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Top 5 Cities for a Quick Wedding


A list of places around the world that make it easy to tie the knot quickly

Apr 11, 2023


A foreign person marries a US citizen

Getting married is one of the most important moments of your life, and a wedding typically takes months of careful planning and organizing. But sometimes, you and your partner need to tie the knot quickly, especially if you plan to apply for a marriage green card and hope to be reunited sooner rather than later. The good news is, there are plenty of places around the world where you can get married quickly while still making the day memorable. Read on to learn about the best cities to tie the knot in if you’re in a hurry, and what documents you need to do it.

5 Best Places to Get Married Quickly Around the World

  1. Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas is known for its quick weddings, but that doesn’t mean it can’t still be a special occasion. With dozens of chapels to choose from, you can get married in just a few hours (or even minutes!). Plus, you can take advantage of Las Vegas’s world-class entertainment, dining, and nightlife.

To get married in Las Vegas, you’ll need to provide the following:

  • Marriage License: You’ll need to obtain a marriage license from the Clark County Marriage Bureau. Both parties must be present when applying for the license and must show valid ID, such as a passport, driver’s license, or birth certificate. You will also need to pay a $102 fee.
  • Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old to get married in Vegas. If you are under 18, you will need to provide parental consent or a court order.
  • Witnesses: You will need to have at least one witness present at the ceremony. Some wedding chapels provide witnesses for an additional fee, or you can bring your own.

Once you have your marriage license and have chosen a wedding chapel or venue, you can schedule your ceremony. The ceremony can be performed by a licensed officiant, which the wedding chapel or venue can provide, or you can bring your own officiant.

2. Gibraltar

Located at the southern tip of Spain, Gibraltar is a British overseas territory that offers an easy and fast way to get married. In fact, you can tie the knot in just 24 hours after submitting the necessary paperwork. With stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the famous Rock of Gibraltar, it’s also a picturesque destination for a romantic wedding.

To get married or form a civil partnership in Gibraltar, non-residents must provide the Registrar with documentary evidence proving they have stayed in Gibraltar for at least one night, either before or after the ceremony. Acceptable forms of evidence include a hotel bill or booking confirmation for the night before or after the ceremony, a statement from a Gibraltar resident confirming the couple stayed or will stay with them, or any other acceptable proof to the Registrar. This evidence must be submitted no later than the day before the ceremony.

You’ll need to provide a few documents to get married in Gibraltar, including:

  • Valid passport
  • Birth certificate
  • Proof of marital status (such as a divorce decree or death certificate if you’ve been married before)
  • If you’re a non-EEA national, you may need a visa to enter Gibraltar. You can check the visa requirements on the Gibraltar government’s website.

Note that all documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified English translation. For more info, the government has put together a guide on the requirements for getting married in Gibraltar as a non-resident.

3. Reykjavik, Iceland

A couple gets married in Iceland.

Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik, offers a unique and beautiful backdrop for a wedding. The city’s modern and trendy vibe, along with its stunning natural landscapes, make it a perfect destination for a spontaneous wedding. Plus, Iceland is one of the easiest countries in the world to get married in, with no residency requirements and a straightforward application process.

To get married in Reykjavik, you will need the following:

  • Valid ID document: You’ll need to present a valid passport or national ID card as proof of identity.
  • Certificate of marital status: If you’ve been previously married, you’ll need to present a divorce decree or a death certificate of your previous spouse.
  • Certificate of no impediment: This is a document that certifies that you are legally allowed to marry and that there are no legal impediments to your marriage. You can obtain this document from your home country’s embassy or consulate in Iceland.
  • Birth certificate: Both partners need to present their birth certificates.
  • Two witnesses: You will need to have two witnesses present at the ceremony. They can be Icelandic or foreign nationals.

Once you have all the necessary documents, you can contact the Reykjavik City Hall to schedule an appointment for your wedding ceremony. The ceremony will be conducted in Icelandic, but you can request an interpreter if needed.

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4. Sydney, Australia

Australia’s largest city, Sydney, is a popular destination for couples looking to get married fast. With its stunning beaches, iconic landmarks, and world-class dining and entertainment, it’s easy to see why.

To get married in Sydney, you’ll need the following documents:

  • Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM): This is a legal document that you need to complete with your partner and submit to the celebrant or registry office at least one month before the wedding date. You can download the form from the Australian government website or get it from an authorized celebrant or registry office. You’ll need to provide your personal details, including your full name, date of birth, place of birth, and current address.
  • Valid ID: You and your partner will need to present valid identification documents, such as passports, birth certificates, or driver’s licenses.
  • Evidence of the end of previous marriages: If you or your partner have been previously married or in a registered relationship, you’ll need to provide evidence of the end of the relationship, such as a divorce certificate, death certificate, or nullity order.
  • Declaration of no legal impediment to the marriage: You and your partner will need to sign a declaration that you are not aware of any legal impediments to the marriage, such as being closely related or being currently married to someone else.
  • Witnesses: You’ll need to have two witnesses present at the ceremony who are over the age of 18 and understand English.
  • Marriage celebrant: You’ll need to have an authorized marriage celebrant to conduct the ceremony. You can find a list of celebrants on the Australian government website.

Once you have all the necessary documents, you can contact your chosen marriage celebrant to arrange the date, time, and location of the ceremony.

5. Edinburgh, Scotland

A same-sex couple gets married

Edinburgh is a romantic and historic city that’s perfect for a quick wedding. With its stunning architecture, charming cobblestone streets, and picturesque countryside, it’s a dream destination for couples who want a wedding that’s both intimate and romantic.

To get married in Edinburgh, you’ll need to provide the following:

  • Notice of Marriage: You’ll need to submit a notice of marriage to the registrar of the district where you plan to get married. The notice must be submitted at least 29 days before the wedding date, but no more than 3 months in advance. You can download the form from the National Records of Scotland website or get it from the registrar’s office.
  • Valid ID: Both partners need to present a form of ID such as a passport or birth certificate.
  • Evidence of marital status: If you or your partner have been married before, you need to show proof that the marriage is over, such as a divorce certificate.
  • Declaration of no legal impediment to the marriage: You and your partner will need to sign a document stating you aren’t aware of any legal impediments to the marriage.
  • Witnesses: You’ll need two witnesses present at the ceremony who are over the age of 16 and understand English.
  • Marriage ceremony venue: You’ll need to choose a licensed marriage venue in Edinburgh. There are many options available, including historic buildings, castles, and hotels.

Once you have all the necessary documents, you can contact the registrar’s office to book the date and time of the ceremony.

Online Wedding from Anywhere

Or, you could skip the expensive travel and choose to have an online wedding from literally anywhere in the world! Online marriage has been legal in the U.S. since 2020, and it’s accessible to anyone – you don’t even have to be a US citizen!

An online wedding also gives you the flexibility to choose a creative location for your ceremony. Couples have had online weddings on the beach, on top of a mountain, or from the comfort of their homes! With an online wedding, you have the flexibility to choose a place that feels special for you. Our partner Courtly makes convenient online marriage possible. Visit Courtly’s website for more info.


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