Uncovering The Legal Nuances of Eloping
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The Reality of Eloping legally
Logitistics of eloping legally in each country:
Canada
USA
Italy
Switzerland
Greece
Ireland
Scotland
Thailand
New Zealand
Iceland
Mexico
How to elope in another country without the legal marriage
Contact
Are you ready to discover the legal ins and outs of elopements?
Over the years eloping has become more common. Couples are opting for an experience dedicated to them and their love without having to entertain others as well. Elopements are known for being fully authentic to the couple and stress free, yay! With that some may not know where to start with the legalities of eloping, that’s why I am here.
In this blog post we will uncover the legal nuances of eloping and for specific locations!
Did you know it’s not legal to elope in all countries? Now you do, let’s get to discovering all of the countries you can legally elope and how to do so.
At the end of this blog post I will help you can still have an elopement at a location where it’s not legal to elope OR if you rather take care of the legal work in your country prior to your elopement, you don’t want to miss this!
Let’s get started on what is needed for different locations for elopements, shall we
Canada
In Canada it is legal to elope anywhere as long as you’re over the age of 18. It is important to check the age required per province as it differs. You can get legally married over the age of 16 with parent consent in Canada. In order to Elope legally in Canada you will need 2 witnesses over the age of 18, a marriage license and an officiant or priest. If you decide to Elope in Alberta you are able to have a family or friend marry you legally for free, they will need to fill out a form first to do so.
Here are the government websites that have more information on getting married in each province:
2. United States
When eloping it varies by state on what is required to legally elope. It is best to search the state you’re wanting to elope in and get down to the nitty gritty. What I can tell you is; you need to be over the age of 18 to legally elope in any state. You are able to elope at 16 but you will need parent consent. In some states you are able to self-solemnizing ceremony while others you will need an officiant.
More information on getting legally married in the United States - HERE
3. Italy
You can legally get married in Italy after being there for 2-3 days. You will need a passport, an affidavit, two witnesses and you'll also need to submit a declaration of intent to marry. You can have a religious or civil wedding ceremony when eloping in Italy.
More information on getting legally married in Italy - HERE
4. Switzerland
Couples can legally elope in Switzerland by having 2 witnesses, being 18 and older, must not be married to another person and a Swiss civil register office of your choice.
More information on getting married in Switzerland - HERE
Note - If you are apart of the LGBTQ community you will only be able to have a symbolic ceremony and not a legal ceremony. They require to the couple to be of opposite sex for a legal marriage.
5. Greece
Eloping in Greece requires more documentation that most countries. You will need; a valid passport, birth certificate with the Apostille stamp certifying the copy, official Apostille translated into Greek, which can be certified by a lawyer, a foreign ministry's translation department, a certified translator or the Greek consulate from your home country, Certificate of no impediment to marriage or marriage license or capacity to marry of the bride and groom, Divorce/adoption/change of name certificates.
More information on getting married in Greece - HERE
6. Ireland
There are many requirements when eloping in Ireland such as; having a celebrant, officiant, family friend, monk, or Celtic priest. Must be present in Ireland for at least 3 months prior to your elopement and will have to pay 200 euros. You are required to seek approval for a mail-in registration if you’re from out of the country. You’re required to appear in person at the Registrar at least 5 days before you Ireland elopement
More information on getting married in Ireland - HERE
7. Scotland
Requirements for eloping in Scotland; Over the age of 16, Same or of opposite sex, not married to someone else, not closely related, civil or religious ceremony.
More information on getting married in Scotland - HERE
8. Thailand
Requirements for getting legally married in Thailand; over the age of 17, may not be considered “insane”, cannot be in relation to each other, cannot have the same adoptive parents, must be legally single, identification cards, witnesses, House Registration Certificates of both parties, passport along with arrival card, Translated copy of affidavits to Thai certified by an approved Foreign Ministry Translator. If from out of country you will need to be there for at least 4 days before being able to get legally married.
More information on getting legally married in Thailand - HERE
9. New Zealand
What is required to elope in New Zealand; Celebrant, a marriage license, personalized or registry ceremony and 2 witnesses.
More information on getting legally married in New Zealand - HERE
10. Iceland
Requirements for eloping in Iceland; Birth certificates, passports, certificate of marital status to prove you’re not currently married, a marriage notification, 2 witnesses, divorce papers (if applicable), death certificate if previous spouse is passed and flight information.
To get more information on getting legally married in Iceland - HERE
11. Mexico
Requirements for legally eloping in Mexico; 4 witnesses, officiant from the civil registry of the local municipality of Mexico.
More information on legally getting married in Mexico - HERE
Now that you know all of the legalities of eloping in different countries it’s important to know that you can get married in your country and have a symbolic ceremony in another country! Countries such as Spain and France don’t allow foreign marriages they do allow you to have a symbolic ceremony so you don’t need to completely avoid those countries.
When couples hire me as their Elopement photographer I help them with the logistic of their Elopement. This includes helping them on. what is needed for a legal marriage if they decide to legally get married in another country! If they opt to get married in their home location that makes it much easier for the couple as there is less paper work involved.
This is just one of the ways I help every couple on planning their elopement besides capturing their memories. Want to learn more about my photography services and what I offer? Feel free to fill out the form below and I will be in touch with further information
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