# international marriage imbroglio **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [July 20, 2003, 8:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-marriage-imbroglio/189719 "2003-07-20T08:20:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2003, 8:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-marriage-imbroglio/189719/1 "2003-07-20T08:20:51Z")
As I have alluded in passing, in a fit of… something, likely insanity… I seem to have gotten myself engaged, despite the fact the woman should really rethink, planning needs to be done. Now, after consideration and discussion, I have a mind to conduct this little event somewhere in Western Europe (but not France) or potentially the Antilles / Caribbean. Now, the question or questions is or are, (a) What are the states with the most liberal legal requirements in regards to residency (i.e. no residency) (b) most efficient processing of the same © no religious blather or bother. There is religious dichotomy to be finessed here. (d) Minimum of political sensitivity, my dear woman has issues there. And don’t ask for explanations. Extra points for references to legal domains with processing times which allow honeymoons and everything within a two week period. Cost is not an object, time is, although obviously if there are charming locales that are also cost effective and efficient, that’s an added bonus. Presume for the response that neither myself nor the unlucky woman are residents of the region/state(s) in question, and so there are all the typical visa and other issues. Without very much knowledge, I have a penchant for Dutch territories, always did like the Dutch. Must be my Palme de B amigo. I wonder if Sint Maarten would be possible, been years since I was there. Humor me, give me worthless electronic advice, although reliable references are also useful. And spare me any personal comments also. ---
**Author:** ![Desmostylus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c57346/32.png) [@Desmostylus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Desmostylus)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2003, 8:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-marriage-imbroglio/189719/2 "2003-07-20T08:25:44Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Collounsbury \* > \*\* And spare me any personal comments also. \*\* I’ll give you a personal comment anyway. Congratulations! ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2003, 9:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-marriage-imbroglio/189719/3 "2003-07-20T09:35:26Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Desmostylus \* > \*\*I’ll give you a personal comment anyway. Congratulations! \*\* Bother. ---
**Author:** ![sunfish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/96bed5/32.png) [@sunfish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sunfish)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2003, 11:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-marriage-imbroglio/189719/4 "2003-07-20T11:30:38Z")
The [Cayman Islands](http://www.gov.ky/servlet/page?_pageid=103&_dad=portal30&_schema=PORTAL30&_mode=3) and [Antigua](http://www.antigua-barbuda.org/Agmarr01.htm) seem to be the hands-down winners. Just show up with your passports, fill out a little paperwork, pay the fees and you’re done. You can even have a tourist outfit handle all the details for you, e.g.: [http://www.heartofcayman.com/beachweddings.htm](http://www.heartofcayman.com/beachweddings.htm) [http://www.eventsmanagementantigua.com/page3.html](http://www.eventsmanagementantigua.com/page3.html) From [this web site,](http://www.ed-hamilton.com/A/DETAILS/1.marriage.html) the British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, St. Kitts, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada apparently also make life relatively simple. The Dutch destinations, unfortunately, have residency requirements that won’t fit your 2-week time frame. No political sensitivities to be concerned about for any of these destinations, as far as I’m aware. I’ll leave Europe to the EuroDopers. [whisper] Congratulations! [/whisper] ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2003, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-marriage-imbroglio/189719/5 "2003-07-20T12:37:43Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by sunfish \* > The [Cayman Islands](http://www.gov.ky/servlet/page?_pageid=103&_dad=portal30&_schema=PORTAL30&_mode=3) and [Antigua](http://www.antigua-barbuda.org/Agmarr01.htm) seem to be the hands-down winners. Just show up with your passports, fill out a little paperwork, pay the fees and you’re done. You can even have a tourist outfit handle all the details for you, e.g.: Very well > [@](#): > > The Dutch destinations, unfortunately, have residency requirements that won’t fit your 2-week time frame. Ah shit. Well, there is still Europe to be addressed. > [@](#): > > [whisper] Congratulations! [/whisper] No one listens, do they? Until the deal is closed and perhaps not even then, save it. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2003, 12:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-marriage-imbroglio/189719/6 "2003-07-20T12:40:23Z")
But of course, the input on the choices is well appreciated. I wonder how much of this can be conducted long distance. ---
**Author:** ![Tusculan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecd19e/32.png) [@Tusculan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tusculan)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2003, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-marriage-imbroglio/189719/7 "2003-07-20T13:05:12Z")
Some general info I’ve gathered. [Belgian formalities (in Dutch)](http://www.monarchie.be/site/wedding/pc/pch_nl.htm): marriage must be proclaimed beforehand at the city hall of the county where you are going to be married (and have chosen domicile), for ten days (in which two sundays). [Aruba](http://www.arubahuis.nl/jz-trouwen.html): only Aruban inhabitants can get married. The only exception is if at least one of the parties is Dutch. You have to proclaim the upcoming marriage three weeks beforehand. [Curacao](http://www.gov.curacao.an/) (you have to browse to ‘Gemeenschap’, then click on ‘Trouwen’):both parties must live _outside_ of the Dutch Antiles. At least 2 months beforehand you have to inform the Civil registry by letter that you want to get married. You have to send copies of passport and original documents proving your unmarried status and certificate of birth. It