Get married in 24 hours: easiest countries for foreign couples

Over my years as a wedding planner in Georgia, I’ve gotten used to handling legal matters quickly and hassle-free. Honestly, whenever I hear from another couple that a standard marriage registration for foreigners in Europe can drag on for three to six months, I’m genuinely shocked – I simply don’t get why anyone would put themselves through that. If you’re currently searching for the fastest legal marriage abroad, this guide is for you. I’ve compiled a list of destination countries open to non-residents: while my top choice will always be Georgia with its 24-hour wedding turnaround, this guide will help you weigh all your options fairly.

Now, let’s break down what each of these countries offers to foreign couples. To save you from wading through dense legal jargon, I’ve highlighted only the key facts and major nuances for each destination.

1. Georgia

From an international law perspective, registration of marriage for foreign couples in Georgia follows the most liberal scenario in the world. According to the Law “On Civil Status Acts,” the Public Service Hall registers non-resident marriages without requiring proof of residence, medical examinations, or a Single Status Certificate. To get married in 24 hours, a foreign couple only needs passports with a notarized Georgian translation and the presence of two witnesses; the finalized marriage certificate with an apostille is processed in just a few days.

Cons: The country is virtually perfect in every respect for couples seeking a fast and effortless way to tie the knot without bureaucracy. The only real drawback is that Georgian law defines marriage exclusively as a union between a man and a woman, meaning same-sex marriages are not registered here.

2. Denmark

The civil marriage registration procedure for foreigners in Denmark is governed by the Act on Marriage and centralized under the Agency of Family Law (Familieretshuset – AFL). It is a proven European jurisdiction offering a quick wedding abroad with an official certificate recognized worldwide, including for same-sex couples. Applicants are not required to reside in the municipality, though you must pass an online document verification prior to your trip.

Cons: A key disadvantage is that marriage laws for foreigners in Denmark require a mandatory preliminary review by the AFL, which takes anywhere from one to three weeks and costs around €280. Additionally, couples must submit single status certificates, full birth certificates, and proof of legal entry into the Schengen Area (a valid visa or visa-free entry).

3. Cyprus

The marriage of non-residents in Cyprus is governed by the Marriage Law Cap. 279 and processed through local municipal authorities. For those looking for the easiest countries for foreign couples to get married, Cyprus offers a Special License procedure that reduces the waiting period, allowing couples to tie the knot within just 1–3 days of arrival. The issued certificate is produced in English and legalized with an apostille under the 1961 Hague Convention.

Cons: A major downside is the extensive document package required. Each partner must provide an official Sworn Affidavit of single status accompanied by an apostilled translation, along with their birth certificate. Additionally, the couple must be physically present on the island for at least 1–3 business days prior to the ceremony to submit original documents, and a visa is required for entry.

4. Gibraltar

To get married abroad legally in this British Overseas Territory, foreigners utilize the Marriage Act 1998 to obtain a Governor’s Special Licence. Gibraltar appeals to couples wanting a valid, English-language marriage certificate recognized under British law, as well as the fact that local legislation officially registers both opposite-sex and same-sex unions.

Cons: A strict legal requirement is that the couple must present proof of spending the night before or after the ceremony in Gibraltar (such as a local hotel receipt). Furthermore, achieving a fast marriage registration can be complicated by visa rules (requiring a valid UK visa or Schengen visa, depending on entry/transit) and the mandate that affidavits must be sworn exclusively before local Commissioners for Oaths.

5. USA (State of Nevada / Las Vegas)

Under US state law (Nevada Revised Statutes, Ch. 122), Clark County offers one of the world’s most famous procedures for fast marriage registration for foreign citizens. The Marriage License Bureau issues a Marriage License in literally 15 to 30 minutes upon presenting a passport – with no residency requirements, blood tests, or Single Status Certificates required. Following a quick chapel ceremony, the couple receives an official document allowing them to get married abroad legally, which can then be legalized for use back home.

Cons: The primary drawback is complex visa logistics, as foreign citizens require a US visa or ESTA authorization. Additionally, for the marriage certificate to be officially recognized in your home country, you must order an apostille through the Nevada Secretary of State in Carson City, which extends the final document processing time by 10 to 20 days.

