One of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning a destination wedding is whether to have a legal (civil) ceremony abroad or opt for a symbolic one. While both options result in a beautiful celebration, the process behind them is very different—and it’s important to understand what you’re signing up for.
What is a Legal Ceremony?
A legal ceremony abroad means your marriage will be recognized in both the country you’re getting married in and your home country. This typically requires working with the local government and following their specific legal requirements, which may include:
- Providing translated and notarized documents (birth certificates, passports, affidavits, etc.)
- Meeting residency requirements (some countries require you to be in the country several days or weeks before the ceremony)
- Hiring a certified officiant or legal representative
- Paying administrative fees or taxes
Countries like Italy, France, and Spain, for example, are stunning but can be paperwork-heavy. Each has unique legal rules—France, for instance, requires one of you to be a resident for 30+ days prior to your wedding. In contrast, countries like Mexico and the Bahamas have slightly more flexible requirements but still require documentation and proper planning.
Photo Credit: Wild & Roam
Planner: Mart Mari Weddings & Events for Chancey Charm Weddings
What is a Symbolic Ceremony?
A symbolic ceremony is not legally binding—it’s more of a ceremonial celebration of your marriage, while the legal paperwork is done either before or after in your home country. Symbolic ceremonies look and feel just like a real wedding: you can write your own vows, hire an officiant, and include all the meaningful rituals you want.
Symbolic weddings are a popular choice for destination couples because:
- They eliminate the legal hassle of foreign paperwork and timelines
- You have more flexibility with your ceremony location (on a beach, in a garden, or at a private villa)
- There are fewer restrictions on who can officiate (a friend, family member, or celebrant)
Photo Credit: The Stauffers
Planner: Mart Mari Weddings & Events for Chancey Charm Weddings
Which Should You Choose?
There’s no right or wrong answer—it depends on what matters most to you. If it’s important for you to legally marry abroad, just know that it will require more paperwork, time, and possible travel to local consulates. If you want to avoid bureaucracy and focus on the celebration, a symbolic ceremony might be the perfect route.
Whatever you decide, what matters most is that the moment feels true to you. Whether you’re exchanging vows on paper or in spirit, your love is the heart of the celebration.
Need help navigating the logistics? Our team at Chancey Charm specializes in destination weddings and can walk you through every option—legal, symbolic, and everything in between. Let’s create a wedding that’s meaningful, magical, and stress-free.
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