What it really takes to marry in each of our five destinations — the paperwork, the timing, and the cheaper symbolic route couples often prefer.
Scotland is one of the most welcoming places in Europe to marry — there's no residency requirement, and with an authorised celebrant you can say your vows almost anywhere, from a castle courtyard to a Highland glen. The rules are refreshingly clear; you just have to hit the dates.
These steps apply to Option one — making the marriage legally binding in Scotland.
Any document not in English needs a certified English translation. All documents must be originals — copies aren't accepted.
You'll also complete a Declaration of Status form and provide evidence of your immigration status, submitted together with your M10 — the registrar can't lodge the notice without it. Unless you hold British or Irish citizenship or EU Settlement Scheme status, you'll generally need a Marriage Visitor Visa to marry in Scotland. Registrars have a legal duty to refer marriages to the Home Office where the right status isn't in place, so confirm your route early.
Fees are set nationally and can change — the registrar confirms the current amount when you lodge your notice.
Residency rules, notice periods, paperwork and timelines — all in plain English.
Upgrade to ProIreland is one of the easier countries in Europe for a destination couple to marry legally — there's no residency requirement, and civil, religious and secular ceremonies all carry the same legal weight. There's just one firm rule you can't work around: three months' notice, given in person.
These steps apply to Option one — making the marriage legally binding in Ireland.
Any document not in English needs a certified translation. Confirm the exact list with your chosen registration office — requirements vary slightly by circumstance.
There's no nationality or residency barrier to marrying in Ireland. But if you're not an EU, EEA, Swiss or UK citizen you may need valid immigration permission, and the registrar can ask for evidence of your status at the notification appointment — so bring passports and any visa documentation. If either of you was married abroad before, the office may need to review foreign divorce papers, which is another reason to start early.
Fees are set by the HSE Civil Registration Service and can change — confirm current amounts when you book.
Residency rules, notice periods, paperwork and timelines — all in plain English.
Upgrade to ProFrance is one of the most beautiful places in the world to celebrate a wedding — but one of the hardest to marry legally as a visitor. French law only recognises a civil ceremony at the mairie, and it requires one of you to actually live in the commune for weeks beforehand. For almost all destination couples, the graceful answer is to marry at home and celebrate symbolically in France.
This is Option two — the path nearly every destination couple takes in France.
A symbolic ceremony has no official French fee — you're paying only your celebrant and venue.
Residency rules, notice periods, paperwork and timelines — all in plain English.
Upgrade to ProSpain gives destination couples sunshine, coastline and unforgettable venues — but a legally binding civil wedding is almost impossible for non-residents. Civil marriage generally requires one partner to be Spanish or to have lived in Spain for two years. So most couples marry legally at home and hold their Spanish wedding as a symbolic celebration.
This is Option two — the path nearly every destination couple takes in Spain.
A symbolic ceremony has no Spanish government fee — you're paying only your celebrant and venue.
Residency rules, notice periods, paperwork and timelines — all in plain English.
Upgrade to ProGreece is one of the friendliest Mediterranean countries for a legal destination wedding — there's no residency requirement, and both civil and religious ceremonies are recognised. The work is all in the paperwork: your documents need an apostille and an official Greek translation, so most of the effort happens before you fly.
These steps apply to Option one — making the marriage legally binding in Greece.
Every foreign document needs a Hague Apostille and a certified Greek translation. A planner or local lawyer can manage the Greek-side submissions for you.
No residency or nationality requirement applies, so citizens of most countries can marry in Greece as visitors. The key is documentation — everything apostilled and translated. A local wedding planner or lawyer often manages the town-hall paperwork on your behalf, which is the smoothest way to avoid last-minute surprises.
The Greek licence itself is inexpensive — most of the cost is the apostilles and translations obtained at home.
Residency rules, notice periods, paperwork and timelines — all in plain English.
Upgrade to ProThese guides are a friendly starting point, not legal advice. Requirements change and every couple's situation is different — always confirm the current rules with the local registrar or your wedding planner before booking travel.