6. Seychelles

Marriage registration for non-residents in the Seychelles is governed by the Civil Status Act and conducted by an authorized civil registrar. For couples seeking the easiest countries for foreign couples to get married, the Seychelles is particularly attractive due to its visa-free policy for most nationalities and the option to combine a civil marriage registration with a tropical beach holiday. All issued marriage certificates are drawn up in English or French and easily legalized with an apostille under the 1961 Hague Convention.

Cons: A primary drawback is the mandatory legal residency requirement: couples must physically be in the country for at least two to three days before the ceremony date. Additionally, local marriage laws for foreigners require documents to be submitted at least 11 days in advance (expedited processing is available only for an extra state fee), and each partner must provide an officially translated single status certificate from their home country.

7. Mauritius

The marriage procedure for foreign nationals in Mauritius is regulated by the Civil Status Act 1981 and requires mandatory registration of intention at the central office in Port Louis. The island offers a completely legitimate procedure that lets you seamlessly combine a quick wedding abroad with an exotic getaway. The English-language marriage certificate issued after the ceremony is recognized worldwide upon standard legalization.

Cons: The main downside of this jurisdiction is the mandatory “administrative paperwork day.” By law, one business day prior to the wedding, the couple must personally visit the Civil Status Division in Port Louis with their original documents for verification. Additionally, applications must be submitted 3 to 4 weeks in advance along with affidavits confirming the absence of legal impediments to marriage.

8. Bahamas

To arrange a non-resident wedding in the Bahamas, couples apply through the Registrar General’s Department under the local Marriage Act. It is a transparent, English-speaking jurisdiction where marriage registration for foreigners follows a clear timeline with international-standard documentation issued upon completion.

Cons: A key disadvantage is the strict Residency Requirement: marriage laws for foreigners prohibit applying for a marriage license unless the couple has resided in the Bahamas for at least 24 hours prior to submission. Furthermore, applicants must provide a Single Status Certificate (or Certificate of Search) issued by a government authority in their home country, along with paying local registration fees.

9. Barbados

From a island legislation perspective (Marriage Act), the country offers a swift registration of marriage for foreign couples through the Registrar’s Office in Bridgetown. Barbados law imposes no advance residency requirements, and a special marriage license is issued without delays. The resulting certificate is issued in English and is officially recognized worldwide, making it straightforward to organize a quick wedding abroad on the Caribbean coast.

Cons: The primary downside of this jurisdiction is the rigid administrative schedule: the couple must submit their documents in person and undergo a brief interview at the Registrar’s Office exclusively on business days prior to the ceremony. Additionally, local marriage laws for foreigners require original birth certificates and non-refundable government license fees.

10. Antigua and Barbuda

Non-resident marriages in Antigua and Barbuda are governed by the Marriage Act and Marriage (Amendment) Act, with licensing overseen by the Ministry of Justice. It is one of the most convenient island destinations, allowing couples to get married abroad legally without satisfying lengthy residency conditions – you can apply for an off-site registration on your arrival day. The official marriage certificate is issued in English and subsequently legalized with an apostille.

Cons: A mandatory downside is the requirement to visit the Ministry of Justice in St. John’s in person with all original documents for verification before the civil registrar can officiate the ceremony. Furthermore, citizens of countries without visa-free access must obtain a Caribbean visa, and applicants must provide a full document package with apostilled translations alongside proof of expedited license fee payment.

11. Jamaica

Civil registration of foreign unions in Jamaica is carried out under the Marriage Act by authorized Marriage Officers. It is a popular jurisdiction for those seeking the easiest countries for foreign couples to get married in the Caribbean, as it features a minimal stay requirement – you can apply for a Minister’s Licence after just 24 hours on the island.

Cons: A major disadvantage is the relatively long processing time for the finalized, legalized document: the official marriage certificate from the central Registrar General’s Department (RGD) is dispatched 4 to 8 weeks after the ceremony. Moreover, civil marriage registration requires certified copies of birth certificates and single status documentation for both partners.

12. Mexico

Foreign marriage registration in Mexico is regulated by the Civil Code (Código Civil) of each individual state and processed through local Civil Registry offices (Registro Civil). This destination attracts couples planning large destination weddings in resort regions (Quintana Roo, Cancún, Riviera Maya), complete with a legally binding apostilled marriage certificate.

