Congratulations on your engagement! Planning a destination wedding is exciting—picturesque beaches, historic European venues, tropical getaways. But before you say "I do" abroad, there's important paperwork to complete.
Many countries require apostilled documents before they'll issue a marriage license to foreign couples. Understanding this process now will prevent last-minute panic and ensure your wedding goes as planned.
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is a certificate issued by the North Carolina Secretary of State that authenticates your notarized documents for international use. It verifies that the notary's signature and seal are genuine, making your U.S. documents legally recognized in over 120 countries.
Think of it as a passport for your paperwork.
Which Documents Typically Need Apostilles for Destination Weddings?
Birth Certificates
Most countries require apostilled birth certificates for both parties. Some countries require long-form certificates (showing parents' names), while others accept short-form.
Divorce Decrees (if applicable)
If either party has been divorced, the final divorce decree must be apostilled to prove you are legally free to marry.
Death Certificates (if applicable)
If either party is widowed, the death certificate must be apostilled.
Affidavit of Eligibility to Marry
Some countries require a sworn statement that you are legally eligible to marry. This affidavit must be notarized and apostilled.
The Complete Apostille Timeline for Destination Weddings
Starting early is essential. Here's the realistic timeline:
Step 1: Order Certified Copies (2-6 weeks)
For birth certificates, order certified copies from the state where you were born. Processing times vary. Order well in advance of your wedding date.
Step 2: Request Divorce Decrees (if applicable) (2-4 weeks)
If you've been divorced, obtain certified copies of your final divorce decree from the court where the divorce was granted.
Step 3: Notarization (1 day)
Once you have your documents, TLG Notary provides notarization. We come to your Greensboro home with evening and weekend appointments.
Step 4: Submit to NC Secretary of State (2-4 weeks)
Submit your notarized documents to the North Carolina Secretary of State's Authentications Section. During peak wedding season (spring and summer), processing times may extend.
Step 5: Translation (if required) (1-2 weeks)
Some countries require certified translations of your documents. Factor this into your timeline.
Step 6: Submit to Destination Country
Your apostilled (and possibly translated) documents are ready for submission to your destination country's authorities.
Total Timeline: 8-12 weeks from start to finish
Why Proper Notarization Matters
The Secretary of State will reject your apostille application if the notarization contains any errors. Common problems include:
-
Missing notary information
-
Expired notary commission
-
Improper notarial wording
-
Incorrect dates
-
Missing signatures
A rejection means starting over, potentially delaying your wedding.
Common Destination Wedding Apostille Mistakes
-
Waiting too long: Start the process at least three months before your wedding.
-
Ordering the wrong document type: Some countries require long-form birth certificates. Verify requirements early.
-
Not checking expiration requirements: Some countries require documents issued within the last six months.
-
Signing before notarization: You must sign in the notary's presence.
How TLG Notary Helps Destination Wedding Couples
-
Expert notarization: We ensure every detail is correct before submission.
-
Flexible scheduling: Evening and weekend appointments accommodate busy engaged couples.
-
Mobile service: We come to your Greensboro home.
-
Guidance: We explain the process so you understand what to expect.
Don't Let Paperwork Delay Your Happily Ever After
Your destination wedding should be about celebration, not stress about documents. Start the apostille process early, and let TLG Notary handle the notarization step.
Start your destination wedding paperwork today. Visit our Booking Appointments page to schedule your apostille-ready notarization.
Add comment
Comments