Which Countries Make Getting Married Easy

For many couples, the idea of having a wedding abroad seems like a romantic dream: picturesque landscapes, unique traditions, and the chance to make the day as special as in the movies. But behind the beauty lies a real challenge - the legal registration of the marriage. Documents, visas, deadlines, requirements for foreigners - all of this can turn wedding preparation into a real quest.

Fortunately, there are countries where the process of registering a marriage for foreigners is as simple, fast, and transparent as possible. In these places, a couple can officially become husband and wife in just a few days, without unnecessary bureaucracy, complicated procedures, or a mountain of paperwork.

In this article, we will take a detailed look at which countries make the wedding process easy and accessible for foreigners, what to consider when choosing a location, and what documents are required to ensure that your wedding abroad is not only beautiful but also legally recognized.

Top 8 Countries Where Foreigners Can Easily Get Married

Planning a wedding abroad and want the marriage registration to be fast, simple, and fully legal? We've put together a ranking of countries where the process of getting married as a foreigner is as straightforward, lawful, and romantic as possible.

1. Georgia. Georgia is the undisputed leader when it comes to speed and simplicity of marriage registration for foreigners. Registration takes just 24 hours, with no need for extra medical certificates, birth certificates, or proof of marital status. International recognition of marriages makes Georgia ideal for couples who want legal simplicity combined with a beautiful and emotional wedding. You can choose any location - from the majestic Caucasus mountains to cozy vineyards or stylish urban venues in Tbilisi.
   Required documents: Passports, divorce or death certificate of a previous spouse (if applicable), completed local application form.
2. Cyprus. Cyprus is a sunny island perfect for seaside weddings. White sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and a mild climate create a romantic atmosphere for any ceremony, from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations. The marriage registration process is relatively straightforward, but the high popularity of venues can affect the cost of the ceremony, especially during peak season. It's recommended to book in advance to secure the best options.
   Required documents: Passports, birth certificates, affidavit of eligibility to marry, divorce or death certificates, apostille, and translation into English or Greek. Minimum stay before the ceremony - 3 days.
3. Las Vegas, USA. Las Vegas is a global symbol of quick, vibrant, and memorable weddings. Couples can get married literally in a single day - in a chapel, casino, or outdoors. The city's unique atmosphere makes the ceremony unforgettable and dynamic, perfect for couples who want official registration combined with a spectacular celebration. Minimum age for marriage - 18. Marriage licenses are valid for one year, and medical certificates are not required.
   Required documents: Passports, marriage license (≈ $110), at least one witness.
4. Gibraltar. Gibraltar is a small British territory located at the southern tip of Spain, known for its international recognition of marriages. It's easy for foreigners to register a union here, and it is automatically recognized in the UK and most EU countries. The process is LGBTQ+ friendly and includes formal but transparent requirements. Couples gain legal protection and the assurance that their marriage will be recognized at home.
   Required documents: Passports, birth certificates, divorce or death certificates, proof of residence, notarized affidavits, translations into English.
5. Denmark. Denmark is a progressive and open country where couples can officially marry regardless of nationality or sexual orientation. The process takes just 1-2 weeks, making Denmark an ideal choice for a quick and legally valid wedding.
   Required documents: Passports, certificate of eligibility to marry, if applicable - divorce or death certificates, completed application form, possibly proof of residence and visa. All documents must be in English or Danish, with an apostille if necessary.
6. Portugal. Portugal is a vibrant and romantic country for a wedding, with beautiful cities, picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean, and a mild climate almost year-round. For foreigners, the marriage registration process is highly convenient: documents can be submitted online, and there's no requirement for permanent residency. This makes Portugal perfect for couples who want legal simplicity combined with the atmosphere of European romance.
   Required documents: Passports, recent birth certificates with apostille, certificate of eligibility to marry, divorce or death certificates, translations into Portuguese.
7. Mexico. Mexico is a true dream for couples who want a seaside wedding. The white sands of Cancun or Playa del Carmen provide the perfect backdrop for both intimate ceremonies and large celebrations with guests. After the wedding, couples can enjoy a romantic journey through the country, taking in its culture, cuisine, and stunning landscapes.
   Required documents: Passports, visas or immigration forms, birth certificates, medical certificate, marriage certificates/divorce documents from previous marriages, sometimes a certificate of eligibility to marry and four witnesses. Requirements can vary by state, so it's important to check in advance.
8. Cuba. Cuba offers the atmosphere of a true Caribbean celebration. Foreigners can get married here, but the process is longer: the official marriage certificate is issued 3-4 months after the ceremony. Despite bureaucratic nuances, Cuba remains popular thanks to its exotic appeal, vibrant beaches, and unique culture.
   Required documents: Passports, birth certificates, certificate of marital status, divorce or death certificates, apostille, and notarized translations into Spanish.