Cons: Among the main drawbacks and bureaucratic hurdles in Mexico is the mandatory medical examination requirement (including blood tests for HIV/STIs) conducted locally within 14 days of the wedding. Additionally, marriage registration for foreigners is complicated by the need to obtain special permission from the National Immigration Institute (INAMI) in certain states and the requirement that all foreign documents be translated exclusively by certified Mexican sworn translators (Perito Traductor).

13. Portugal

Marriage for foreign citizens in Portugal is governed by the Civil Code (Código Civil) and processed through the Civil Registry Offices (Conservatória do Registo Civil). This jurisdiction appeals to couples due to the option of a completely legal civil marriage registration without prior residency or residence permit requirements, as well as equal marriage rights – the law permits registrations for both opposite-sex and same-sex couples. The issued marriage certificate follows European standards and is easily legalized with an apostille under the Hague Convention.

Cons: The drawbacks of this country include a high bureaucratic load and long application processing times. To get married abroad legally in Portugal, foreign citizens must undergo a preliminary approval process (Processo de Casamento), which can take anywhere from one to three months. Furthermore, marriage laws for foreigners mandate a full document package (birth certificates, Single Status Certificates) translated into Portuguese by a certified sworn translator and stamped with apostilles.

14. Iceland

Non-resident marriage registration in Iceland is regulated by the Law on Marriage (Hjúskaparlög Nr. 31/1993) and administered by Registers Iceland (Þjóðskrá Íslands) alongside District Commissioners (Sýslumenn). Iceland is featured among the easiest countries for foreign couples to get married in Northern Europe thanks to a transparent process, zero residency requirements, and full legal recognition of both opposite-sex and same-sex unions. The official marriage certificate is issued in English, which significantly simplifies any subsequent translation and legalization.

Cons: The main downside of this jurisdiction is the strict document submission timeline: original copies of all requested certificates must reach Þjóðskrá Íslands at least three weeks prior to the scheduled ceremony date. Additionally, the registration of marriage for foreign couples requires proof of legal stay within the Schengen Area, government-issued birth certificates with apostilles, and an official single status certificate.

15. Czech Republic

Civil marriage registration for foreign nationals in the Czech Republic takes place under Act No. 89/2012 Coll. (Občanský zákoník) through local municipal registry offices (Matriční úřad). The country offers a straightforward procedure for destination ceremonies in historic castles and town halls, issuing an official international-standard marriage certificate that requires minimal legalization for EU and Hague Convention member states.

Cons: Disadvantages include the mandatory requirement to obtain a special certificate from the Czech Foreign Police (Cizinecká policie) confirming legal stay in the country, which must be requested in person no earlier than seven business days before the wedding. Additionally, organizing a quick wedding abroad in the Czech Republic is complicated by the fact that the entire official ceremony is conducted strictly in Czech (requiring a certified sworn interpreter if both spouses are not fluent), and marriage registration for foreigners requires comprehensive civil status certificates translated into Czech.

When you break it down, it becomes clear that among all the countries offering a relatively quick and easy marriage process for foreigners, Georgia stands out as the most advantageous choice. Despite all the concessions made by other jurisdictions in this regard, objectively speaking, Georgia imposes the absolute minimum requirements on a couple:

• Minimal documentation: For a legal marriage registration, all you need are your passports (no single status certificates, affidavits, or medical exams required).
• Hassle-free entry: You don’t need a visa to enter the country (citizens of 95+ countries enjoy visa-free entry) – you only need travel medical insurance for the duration of your stay.
• Maximum speed: The opportunity to officially register your marriage and receive a valid marriage certificate in just 24 hours.
• Budget-friendly: The cost of hosting a wedding and processing legal documents in Georgia is a fraction of what it costs almost anywhere else in the world.

On top of that, here in Georgia, you can fully count on my professional support. As your dedicated wedding planner, Elina, I’m always ready to step in and ensure that your special day goes off without a single hitch.

So, feel free to reach out – I’m always here to answer all your questions and would love to organize your ideal wedding in Georgia!