Getting Married Abroad: The Role of a Notary Public
Destination weddings are a dream come true for many couples. Exchanging vows in a foreign location can be incredibly romantic, but it's essential to consider the legal aspects when planning your big day. One important question often arises: do you need a notary public? In this article, we'll explore why a notary public can play a crucial role in ensuring the legality and recognition of your overseas marriage in the UK.
Before you jet off to your dream destination, it's vital to understand the legal requirements for getting married abroad. Each country has its own regulations and documentation necessities, and ensuring your marriage is legal and valid in the UK is paramount.
Start by reaching out to the local authorities in the country where you plan to marry. They can provide specific details on what's required for a legal and valid marriage. You can also check the UK government's official website, gov.uk, for guidance.
At SP Notaries, we specialise in assisting clients in obtaining the necessary documents to marry abroad. Feel free to get in touch with us via phone or email for expert advice and support.
Documents You May Need
When planning an overseas wedding, you may need several documents to meet the legal requirements. These often include:
Proof of Identity and Nationality
Proof of Address
Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) or Statutory Declaration
Divorce Decree Absolute (if divorced)
Death Certificate (if widowed)
Certificate of No Impediment (CNI)
A CNI is a document that confirms your legal eligibility for marriage or civil partnership abroad. Some countries may require CNIs to be issued within a specific timeframe, usually two to three months before your wedding. Additionally, they might require translations of these documents. Always adhere to the destination country's specific rules.
CNIs can be obtained at a local UK registry office. After you provide notice of your marriage and it's publicly displayed for 28 days without objections, the CNI will be available for collection.
Remember, both you and your partner will need separate CNIs; it's a per-person requirement, not per couple.
Statutory Declaration
In some cases, you may need to provide a statutory declaration alongside or instead of your CNI. This declaration offers more information and confirms that there are no legal impediments to your marriage. It's also known as a Declaration of Civil Status and requires witnessing and notarisation by a notary public.
Translation Services
You may require certified translations of your documents, particularly CNIs and statutory declarations. It's crucial to use an approved translator to ensure the acceptance of your translated documents by authorities in your destination country. SP Notaries can connect you with trusted translators to assist in this regard.
Legalisation
Some countries may require you to legalise your CNIs and statutory declarations with an apostille from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Depending on your destination, further consular legalisation may also be necessary.
Contact Us for Assistance
Planning a destination wedding can be complex, but it doesn't have to be stressful. Contact SP Notaries for notarial, apostille, or consular services related to your overseas marriage. We're here to provide expert guidance and ensure the legal recognition of your dream wedding abroad.