Getting Married Abroad in 2026: Complete Checklist with Country-Specific Rules (+ Step-by-Step Guide)

Getting married abroad is a dream for many couples: a romantic beach ceremony, a fairytale castle wedding, or an intimate gathering in an exotic location. But while the idea is exciting, planning a wedding in another country comes with extra rules, paperwork, and logistics. This complete guide helps you prepare step by step, covering legal requirements for popular destinations, a realistic timeline, cost estimates, and a handy checklist. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to do to ensure your marriage is legally recognised in the Netherlands—and how to celebrate your big day without stress, wherever you choose to say "I do."

Why get married abroad?

More and more Dutch couples are choosing to tie the knot abroad. Here’s why:

• Romance and adventure: a unique setting like a Tuscan villa, a Greek chapel, or a Caribbean beach.
• Cost savings: in some countries, venue, catering, and photography costs are lower than in the Netherlands.
• Intimacy: a smaller wedding with only your closest family and friends.
• Speed: in some countries, you can marry faster than in the Netherlands (where the legal waiting period is at least 14 days).

Important note: a marriage abroad is only legally valid in the Netherlands if it meets the local laws and Dutch requirements. Always check in advance whether your marriage will be recognised here.

Legal requirements by country (2026)

The rules for getting married abroad vary by country. Below is an overview of the most popular destinations for Dutch couples, including key requirements and waiting times. Note: this information is based on the latest data (2026), but always double-check with local authorities or the Dutch embassy for updates.

1. Italy

• Legal waiting period: at least 3 working days (after arrival).
• Required documents:
  • Valid passport or ID card.
  • Birth certificate (with apostille and translation).
  • Certificate of no impediment (issued by your municipality, no older than 6 months).
  • Divorce decree or death certificate (if applicable).
• Ceremony: only civil ceremonies are legally valid. Religious ceremonies are possible but must be preceded by a civil ceremony.
• Recognition in the Netherlands: yes, if Italian requirements are met.

2. France

• Legal waiting period: at least 30 days (after submitting documents).
• Required documents:
  • Valid passport or ID card.
  • Birth certificate (with apostille and translation).
  • Certificate of no impediment (issued by your municipality, no older than 3 months).
  • Divorce decree or death certificate (if applicable).
  • Medical certificate (no older than 2 months).
• Ceremony: only civil ceremonies are legally valid. Religious ceremonies are possible but have no legal value.
• Recognition in the Netherlands: yes, if French requirements are met.

3. Spain

• Legal waiting period: at least 15 days (after arrival).
• Required documents:
  • Valid passport or ID card.
  • Birth certificate (with apostille and translation).
  • Certificate of no impediment (issued by your municipality, no older than 3 months).
  • Divorce decree or death certificate (if applicable).
  • Certificate of registration with the Dutch embassy (sometimes required).
• Ceremony: only civil ceremonies are legally valid. Religious ceremonies are possible but must be preceded by a civil ceremony.
• Recognition in the Netherlands: yes, if Spanish requirements are met.

4. Greece

• Legal waiting period: none (possible immediately after arrival).
• Required documents:
  • Valid passport or ID card.
  • Birth certificate (with apostille and translation).
  • Certificate of no impediment (issued by your municipality, no older than 6 months).
  • Divorce decree or death certificate (if applicable).
• Ceremony: both civil and religious ceremonies are legally valid.
• Recognition in the Netherlands: yes, if Greek requirements are met.

5. Bali (Indonesia)

• Legal waiting period: at least 2 months (due to registration requirements).
• Required documents:
  • Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity).
  • Birth certificate (with apostille and translation).
  • Certificate of no impediment (issued by your municipality, no older than 6 months).
  • Divorce decree or death certificate (if applicable).
  • Visa (specific for marrying in Indonesia).
• Ceremony: only civil ceremonies are legally valid. Religious ceremonies (e.g., Hindu) are possible but have no legal value.
• Recognition in the Netherlands: yes, if Indonesian requirements are met.

6. Las Vegas (United States)

• Legal waiting period: none (possible immediately after arrival).
• Required documents:
  • Valid passport.
  • Date of birth and citizen service number (BSN).
• Ceremony: both civil and religious ceremonies are legally valid.
• Recognition in the Netherlands: yes, if U.S. requirements are met (note: some states require a blood test).

Step-by-step guide: getting married abroad in 9 steps

This step-by-step plan ensures you don’t forget anything and have all the necessary documents in time. Start planning at least 6 months in advance, especially if you’re marrying in a country with a long waiting period.

Step 1: Choose your destination and venue

• Research the legal requirements of the country (see above).
• Pick a venue that suits your vision: a beach, castle, vineyard, or city hotel.
• Visit the venue in person (if possible) or request a virtual tour.
• Book the venue and any vendors (photographer, caterer, florist) well in advance.

