Getting Married Abroad: Documents and Translations
What US citizens usually need to marry in another country, how to prove single status when the US issues no certificate of no impediment, and which documents need translating.
Reviewed by Murat Saymaz, Global Certified Translations · Facts checked 4 November 2026
The short answer
To marry abroad, you usually need a recent birth certificate, proof that you are free to marry, and decrees ending any earlier marriage, each apostilled and translated into the local language. The US has no national register of marriages and does not issue a certificate of no impediment, so Americans typically sign an affidavit of eligibility to marry, often at the US embassy.
Rules that apply
Each rule links to its source. Checked 4 November 2026. Rules change, so confirm with the office that will receive your documents.
| Rule | Source |
|---|---|
| An apostille authenticates a US public document, such as a birth certificate, for use in another Convention country. | Hague Apostille Convention (1961) |
| Countries outside the Apostille Convention require consular legalisation instead. | HCCH, status table |
| US consular officers may administer oaths and take affidavits, which is how many embassies help citizens swear to their eligibility to marry. | 22 U.S.C. 4221 |
| A marriage valid where it was celebrated is generally recognised in the US; to sponsor a foreign spouse, the marriage certificate is filed with USCIS with a certified translation. | 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) |
| The State Department publishes country-specific information, including marriage requirements reported by US embassies. | US Department of State, Country Information |
The documents most countries ask for
- Birth certificate: a certified copy, often issued within the last three or six months, with an apostille from the issuing state.
- Proof of freedom to marry: see below.
- Divorce decrees or death certificates ending any earlier marriage, apostilled.
- Passport, and sometimes proof of residence or a name-change document.
Each document is then translated into the local language. Whether a US translation is accepted, or the translation must be made locally by a sworn translator, depends on the country and sometimes on the town hall. Ask the registry office where you will marry for its list before ordering anything.
The certificate of no impediment problem
Many civil-law countries expect a foreigner to bring a certificate from their home country stating they are free to marry: a "certificate of no impediment", Italy's nulla osta, Germany's Ehefähigkeitszeugnis. The United States has no national marriage register and does not issue one. The usual substitute is an affidavit of eligibility to marry (sometimes called an affidavit of single status), sworn before a US consular officer at the embassy in that country or before a notary in the US and then apostilled. Some countries accept a state "no record of marriage" letter. Each country, and sometimes each registry, has its own preference.
Translating the affidavit and certificates
An affidavit sworn at a US embassy abroad is usually in English and the local language already, or the embassy provides a bilingual form. An affidavit notarized in the US needs an apostille and a translation. Birth certificates and divorce decrees need translations including the apostille.
Back in the US
A marriage performed abroad is recorded only abroad. To use it in the US, for a name change, benefits or a spouse visa, get a certified copy of the foreign marriage certificate (an international multilingual extract where the country issues one) and a certified English translation.
Timing and validity
Many registries reject certificates older than a few months, and the clock often runs from the date the certified copy was issued, not from your birth. Order new certified copies close to the date, allow time for the apostille, and translate last. If you marry in a country that issues international multilingual extracts of civil status, ask for one after the wedding: it is designed to be read in many countries and can reduce the need for translation later.
What we don't do
We translate and process state apostilles. We do not issue affidavits of eligibility to marry, book embassy appointments, process federal apostilles, or act as sworn translators abroad.
Documents we translate for this
Birth Certificate translation
Certified birth certificate translation accepted by USCIS, courts and universities, with the certificate of accuracy included.
Marriage Certificate translation
Certified marriage certificate translation for USCIS spousal petitions, name changes and consular filings.
Divorce Decree translation
Certified divorce decree translation for USCIS, remarriage, name changes and recognition of a divorce abroad.
Passport translation
Certified translation of foreign passports, internal passports, visas, stamps and endorsement pages for USCIS, courts and foreign authorities.
Price
$39 for the first page (up to 250 words) into English, $49 into any other language, then $0.116 per additional word. Each file is priced on its own. The signed certificate of accuracy is included.
Full pricingTurnaround
24 hours standard for most documents. Expedited service is +50% for 6–8 hours and +100% for 1–3 hours. Large files are quoted with a delivery date before you pay.
Questions
How old can my birth certificate be?
It depends on the country; many want copies issued within three to six months. Ask the registry office where you will marry.
Can I get a certificate of no impediment in the US?
Not as such: the US does not issue one. Americans usually swear an affidavit of eligibility to marry at the US embassy, or before a US notary with an apostille. Ask the foreign registry which it accepts.
Do I need my birth certificate translated to marry abroad?
Almost always, into the local language, after it is apostilled. Some countries require a local sworn translator; check with the registry office.
How do I use a foreign marriage certificate in the US?
Get a certified copy and a certified English translation. For USCIS, the translation must be certified by a competent translator.
Related
Prepared by Global Certified Translations, Edgewater, NJ. Translations are signed by a State Court Certified Translator. This page explains translation requirements; it is not legal advice.
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