We're sometimes asked where you can go for a quick wedding, particularly by readers in countries where there are longer notice periods for marriage. For example, in Ireland, you need to give three months' notice, in the UK, you need to give 29 days' notice, and in Australia, you must give notice one calendar month before the big day. There are lots of reasons why a couple might not want to wait that long to get hitched, and it got us thinking about the options available. And, because we love nothing more than a spot of wedding-related research, we've rounded up the best destinations around the world for a quick wedding.
*But First, a Disclaimer!
All the information in this feature is correct at the time of publication, but is subject to change at any time. For this reason, it's important to verify this information with the relevant official body before you make any bookings. If you're divorced, you'll need to present a divorce decree or other proof of divorce, so do factor in the time it may take to arrange this, too. In order to get married abroad, you need to be eligible to travel to that country, so make sure to verify that you're eligible for this before you go.
Where Can We Get Married in a Hurry? Straight and Same-Sex Couples
1. New York
With a waiting period of just 24 hours and no residency requirement, New York is an ideal spot for a quick wedding. The opportunities are endless when it comes to locations, but, if you're in a hurry, you'll likely tie the knot at the Office of the City Clerk. You'll find all the essential information at the Office of the New York City Clerk's website but the main things you'll need to remember are your $35 fee and valid, government-issued photo ID.
2. Las Vegas
An iconic location for quick weddings, which may or may not include a pink Cadillac or an Elvis impersonator, Las Vegas benefits from some very flexible state marriage laws - there are no residency requirements, and no waiting period or notice times. There are literally dozens of chapels and casinos offering quick wedding packages, so slots are generally easy to get, but it's always worth booking in advance. Apart from deciding on all the bells and whistles, you'll need to arrange your own marriage licence (details here), pay a $77 fee, and show valid, government-issued photo IDs.
3. Hawaii
The natural beauty of the Hawaiian islands really lend themselves to romantic beach weddings, which can be quite intimate if you choose your times wisely. There are no residency requirements or waiting periods, and you can even start the application for your licence online! Countless planners, officiants and companies offer quick packages, many of which include coordination for your beach permit, so this is by far the easiest route for couples travelling from abroad. For any kind of marriage in Hawaii, you'll need to pay a $65 fee and provide valid ID - you'll find all the essential information here.
4. USA: Other States
While New York, Las Vegas, and Hawaii are probably the most popular US destinations for a quick wedding, many of the US states are suitable for marriages with shorter lead times. Across all the states, the notice period ranges from zero to three days, the exception being Wisconsin, which requires five days' notice, and most don't require state residency. So, if you're looking to combine your wedding or elopement with a trip to California, Florida, Chicago, New Orleans, Memphis, or another beloved corner of the United States, you're in luck! Just make sure to double check the marriage laws in the relevant state you're hoping to visit.
5. Denmark
The legalities of getting married in Denmark have become a little bit more complicated in recent years, but it's still possible to get married there with a short lead time. The process of getting a marriage licence takes around two weeks, but the application can be submitted online from home, so you only need to arrive in Denmark two days before the wedding. Because getting married in Denmark is relatively simple compared to other EU countries, there are lots of experienced planners who can guide you through the process and even submit your application for you. So, whether you're thinking of getting hitched in a town hall in Copenhagen, or on the quaint and picturesque island of Aeroe, there are lots of options for couples with a modest amount of time and money to spend. The basic marriage fees will set you back €250.
6. Gibraltar
The legalities of getting married in Spain are quite complicated and include a two-year residency requirement, which is why lots of couples pop over the border to Gibraltar, get hitched, and then have their wedding reception back in Spain. There is no residency requirement, but you must go to the registry office 24 hours before your wedding with the required papers, which include your birth certificate and passports. Many travel companies offer packages that cover straight-forward registry office weddings, as well as hotel, resort and beach weddings. The fees differ based on what kind of wedding ceremony you're having - click here for the full run-down.
7. New Zealand
Getting married in New Zealand requires very little paperwork - see the full list here - and there are no residency requirements, so it's a great option for couples who want to combine a once-in-a-lifetime trip and getting hitched. Registry office weddings and romantic elopements in gorgeous, far-flung locations are equally popular, although the latter requires the help of a planner, who can work with as little as a week's notice! If you're in New Zealand at least three working days before your wedding, you can apply for a marriage licence in person. Otherwise, you can apply online between between three days and three months in advance. Expect to pay a fee of NZ$240 if you’re getting married at a registry office, NZ$150 if you’re getting married by a celebrant (not including the celebrant's own fee!) and NZ$26.50 for the marriage licence itself.
Where Can We Get Married in a Hurry? Straight Couples Only
There are a few more quick wedding destinations that we wanted to mention, but, unfortunately, same-sex marriage is not currently legal in any of these countries. Please note, that, for the moment, they're only suitable for straight couples.
- St. Lucia: The legalities are straight-forward, but you must be in St. Lucia for two days before you apply for the marriage licence, which then takes two days to process. Most couples choose a beach or resort wedding, organised by a planner or wedding service. Often, these companies can arrange some of the legalities for you.
- The Bahamas: The legalities are straight-forward. You must be in the Bahamas at least one day before applying for a marriage licence, which can be issued on the same day. Most couples choose a beach wedding, organised by a planner or wedding service. Often, these companies can arrange some of the legalities for you.
- The Seychelles: The legalities are straight-forward, but allow a couple of days in the country before the wedding to arrange the necessary paperwork. Most couples choose a beach or resort wedding, organised by a planner or wedding service. Often, these companies can arrange some of the legalities for you.
- Cyprus: The legalities are straight-forward, and you can avoid the 15-day waiting period if you apply to the Minister of the Interior for a special marriage licence, which allows the marriage to take place in three days. Most couples opt for an outdoor, beach wedding, organised by a planner or wedding planning service. Often, these companies can arrange some of the legalities for you.
Featured image: Kristen Kay Photography via One Fab Day
Planning an elopement? Make sure you read through our tips first!
