Should You Get Married Abroad?

Getting married on the sun-kissed beaches of Jamaica might be your ultimate wedding fantasy. But is it wise? Many people would not like to get married abroad, because of the legal concerns. Will their marriage license be recognized? When they want to re-enter their country of origin, what paperwork do they need to show, they are no longer single, but in fact married? The legal issues might also be that since you were married abroad, you may require more than just your marriage license as proof of your relationship, when it comes to finances, mortgages and child custody. It's a bit like Las Vegas weddings. Although they can be recognized, usually, a lot more proof is required. So here are some things to consider.

Is the legal authority recognized?

We’re getting a little political here, but it has to be done. Is the legal system of the country you are getting married in, fully recognized by other countries? Some issue examples are Cuba, Venezuela and North Korea. These legal systems are not necessarily taken seriously by other countries because they are run by despots and regimes. You can’t honestly say you take the laws of North Korea seriously when they are made by one man. Now this is an extreme example, but you get the picture. The country you intend to settle in after your foreign marriage, will require confidence in the legal system you used to get married and plenty of paperwork that is stamped, authorized and witnessed. There is just too high of a chance of forgeries being made in countries with weak and lax legal systems.

Marrying a non-citizen

You may want to get married to someone who is not a citizen of your country. For example, if you were American, you would need the K1 visa. This is when you intend on marrying someone who is a foreign born national. Here is the k1 visa cost. Working with an attorney is a must, as they can gather all the legal documents required to marry someone who will eventually be recognized by your legal system. Countries have obligations to their own citizens and if you want to marry and maybe bring your spouse to your country, they need to apply for a K1 visa and pass the requirements for it.

The cost is lower

Aside from the legal stuff, marrying abroad might just be cheaper. This is why so many opt to get married abroad because they can have a larger wedding guest list and party. If you are from a rich country with a strong currency, you could be able to buy 2 or 3 times the amount you could buy by getting married domestically. So you could buy more champagne, hire great caterers and enjoy a fantastic hotel in a poorer country. 

You can get married abroad, if you really want to have a picturesque location that you cannot get at home. But make sure you are legally aware of the challenges you might face, post-wedding.