How to Legally Get Married Abroad: Tips for Non-EU Couples

Dreaming of a wedding in Europe? Imagine exchanging vows on a cliff in Portugal, beside a lake in Switzerland, or inside a marble city hall in Copenhagen. For many non-EU couples, the idea of marrying abroad sounds magical — until the paperwork starts.

But here’s the good news: you can get married abroad, and there are several smart, stress-free ways to do it — even if you're from the US, Canada, Australia, or elsewhere.

We’ve worked with dozens of international couples who faced the same questions. Here's a clear breakdown of where it’s easy, what’s required, and how to avoid wedding bureaucracy and still make your day unforgettable.

🛠 Option 1: Legal Ceremony at Home + Symbolic Ceremony Abroad

This is by far the most common — and most flexible — route for non-EU couples.

Here’s how it works:

You legally marry in your home country (often at a city hall or a small local ceremony)

Then you elope or celebrate abroad — with vows, rings, champagne, everything — just without legal binding

The result?
✅ You skip translations, embassy appointments, and apostilles
✅ You avoid country-specific delays (like residency rules)
✅ You focus fully on your experience, emotions, and film

Couples tell us that their symbolic ceremony abroad felt more real than their legal one at home. And we agree — real isn’t defined by a stamp.

🎥 Want to see how symbolic weddings look on film? View our portfolio
📦 Need a package that fits this model? Explore → Packages

🇩🇰 Option 2: Get Legally Married in Denmark (Then Celebrate Anywhere)

Denmark is known as “the Las Vegas of Europe” — but more elegant, efficient, and designed for international love stories.

Here’s why couples from all over the world — including the US, Australia, India, UAE, and Asia — get legally married in Copenhagen:

No residency required

Paperwork accepted in English

Civil ceremonies are short, emotional, and beautiful

Turnaround: often within 2–4 weeks

Valid internationally

Many couples choose to:

Legally marry in Denmark

Then travel to Italy, France, or Spain for a symbolic shoot or celebration

It’s the best of both worlds.

📩 We’ve filmed dozens of Denmark weddings — ask us how to get started → Contact Us

🇮🇹 🇫🇷 🇪🇸 Option 3: Legal Wedding in Southern Europe (Prepare for Bureaucracy)

It’s possible to legally marry in countries like Italy, France, Spain, or Portugal, but be ready for:

Long preparation timelines (3–6+ months)

Certified translations

Local interpreter requirements

In-person appointments (sometimes multiple)

Witness requirements

Possibly staying in the country for several days before the wedding

This option is best if:

You have roots in that country (heritage or family)

You speak the language

You have a planner or a lawyer helping you

You’re planning at least 6–9 months ahead

Otherwise, consider keeping the paperwork at home — and the beauty abroad.

📝 Common Documents You'll Need (Varies by Country):

Valid passport

Birth certificate (translated + apostille)

Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage

Divorce decree/death certificate (if previously married)

Proof of residency or legal stay (sometimes)

Translations certified by the local authority

Local application form

Always check directly with local embassies or marriage offices — rules change often.

💡 Real Couple Story

One couple from California originally planned a legal wedding in Florence. After weeks of embassy calls and legal roadblocks, they pivoted — got married in San Francisco, then eloped to Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland, for a symbolic ceremony on a mountaintop.

They told us:

“It was the best decision we made. The Swiss wedding felt like our real one — and the video proves it.”

🎥 Watch real symbolic weddings → Portfolio

🕊 Final Thought

The paperwork might matter on paper.
But the real wedding — the one you’ll remember, watch again, and feel in your bones — is the one where you look at each other and say: This is it. We’re here.

Whether it’s legal, symbolic, big, or small, we’re here to film that moment. And make it last forever.

📩 Reach out to start your journey → Contact Page