Uncovering The Legal Nuances of Eloping

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• The Reality of Eloping legally: understanding the nuances of eloping
• Logistics 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! 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

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1. 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:

• British Columbia – More info HERE
• Alberta – More info HERE
• Saskatchewan – More info HERE
• Manitoba – More info HERE
• Ontario – More info HERE
• Quebec – More info HERE
• New Brunswick – More info HERE
• Prince Edward Island – More info HERE
• Nova Scotia – More info HERE
• Newfoundland and Labrador – More info HERE

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. However, 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

Want to legally elope in Switzerland? Here’s what you’ll need: You both must be at least 18, not already married to someone else, and have two witnesses present. Then just choose a Swiss civil registry office that feels right for you—and you’re all set to say “I do” in the Alps!

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

Thinking of tying the knot in Thailand? Here’s what you’ll need: Both of you must be over 17, legally single, and not related by blood or adoption. You’ll also need your passports and arrival cards, ID cards, House Registration Certificates (if you’re Thai), and two witnesses. Plus, if you’re coming from another country, plan to arrive at least 4 days before your ceremony—there’s some paperwork to sort out! You’ll need affidavits translated into Thai and certified by an approved translator from the Foreign Ministry. It sounds like a lot, but with the right prep, it’s totally doable!

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

Planning to elope in Iceland? Here’s what you’ll need to make it official: your birth certificates, passports, and a certificate of marital status to show you’re not already married. You’ll also need to fill out a marriage notification, have two witnesses, and bring any divorce papers or a death certificate if that applies. Don’t forget your flight details too—it’s all part of the paperwork!

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

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Now that you’ve got a handle on the legal side of eloping in different countries, here’s something good to know—if your dream location doesn’t allow foreign marriages (like Spain or France), you can still have a beautiful symbolic ceremony there! Many couples choose to make it legal at home and then celebrate their love abroad with the adventure of a lifetime.

When you hire me as your elopement photographer, I’m here to help with all the logistics. No matter if you’re getting legally married abroad or keeping things simple with a ceremony at home, I’ve got you covered. I’ll walk you through everything you need so you can focus on the best part—saying your vows in a spot that feels perfectly you.

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

Ready to elope? 

Reach out below

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