event where you, the couple in love, play the leading role.

Our team will fill the story of your feelings with an atmosphere of love and romance. Every minute of your celebration will be touched by warmth, comfort, and harmony. If you want a stylish, sincere, and unforgettable wedding, contact our agency. Call us or write to us using any convenient method. We are ready to turn your dreams into reality.