With destination weddings, the honeymoon starts seconds after the ceremony. But being married abroad can mean jumping through hoops before you slip one around your ring finger.
The Bahamas
The paperwork: Passport, $100 marriage license from the registrar general.
The hoops: A 24-hour residency requirement. Couples must apply in person, show proof of arrival and swear they are unmarried before a U.S. consul in Nassau.
Contact: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, www.bahamas.com.
Italy
The paperwork: Passports, certified copies of birth certificates with both parents’ names.
The hoops: Four-day residency requirement, non-Catholics must have a civil ceremony. Couples must declare intent to marry before two witnesses at the Italian Consulate and declare they are eligible to marry. Also, some documents must be translated and receive a special seal.
Contact: Italian Consulate in Chicago: 312-467-1550.
Jamaica
The paperwork: Certified copies of birth certificates that include the father’s name, $80 marriage license.
The hoops: A 24-hour residency requirement. Application must be filed in advance.
Contact: Jamaica Tourist Board: 800-233-4582 or www.jamaicatravel.com.
Mexico
The paperwork: Driver’s license or passport. Certified copies of birth certificates translated by the Mexican Consulate. Judge’s form and tourist cards.
The hoops: Mexican-performed blood tests and X-rays. Requirements vary between cities and could take four days to complete.
Contact: Mexico Tourism Board: 800-44-MEXICO.
Scotland
The paperwork: Passports, birth certificates.
The hoops: Registrar’s office must receive notice at least six weeks before the wedding.
Contact: General Registrar’s Office, www.gro-scotland.gov.uk.
