Marriage overseas: Apostille and document legalization

Though many individuals cannot imagine getting married without the large wedding complete with reception, flowers and the like, others prefer something much simpler and more streamlined for their nuptials. For this reason, it is becoming increasingly popular for couples to embark on destination weddings in far-flung, tropical or otherwise exciting locales. Typically speaking, this route alleviates a great deal of stress and difficulty for the bride and groom, though it should be noted that certain key administrative tasks must be handled in order to make certain all goes smoothly.

Apostille and document legalization

There is more to be done than to just ask the intended country to formally acknowledge your marriage. In fact, the jurisdiction in question will have to perform it own verification of your identity and your legal ability to wed. It is becoming more common for countries to require that couples present documentation complete with an apostille certificate. Fortunately, this is not an incredibly high hurdle to clear.

The concept of the apostille emerged from the Hague Conference as a way to create a standard method of document verification among different jurisdictions and countries. It is simply a certificate affixed to other documents which is also endorsed with an embossed stamp. The purpose is to provide legal authority for the documents and vouch for their authenticity to other countries where they may be presented.

What documents you need for marriage abroad

It is possible to affix the apostille to a number of document types. Each country will likely have its own conventions regarding this, and there is no single applicable rule. That is why it pays to contact authorities within the country where you wish to marry and to ensure full compliance. Some marriage-related documents that can make use of the apostille include:

Passport copies
Affidavits of Single Status
Birth or Adoption certificates
Prior Marriage certificates
Divorce decrees
Documents confirming name change
Certificates of non – impediment

While this list is not intended to be exhaustive, it does give a good idea of which types of documents the apostille can be used to authenticate.

How to prepare documents for use internationally

By engaging in a bit of advance planning and making sure these kinds of documents have been correctly processed, your wedding planning should be simple indeed. Get in touch with your on-site wedding coordinator or necessary local authorities once you decide on your marriage destination. Determine which documents need the stamp and arrange for a apostille provider ahead of time, as the entire process could take upwards of a week. Send your important document abroad before you leave for your wedding, or at the very least provide your provider with copies to demonstrate your adherence to the rules. Following these tips will go a long way toward guaranteeing that your overseas wedding is free from unnecessary complications or delays.
If you have any question regarding your document preparation, contact Apoling Solutions. We have vast experience in Apostille and document legalization services and will provide you with necessary recommendations regarding your specific case.