If you are concerned about the legality of your destination wedding you've had in a foreign language countries, you can breathe a little easier. Here is the information provided by the US State Department.
validity of marriages abroad
In general, unless the marriage breaks US state laws, marriages that are legally performed and valid abroad are also legally valid to States States. Inquiries concerning the validity of a marriage abroad should be addressed to the Attorney General of the state in the US where the parties to the marriage live.Who can perform marriages abroad
US diplomatic and consular agents are not authorized to perform marriages (Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations 52.1). Weddings abroad are almost always performed by civil or religious officials (foreign) local.Generally, weddings are not performed in the premises of an embassy or a US consulate. The validity of marriages abroad is not dependent on the presence of a US diplomatic or consular agent, but on respect for the laws of the country where the marriage is solemnized.
consular officials can authenticate foreign marriage documents. The fee for the authentication of a document is approximately $ 32.00
Note: .. The authentication may not be necessary if the country accepts an Apostille
Laws and foreign proceedings
embassy or tourist information office in the country where the marriage is to be performed is the best source of information on marriage in this country. Some general information on marriage in a limited number of countries can be obtained from abroad Citizens Services, Room 4811, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520. In addition, US embassies and consulates abroad often information on marriage in the country in which they are located.required residency
weddings abroad are subject to the requirements of the country of residence where the marriage is to be made. There is almost always a long waiting period.Documentation and authentication
Most countries require a valid US passport is presented. In addition, birth certificates, divorce decrees, and death certificates are often needed. Some countries require that the documents submitted to the Registrar of first marriage be legalized in the United States by a consular officer of that country. This process can be lengthy and expensiveNote: .. The authentication may not be necessary if the country accepts an Apostille
Parental consent
The age of majority for marriage varies from country to another. People under 18 must, as a rule, submit a written declaration of consent signed by their parents before a notary public. Some countries require parental consent statement to be authenticated by a consular officer of the foreign country to the United States.Declaration of Eligibility to Marry
All civil law countries require proof of legal capacity to enter into a marriage contract the form of certification by the competent authority that no impediment exists to marriage. Such a document exists in the United States. Unless the foreign authorities will allow such a statement to be executed before one of their consular officials in the United States, it is necessary that the parties to a future marriage abroad to perform an affidavit in US embassy or consulate of the country where the wedding will take place stating that they are free to marry. This is called an affidavit of eligibility to marry and the fee for the certification of the US consular officer of the affidavit is $ 55.00, subject to change. Some countries also require witnesses who execute affidavits to the effect that the parties are free to marry
See also :. Single Status Affidavit
Additional Requirements
Many countries, like the United States, require blood tests.some countries require that the documents submitted to the marriage officer to be translated into the native language of that country.
Loss of US citizenship
In some countries, marriage to a citizen of this country will automatically do the spouse is a citizen of this country or eligible for naturalization in this country quickly. The automatic acquisition of a second nationality will not affect US citizenship. However, naturalization in a foreign country with clean application of one or the application of a duly authorized officer may cause loss of US citizenship. Those planning to request a foreign nationality should contact a US embassy or consulate for more information.Marriage to an Alien
Information on obtaining a visa to a foreign spouse can be obtained from any office of the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services of the Department of Homeland Security, embassies US and consulates abroad, or the Department of State visa Office, Washington, DC 20520-0113. General information about visas can be obtained by calling the Visa Office on 202-663-1225.Information provided by the US State Department