will take some time to process. Three days beforehand you have to show up with your passport for identification purposes. They provide an e-mail: [bsbvcur@attglobal.net](mailto:bsbvcur@attglobal.net). Dutch formalities ([non-official link](http://www.huwelijksdatagids.nl/formaliteiten.htm)): you have at least to go into ‘ondertrouw’ (pre-registration of marriage) at least 14 days before marriage, for which you have to go to city hall. [This site](http://www.leystravel.be/huwelijksreizen/buland.html) says the easiest countries for non-citizens/inhabitants to get marries are Mauritius and The Seychellen. I have to put a general warning with getting married in a foreign country where neither of the parties is a citizen or inhabitant. The thing is that this may well lead to the general legal regime of the country being applied to your marriage, including the possibilities of getting a divorce, and the financial consequences (about legality of pre-nuptial contracts, and the division of the marital estate in general). Of course when getting married, preparing for divorce is not the first thing on your mind, but I trust you to be sufficiently level-headed to appreciate this warning. I’ll abide to your wishes and refrain from any congratulations to you. I will, however, congratulate your spouse to be with the prospect of a fine husband. ---
**Author:** ![Tusculan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecd19e/32.png) [@Tusculan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tusculan)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2003, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-marriage-imbroglio/189719/8 "2003-07-20T13:07:30Z")
I forgot to mention that all aforementioned links are in Dutch. Curacao seems like a viable option; the site seems to promote this sort of thing, so I’m pretty sure sending an e-mail will get you further info in English. ---
**Author:** ![sunfish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/96bed5/32.png) [@sunfish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sunfish)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2003, 1:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-marriage-imbroglio/189719/9 "2003-07-20T13:09:30Z")
Well in at least one instance you can handle things by mail or fax. From the Heart of Cayman link I posted above: > [@](#): > > \*\*Getting married in the Cayman Islands is fast and easy with Heart of Cayman Weddings. Couples can marry the same day they arrive in the Cayman Islands, including those arriving by cruise ship. … > > Heart of Cayman can take care of all your legal requirements, including securing the services of a Marriage Officer and getting the Cayman Islands Marriage License. Heart of Cayman will fax the blank form to you to be filled out, or if you wish, we can mail it to you. … > > Prior to your arrival on Grand Cayman, we will make arrangements for the Marriage Officer to meet with you at a convenient time, at your hotel/condo or at the cruise ship pier, to discuss the ceremony and sort out the final details for the Marriage License. Both parties must sign the Application form. The License can be obtained on the same day of application.\*\* Since the Caribbean is such a popular destination for honeymoons, most tourist boards for individual places will include information on legal requirements for getting married as well. So if there are particular places you are REALLY interested in, just google the place and “tourism board” or “getting married.” As for the wishes, well… put 'em on ice, they’ll keep. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2003, 1:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-marriage-imbroglio/189719/10 "2003-07-20T13:14:39Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Tusculan \* > Some general info I’ve gathered. Excellent. By the way, this would not have a French version, would it not? I am afraid Dutch is beyond me. [This site](http://www.leystravel.be/huwelijksreizen/buland.html) says the easiest countries for non-citizens/inhabitants to get marries are Mauritius and The Seychellen. [quote] Further: > [@](#): > > I have to put a general warning with getting married in a foreign country where neither of the parties is a citizen or inhabitant. The thing is that this may well lead to the general legal regime of the country being applied to your marriage, including the possibilities of getting a divorce, and the financial consequences (about legality of pre-nuptial contracts, and the division of the marital estate in general). Of course when getting married, preparing for divorce is not the first thing on your mind, but I trust you to be sufficiently level-headed to appreciate this warning. Second time round, thanks though. Given my international nomadism, place of marriage is the least of my headaches. > [@](#): > > I’ll abide to your wishes and refrain from any congratulations to you. I will, however, congratulate your spouse to be with the prospect of a fine husband. That remains to be seen. ---
**Author:** ![jjimm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba8739/32.png) [@jjimm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjimm)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2003, 1:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-marriage-imbroglio/189719/11 "2003-07-20T13:18:18Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Collounsbury \* > \*\*spare me any personal comments also. \*\* Congratulations! Oops. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![jjimm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba8739/32.png) [@jjimm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjimm)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2003, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-marriage-imbroglio/189719/12 "2003-07-20T13:19:55Z")
Oh and surely “Vegas baby, Vegas” would be an idea. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2003, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-marriage-imbroglio/189719/13 "2003-07-20T13:24:13Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by jjimm \* > \*\*Oh and surely “Vegas baby, Vegas” would be an idea. \*\* No. (a) I loathe the place. (b) See the note in re political issues. USA is right out. ---