When choosing a country, consider not only bureaucratic simplicity but also the atmosphere, budget, season, and your personal preferences. Quick marriage registration is convenient, but what's more important is that the wedding fulfills your dream, rather than being just a formality.

What Makes a Country Easy for Foreign Couples to Get Married?

When couples choose a country for a wedding abroad, the key factor is not only the beauty of the location or the climate but also the simplicity of the legal marriage process. An “easy” country is one where the marriage registration process for foreigners is as transparent, fast, and convenient as possible, without unnecessary bureaucracy or unjustified delays.

Key characteristics of such a country:

• Minimal documentation. The fewer certificates, proof of marital status, medical reports, and apostilles required, the easier it is to register the marriage. An ideal country allows a couple to marry using just passports and basic forms.
• Short processing times. Quick registration means the marriage can be formalized within 24 hours, a few days, or at most a couple of weeks. There's no need to wait months or plan an extended stay solely for legal registration.
• Simple visa and residency requirements. An easy country doesn't require long-term stays, complex visa procedures, or proof of permanent residence. Couples can arrive, get married, and enjoy their celebration without bureaucratic obstacles.
• Flexibility for foreign citizens. Regardless of nationality or religious differences, these countries are ready to officially register the union of any couple.
• Transparency and support. Easy countries provide clear instructions, online forms, and contact points for clarifying requirements. There are no last-minute “surprises,” and everything is officially recognized according to international standards.

Wedding Agencies: Your Superpower Abroad

No “easy” country makes the wedding process fully automatic. This is where wedding agencies step in, turning even the most complex moments into a smooth and enjoyable experience. A professional agency is not just an organizer - it's your personal guide, assistant, and advocate in a country where you may not yet be familiar with the laws, language, and local nuances.

Here are the top 5 reasons why a wedding agency makes your destination wedding truly effortless, illustrated with examples from Shu Wedding, which works with international couples in Georgia:

1. Stress-free documentation. The agency gathers all necessary certificates in advance, arranges translations, apostilles, and notarizations, so you don't waste time or energy on bureaucracy.
2. Expert legal support. Any questions regarding the country's laws, marriage recognition in your home country, or ceremony requirements are resolved before your arrival.
3. The perfect location for your style. You choose the dream - the agency turns it into reality. From a cozy rooftop terrace to a palace or a beach with turquoise waters, complete with professional photography and full wedding decor.
4. Organized planning without chaos. From booking accommodation and transportation to reserving an intimate restaurant or a grand banquet hall, the agency coordinates everything so you can enjoy the celebration instead of drowning in logistics.
5. Emotions and safety. The agency provides on-site support, helps with language, accompanies you to official procedures, reduces stress, and allows you to focus entirely on love and emotions.

A wedding agency is not a luxury - it's a necessity if you want your destination wedding to be easy, beautiful, legally recognized, and entirely your dream. They transform complex legal, bureaucratic, and organizational tasks into a pleasure, allowing you to live every moment of your day without worries or stress.