You may not want to bother yourself with the legal stuff at such a special time, when your focus should be on celebrating. So we‘ll do as much as we can to manage the paperwork and permits required. Within the law, of course! (Some religious ceremonies do require you to make the applications and book the ceremony yourself, although we‘ll guide you through the process.)

Legal requirements for getting married abroad change depending on your country of origin and your choice of ceremony. So we'll provide you with the details of all essential documents and legalities needed for your chosen destination. In the meantime, here‘s an initial indication on the destinations we work in most often.

Marriages in Greece
Marriages in South Africa
Marriages in Kenya
Marriages in Zanzibar

• Minimum stay in country before marriage
  • There is no legal minimum residency stay. Though it‘s always advisable to arrive least 2 days before your big day so you”re rested and relaxed for the celebrations
• Legal documents we’ll need from you
  • Full Birth Certificates
  • Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage
  • If you or your partner are divorced - Decree Absolute
  • If you or your partner have been widowed - Death Certificate
  • If you or your partner have changed your name - Deed Poll Certificate
  • If you or your partner are adopted - Adoption Certificate
  • For religious ceremonies - Baptism Certificate, for Catholic or Orthodox ceremonies additional documents to be advised by your local parish
• Translations
  • All these documents have to be translated in Greek by your Greek Embassy or Consulate
  • We need to receive these translated documents 4 weeks before the ceremony
  • If you‘d like us to translate the documents for you, we‘ll need them 8 weeks before the ceremony
• What happens after your ceremony
  • Declaration of marriage by couple at Registry Office in order for the marriage to be valid. We’ll personally take you or arrange an escort.
  • Official Wedding Certificate will be posted or given to you 3 days after the ceremony
  • For religious ceremonies, your local parish will receive your Wedding Certificate, where you may receive it.
• Same sex marriages
  • The legality of same sex marriages in Greece is still under debate by government
  • Please contact us for a latest update

*Legal requirements change depending on your country of origin and your choice of
 ceremony. Please see the list above as an initial indication only.

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• Minimum stay in country before marriage
  • There is no legal minimum residency stay. Though it’s always advisable to arrive least 2 days before your big day so you’re rested and relaxed for the celebrations
• Legal documents we’ll need from you
  • Full Birth Certificates
  • Passport, 10 years with at least 6 months validity
  • If you or your partner are divorced – Decree Absolute
  • If you or your partner are widowed – Death Certificate and previous Marriage certificate
  • If you or your partner are under 18 – written consent by your legal guardians
• Translations
  • Your document need to be translated into English by your South African Consulate, if they are in any other language
  • All documents, translated or certified copies of originals, need to be sent to us 4 weeks before your wedding.
  • If you would like us to do the translations for you, we’ll require the documents 8 weeks before your wedding
• What happens after your ceremony
  • You and your two witnesses must sign the marriage register and you’ll then receive your Marriage Certificate
  • Your marriage register will be submitted to the nearest Home Affairs office to be recorded in the South African National Population Register
• Same sex marriages
  • Your wedding is legally recognised in South Africa, though it’s advisable to check what your status and rights will be in your home country
  • The legal process is the same as mentioned above

*Legal requirements change depending on your country of origin and your choice of
 ceremony. Please see the list above as an initial indication only.

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• Minimum stay in country before marriage
  • In normal circumstances, residency in Kenya is 21 days.
  • If this is not possible, we will apply for a Special Licence obtained beforehand at the Registrar’s Office in Kenya. With this, no minimum stay is necessary though a 3 day pre-arrival would be advisable.

• Legal documents we'll need from you
  • Original Birth CertificatesValid 10 year passports
  • Full names of both sets of parents (if not on Birth Certificates)
    Statutory declaration stating that both parties are single and free to marry. This must be stamped and sealed and state the words “solicitor”, “notary public” or “Commissioner of Oaths”. Hand written documents not accepted.
  • If you or your partner are adopted – the adoption certificate
  • If you or your partner are divorced – Decree Absolute with a court stamp.
  • If you or your partner are widowed – Death Certificate of former spouse.
  • If you or your partner changed your name by Deed Poll – legal proof stamped and signed by a solicitor. This also applies if a married woman has reverted back to her maiden name.
  • If you or your partner are younger than 21 – parental consent in the form of Statutory Declaration stamped and signed by a solicitor.

• Translations
  • Your document need to be translated into English by your Kenyan Consulate, if they are in any other language
  • All documents, translated or certified copies of originals, need to be sent to us 4 weeks before your wedding.
  • If you would like us to do the translations for you, we’ll require the documents 8 weeks before your wedding
• What happens after your ceremony
  • Christian, Hindu, Islamic or Traditional African weddings are all recognized under Kenyan law, but only Christian weddings are recorded by the Kenyan Registrar.
  • Christian, Hindu and Islamic couples do get a Marriage Certificate; while in an African traditional wedding affidavits will be issued.
• Same sex marriages
  • Unfortunately same sex marriages are not legal in Kenya, but get in touch and we’ll work with you on finding your perfect destination.

*Legal requirements change depending on your country of origin and your choice of
 ceremony. Please see the list above as an initial indication only.

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• Minimum stay in country before marriage
  • We will advise you of this once we have spoken to you. As an indication the minimum stay in Zanzibar ranges from 4 days to up to 2 weeks days before your wedding. An opportunity for a pre–wedding honeymoon perhaps?
• Legal documents we need from you
  • Application letter signed by both parties in English showing that they intend to marry in Zanzibar
  • Full Name, address, occupation and religion/belief.
  • Valid passports.
  • Birth certificates.
  • Driving licences
  • Certificates of domicile
  • Two passport photos each
  • A letter from legal organization (such as church, lawyer, doctor or civil registrar from their country confirming that both parties are not married.
  • If you or your partner are divorced, original proof of the degree of absolute.
  • If you or your partner have changed your name, the original proof if name change by deed poll.
  • If you or your partner is under 18 years, evidence of consent of parents is required in the form of affidavit by a notary public.
  • The Registrar’s Office and the church both require a notice of 21 days before the wedding. We will take care of this.
• Translations
  • Your document need to be translated into English by your Zanzibar Consulate, if they are in any other language
  • All documents, translated or certified copies of originals, need to be sent to us 8 weeks before your wedding.
  • If you would like us to do the translations for you, we’ll require the documents 12 weeks before your wedding
• What happens after your ceremony
  • You will receive a Marriage Certificate, legal internationally.
  • For religious ceremonies, your local parish will receive your Wedding Certificate, where you may receive it.
• Same sex marriages
  • Unfortunately same sex marriages are not legal in Zanzibar and Tanzania, but get in touch and we’ll work with you on finding your perfect destination.

*Legal requirements change depending on your country of origin and your choice of
 ceremony. Please see the list above as an initial indication only.

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