**Author:** ![Tusculan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecd19e/32.png) [@Tusculan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tusculan)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2003, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-marriage-imbroglio/189719/14 "2003-07-20T13:27:45Z")
For the Dutch Antiles, St Maarten and Aruba I found this English [site](http://www.amcongencuracao.an/english/CA_services/faq/marriage.htm) , apparently from the US Consulate, which clearly lists the various requirements. The Aruban requirements look different from what I found, though. The site that mentioned Mauritius and The Seychellen was a Dutch marriage travel bureau in Belgium, which did not have a French page but also did not give specific information. I guess for those countries it’s up to Googling. I still would like to put in a slightly patriotic vote in for the Carribean part of the Kindom of The Netherlands. Well, you said you liked us. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2003, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-marriage-imbroglio/189719/15 "2003-07-20T14:55:08Z")
Well Col I don’t think it surprises anyone that you are considering marrying an alien. Whatever you do don’t forget this little bit if applicable. > [@](#): > > Affidavit of Eligibility to Marry > > All civil law countries require proof of legal capacity to enter into a marriage contract in the form of certification by competent authority that no impediment exists to the marriage. No such document exists in the United States. Unless the foreign authorities will allow such a statement to be executed before one of their consular officials in the United States, it will be necessary for the parties to a prospective marriage abroad to execute an affidavit at the American embassy or consulate in the country in which the marriage will occur stating that they are free to marry. This is called an affidavit of eligibility to marry and the fee for the American consular officer’s certification of the affidavit is $55.00, subject to change. Some countries also require witnesses who will execute affidavits to the effect that the parties are free to marry. ---
**Author:** ![Eva\_Luna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e495f1/32.png) [@Eva\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eva_Luna)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2003, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-marriage-imbroglio/189719/16 "2003-07-20T15:27:08Z")
A friend of mine did something similar some years back, although for rather different reasons (he can’t stand his family and wanted to makre sure nobody showed up for the wedding). He researched all of Europe, but due to residency requirements, etc. the only place that worked was Scotland. Bonus: he got to get married in a formal kilt. I don’t know Scotland will work for your political considerations, though. I haven’t talked to him in a while, but could dig him up if needed (mutual friends are still in touch). (Side question: does this poor woman know what she’s getting herself into?) ---
**Author:** ![Hari\_Seldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hari_seldon/32/5173_2.png) [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2003, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-marriage-imbroglio/189719/17 "2003-07-20T16:30:50Z")
I go to Barbados for two weeks every February and their tourist office encourages foreigners to come there to get married. Don’t know any details about requrements and that sort of thing, but I am sure it would be easy to find out. My niece is planning on marrying her long-time friend (they have been living together for years) in Tahiti, largely to avoid a big wedding. Finally, off-topic, Toronto has had an influx of same-sex couples after their court ruled that it was sex discrimination to refuse them. Since Ontario is governed by common law, it wouldn’t be very different from most US states as far as marital regime. ---
**Author:** ![Mort\_Furd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Mort\_Furd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mort_Furd)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2003, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-marriage-imbroglio/189719/18 "2003-07-20T17:39:46Z")
From my time in the USAF, I seem to remember Denmark as the easiest European country to get married in. Here’s a link to so info from the US Army in europe on the subject: [http://www.google.de/search?q=cache:XxoIWFvisSMJ:www.tffalcon.hqusareur.army.mil/pdf/Marriage-germany.pdf+denmark+wedding+requirements&hl=de&ie=UTF-8](http://www.google.de/search?q=cache:XxoIWFvisSMJ:www.tffalcon.hqusareur.army.mil/pdf/Marriage-germany.pdf+denmark+wedding+requirements&hl=de&ie=UTF-8) They mention a lot of stuff that doesn’t applay to you, but maybe it will help. If you’ve got bucks, then try someplace like this: [http://www.world-weddings.net](http://www.world-weddings.net) They can help you arrange things for you and your bride - paperwork and travel plans. ---
**Author:** ![biddee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/839c29/32.png) [@biddee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/biddee)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2003, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-marriage-imbroglio/189719/19 "2003-07-20T23:37:14Z")
I live in Antigua and it’s remarkably easy to get married here. There are numerous sites that offer information (just google marriage and Antigua), but certainly getting married and honeymooning in a two week time period is very possible and done by a huge number of people. [http://usmarriagelaws.com/search/caribbean/antigua\_barbuda/index.shtml](http://usmarriagelaws.com/search/caribbean/antigua_barbuda/index.shtml) for the legal requirements. Little ad for the place, it’s beautiful and much cheaper in the summertime, plus we have 365 beaches… ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2003, 6:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-marriage-imbroglio/189719/20 "2003-07-21T06:46:42Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Eva Luna \* > A friend of mine did something similar some years back, although for rather different reasons (he can’t stand his family and wanted to makre sure nobody showed up for the wedding). He researched all of Europe, but due to residency requirements, etc. the only place that worked was Scotland. Bonus: he got to get married in a formal kilt. I don’t know Scotland will work for your political considerations, though. No, and I don’t like kilts either. > [@](#): > > (Side question: does this poor woman know what she’s getting herself into?) In what sense? [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-marriage-imbroglio/189719.md?page=2)