Marriage requirements vary by country, but most European countries share some common rules for couples, especially foreigners:

• Legal Age: Typically, both parties must be at least 18 years old. Parental consent may be required for younger couples.

• Valid Passports & Identification: Passports are required for foreigners; some countries may also require birth certificates or certified copies.

• Proof of Single Status: Certificate of no impediment, affidavit of single status, or divorce/death certificates if applicable.

• Marriage License/Application: Couples must often register at a local civil registry office or submit required paperwork in advance (sometimes weeks or months ahead).

• Witnesses: Usually 1–2 witnesses are required for the ceremony.

• Residency Requirements:

  • Some countries, like France, Italy, and Greece, require a short residency period (often 1–2 weeks).

  • Other destinations, like Scotland or Denmark, are very wedding-friendly with minimal residency requirements.

• Civil Ceremony Requirement: Legal recognition often requires a civil ceremony, even if a symbolic, religious, or cultural ceremony is planned.

• Translations & Apostilles: Many countries require official documents to be translated into the local language and sometimes legalized with an apostille for legal validity.