Most countries will have basic requirements like copies of your birth certificates, passports and divorce papers if applicable. However there are significant differences in waiting and processing periods so plan ahead! This guide will get your started but the wedding planner at your resort of choice will be your most important source when it comes to legal and logistical matters. You can also contact the local embassy to obtain information on your country of choice.
BALILegal Considerations:
Marriage of Australian citizens in Indonesia is recognised as legal in Australia. There is no need for (and no option for) registration in Australia, as long as the couple have submitted all documents required by Indonesian Registry Officials. Note: even if your residency is waived (see across) you will still need to sign the original applications on the day of the ceremony.
Mandatory Waiting Periods
Officially the residency period is 10 days however your wedding planner may act locally and submit documentation and applications on your behalf, thus waiving this requirement.
COOK ISLANDS
Legal Considerations:
Couples under the age of 21 will need written consent from their parents. You will need to produce passports and divorce papers if applicable when applying for your licence.
Mandatory Waiting Periods
An application for a marriage licence must be made in person to the Registrar of Marriages at least three working days before the wedding.
FIJI
Legal Considerations:
An application for a marriage license must be made at the nearest Registrar or District office in Fiji at least three working days prior the marriage. Both religious and civil marriage celebrants are available.
Mandatory Waiting Periods
You will need to provide an original birth certificate, valid passports and divorce papers if applicable to the registrar for verification at least two weeks before the wedding.
MALAYSIA
Legal Considerations:
Generally Tourism Malaysia recommends having the ceremony in Malaysia but legalising it in Australia. Contact the Malaysian diplomatic mission in your own country for more information. Other legal requirements include passports, passport photos and a declaration of marriage status.
Mandatory Waiting Periods
You both need to be in the country at least seven days prior to the ceremony and there is a 21-day period before the wedding can be solemnised.
MALDIVES
Legal Considerations:
At the moment it is not possible to be legally married in the Maldives. Hence, there are no chapels. But almost all the resorts offer ceremonies and you can also celebrate a renewal of vows – perfect for those returning to the Maldives to celebrate their anniversary.
Mandatory Waiting Periods
There is no specific period for stays, all you have to do is give prior notice to your resort of your intentions before your arrive.
MAURITIUS
Legal Considerations:
Civil and religious ceremonies are both available but different waiting times apply. You must have a civil ceremony before your religious ceremony. For a civil ceremony you will need to apply for a certifi cate of non-residence at least one month in advance.
Mandatory Waiting Periods
For a civil ceremony you will have to be in Mauritius at least 24 hours before the service (longer is recommended).
NORTH QUEENSLAND
Legal Considerations:
If born in Australia you will need to provide a birth certifi cate. If born overseas you will need to provide passports or birth certifi cates. You will also need a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM, see across) and divorce papers if applicable.
Mandatory Waiting Periods
A NOIM can be obtained from your celebrant or downloaded from the Attorney General’s website and must be returned to the celebrant no later than one month and a day from the marriage date.
SAMOA
Legal Considerations:
Marriages in Samoa are legally recognised worldwide.
Mandatory Waiting Periods
Application forms for a marriage licence must be fi led 14 days prior to the wedding day with the Justice Department in Apia.
TAHITI
Legal Considerations:
Civil ceremonies are conducted at the local town hall. You can also request a traditional non-legal Tahitian wedding ceremony to complete a civil ceremony or renew vows. Your application fi le (see across) should include birth certifi cates, including French translation, proof of residence in your home country and passports. Medical certifi cates may be required.
Mandatory Waiting Periods
Marriage cannot be celebrated on Sundays or public holidays. You must submit an application fi le at least one month and ten days prior to the intended civil ceremony.
THAILAND
Legal Considerations:
You will need a pro-forma statuatory declaration from the Australian Embassy in Bangkok (bring valid passports and divorce papers if applicable). You will also need your documents translated into Thai. The marriage must be registered with Thai authorities in the local town hall near where you are getting married.
Mandatory Waiting Periods
There are no residency requirements but the required paperwork usually takes 2-3 days to complete.
VANUATU
Legal Considerations:
Your wedding organiser/planner will provide an application form. You’ll also need your passports (with at least 6 months validity remaining) and have one witness each to prove your identity.
Mandatory Waiting Periods
Both bride and groom must be in the country three days prior to the wedding date. You must lodge your application to marry with the Vanuatu government 28 days prior to the ceremony.
Thanks to Katrina Simorangkir at Bali Weddings, Arushee at Visit Maldives, Helena McInnes at Wed in Paradise, Mike Parker Brown at Tourism Fiji, Peter Sereno at Samoa Tourism Authority, Lauren Zoneff at Vanuatu Tourism and Malaysia Tourism.