WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS LEGALITIES DESTINATIONS Going
Cut through the red tape for couples getting married abroad
@Katie_McGonagle A
mid all the excitement of a big, elaborate wedding
day, there’s one moment that’s as low-key as it gets – yet it’s actually the most important part of the day. When the couple steals away
from their assembled friends and family to sign the marriage register, it’s a far cry from the joy of being showered in confetti or stepping onto the floor for their first dance, but that’s actually the moment the marriage is made official. Without that, the rest of the day is just a very big (and very expensive) party. The legalities are even more important for clients tying the knot abroad, who need to make sure they organise all the
necessary paperwork in advance, as well as ticking the right boxes on the day. Most operators or in-hotel wedding planners will handle the specifics, but get off to a good start with our lowdown on the legalities in popular wedding destinations.
w GREECE Sales pitch: Those blue seas and sugar-cube houses sell themselves, but if clients need convincing, remind them it’s just a short-haul, low-cost flight away so there’s no barrier on friends and family joining the celebrations. Choose the island and accommodation that reflects the wedding vibe – if it’s all adults, romantic Santorini might
formal
fit the bill, but couples with kids might prefer the family feel of Corfu or Rhodes. Red tape: The time needed for local authorities to issue a marriage licence varies between islands but the tourist board recommends allowing eight days prior to the wedding. Couples
must visit the local registry office twice: first, to declare their intent to marry, and two to three days after the wedding to get a signed certificate. Religious ceremonies can be arranged, but often require baptism and confirmation certificates and consultation with the local bishop. Paperwork: Copy of passport; full-length birth certificate; Certificate of No Impediment issued in the UK, dated no more than three months before the ceremony; and, if applicable, an adoption certificate, decree absolute or death certificate in the case of divorce or death of a previous spouse, and a deed poll certificate if either party’s name has changed. All documents
18 February 2016
travelweekly.co.uk 41
TOP TIP
Kuoni usually requires couples to send all their documents at least three months before the
wedding date
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