Can you get married abroad quickly?

You can get married abroad quickly, but the speed depends entirely on the country you choose and its legal requirements. Some destinations, like Las Vegas in the United States, allow weddings with almost no waiting time. Others, like France or Italy, often require you to be resident for a certain number of days before the ceremony, sometimes up to a month. You must research the specific rules for your chosen country and check the GOV.UK page for that country.

If you are marrying in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, you must give notice at least 28 days before the ceremony, but that rule applies to weddings taking place in those countries, not abroad. For a wedding abroad, you are not giving notice in the UK. Instead, you follow the rules of the country where the wedding happens. However, if you plan to have a legal ceremony in the UK as well, for example a short civil ceremony, then the UK notice period applies.

A quick wedding abroad can be stressful, especially with paperwork. Some countries need documents translated, apostilled or certified, which takes time. Give yourself at least a few weeks to sort out birth certificates, divorce decrees if relevant, and any parental consent forms. If you are in a hurry, choose a country known for simple paperwork and check with the local registrar or embassy before you travel.