As romantic and exciting as the thought of a destination wedding may be there are several considerations to make before packing your bags.The last thing you want ,when you return from honeymoon is to discover that your wedding isn't considered legal.Are these items on your destination wedding checklist?

1. TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION

Be sure to visit your local or nearest consulate of the country you wish to visit.Enquire about visa and travel documentation required.These may take some time to process, so be sure to enquire at least 4-5 months in advance.

2. TRAVEL PRECAUTIONS

Depending on your destination, you may need a few health precautions like vaccinations.

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3.IS YOUR WEDDDING LEGAL?

One of the most crucial being the legality of your marriage abroad.There would simply be no point to having a destination wedding, only to find that your marriage is not considered legal.Though the legality of the marriage will depend largely on the laws of the country where your destination wedding will take place.So before you plan and depart to your destination wedding, have you checked out the legal nitty gritty about marrying abroad?

Who can you be married by?

• Most always performed by local (or foreign) civil or religious officials, depending on the type of ceremony you choose. If you are on a wedding package with a resort of tour operator then be sure to ask them these questions.

Validity of Marriages Abroad

• In general, marriages which are legally performed and valid abroad are also legally valid in the United States. If you are uncertain about the legality of your marriage then contact your local state attorney general office.

Foreign Laws

• It is best to consult the embassy or tourist information bureau of the country in which the marriage is to be performed is the best source of information about marriage in that country. Some general information on marriage in a limited number of countries can be obtained from Overseas Citizens Services. American embassies and consulates abroad frequently have information about marriage in the country in which they are located. U.S. Department of State - Overseas Services

Affidavit of Eligibility for marriage

• All civil law countries require proof of legal capacity to enter into a marriage contract .
• A competent authority like notary public or consulate to certify that you are entering in to marriage at your own will and not forced into it.This is not a rule but can apply to some countries so be sure to check.

Additional Requirements

• Many countries, like the United States, require blood tests.
• Some countries require that documents presented to the marriage registrar be translated into the native language of that country.

Once you've resolved all of the above, you can not only pack your bags but get your destination wedding planning started.

Bon Voyage!

Betsy