If you are thinking of getting married overseas, you should realise that the legal validity of your marriage is governed, in part, by the laws of the country in which you marry . It is very important, therefore, that you make sure to meet all the legal requirements of the country in which you are marrying. You should contact the relevant embassy for that country to find out what is required.

You may have been asked to provide a certified translation of your official documents, if such documents are in a language other than those spoken in your wedding destination.

Overseas marriage authorities often require the presentation of a certified translation of one of the following documents in their official language:

•  Certified translation of divorce papers or a death certificate of a former spouse in    thecase of those who are divorced or widowed.
•  Certified translation of a birth certificate.
•  Certified translations of certificates of non impediments.
•  Certified translation of a passport or other evidence of foreign citizenship.

These documents must not only must be translated and certified by a recognised translation agency. They must also be legalised before departure either by the consulate and foreign ambassy of the destination country and/or bear an a postille certificate (see section on legalisation) from the country in which the certification originated.