Step 2: Check recognition in the Netherlands

• Contact the Dutch embassy in the country where you plan to marry to confirm your marriage will be recognised in the Netherlands.
• Request a certificate of recognition from your Dutch municipality if needed.

Step 3: Arrange your documents

• Request a birth certificate from your municipality (with apostille and translation).
• Request a certificate of no impediment from your municipality (no older than 3-6 months, depending on the country).
• Arrange a divorce decree or death certificate (if applicable).
• Have all documents translated by a sworn translator and affix an apostille (an international certificate of authenticity).

Step 4: Arrange your travel and accommodation

• Book your flights and accommodation.
• Arrange any necessary visas (depending on the country).
• Check with your health insurer whether you’re covered abroad.

Step 5: Plan the ceremony and reception

• Choose an officiant (civil or religious, depending on the country).
• Write your vows (if desired).
• Plan the ceremony and reception: music, catering, decorations, and photography.
• Send invitations to your guests and arrange accommodation for them if needed.

Step 6: Handle legal formalities on-site

• Register with the local authorities (e.g., civil registry or municipality).
• Submit all required documents and pay any fees.
• Wait out the legal waiting period (if applicable).

Step 7: Celebrate your wedding!

• Enjoy your wedding day and celebrate with your guests.
• Ensure your marriage is registered with the local authorities (if not already done).

Step 8: Register your marriage in the Netherlands

• Have your marriage certificate translated and affix an apostille.
• Register your marriage with your Dutch municipality (this can also be done after returning home).

Step 9: Celebrate again in the Netherlands (optional)

• Host a reception or party in the Netherlands for family and friends who couldn’t attend the ceremony abroad.

Cost overview: getting married abroad (2026)

The cost of a wedding abroad varies greatly by country and venue. Below is an estimate of average costs (in euros) for a wedding with around 20 guests. Keep in mind additional costs for travel, accommodation, and visas.

Checklist: getting married abroad

Use this checklist to keep track of everything you need to do. Tick off each step as you complete it.

6-12 months before

• Choose your destination and venue.
• Check the legal requirements of the country.
• Contact the Dutch embassy to confirm recognition in the Netherlands.
• Book the venue and any vendors.
• Arrange your documents (birth certificate, certificate of no impediment, etc.).
• Have documents translated and affix an apostille.

3-6 months before

• Book your flights and accommodation.
• Arrange any necessary visas.
• Plan the ceremony and reception (officiant, music, catering, etc.).
• Send invitations to your guests.
• Arrange accommodation for your guests (if desired).
• Choose and order your wedding attire.

1-3 months before

• Register with the local authorities (if required).
• Submit all required documents.
• Pay any fees.
• Write your vows (if desired).
• Visit the venue in person (if possible).

1 month before

• Check that all documents are still valid.
• Confirm all bookings (venue, vendors, travel, accommodation).
• Arrange any final details (flowers, decorations, photography).

1 week before

• Pack your bags and don’t forget any important documents.
• Double-check that you have all required documents with you.
• Enjoy your wedding day!

For more practical wedding tips, check out our Wedding Tips category.

Frequently asked questions

Is a marriage abroad legally valid in the Netherlands?

Yes, as long as the marriage meets the legal requirements of the country where you marry and Dutch requirements. Always check with the Dutch embassy in advance to confirm your marriage will be recognised. After returning home, you must register your marriage with your Dutch municipality.

How far in advance should we start planning?

Start planning at least 6 months in advance, especially if you’re marrying in a country with a long waiting period (e.g., Bali). For countries with a short waiting period (e.g., Greece or Las Vegas), 3-4 months may be sufficient.

Can we have a religious ceremony abroad?

In some countries (e.g., Italy, Spain, and France), only civil ceremonies are legally valid. Religious ceremonies are possible but must be preceded by a civil ceremony. In other countries (e.g., Greece), both civil and religious ceremonies are legally valid. Always check the local rules.

What is an apostille, and why do we need one?

An apostille is an international certificate of authenticity issued by the Dutch government. It’s required to prove that your documents (e.g., birth certificate, certificate of no impediment) are genuine. Most countries require an apostille for official documents used abroad.

Can we visit our wedding venue abroad beforehand?

Yes, it’s highly recommended to visit the venue in person if possible. Many venues also offer virtual tours, which can be helpful if you can’t travel beforehand. Use this checklist to ensure you don’t forget anything during your visit.

What are the advantages of getting married abroad?

The advantages of getting married abroad include:

• A unique and romantic location.
• Lower costs for the venue, catering, and photography (depending on the country).
• A smaller, more intimate wedding with only your closest family and friends.
• The opportunity to combine your wedding and honeymoon.

Are there any disadvantages to getting married abroad?

Yes, there are a few disadvantages to consider:

• Extra rules and documents to arrange.
• Higher travel and accommodation costs (depending on the destination).
• Fewer guests able to attend (due to travel distance and costs).
• Potential language barriers and cultural differences.