Getting married abroad – your complete guide and checklist

Many people dream of getting married abroad. Perhaps on a white sandy beach beneath swaying palm trees, at a romantic vineyard in Italy, or in a vibrant city like New York. Whatever your dream, getting married abroad requires a bit of extra planning when it comes to paperwork and logistics.

Here we’ve put together everything you need to know to plan your dream wedding beyond Sweden’s borders.

Different ways to get married abroad

There are essentially three ways to go about the wedding:

• The Church of Sweden: Found in many places around the world. This is often the easiest way to have a Swedish ceremony that feels like home, even when you’re abroad.
• Embassy or consulate: Some Swedish embassies are authorised to conduct wedding ceremonies. Check well in advance what applies to the specific country you’re interested in.
• Foreign authority: You can choose to get married before a local authority in the country (e.g. in a town hall or on a beach). This often involves more paperwork and sometimes requires a local interpreter.

Legal matters: Don’t forget the examination of impediments to marriage

Before you travel, the most important step is to apply for the examination of impediments to marriage from the Swedish Tax Agency. This certificate confirms that there are no legal impediments to your marriage.

If you are getting married before a foreign authority, you will usually also need a marriage certificate. This is a document issued by the Swedish Tax Agency in English, French or German, which proves that you are entitled to marry under Swedish law.

Popular destinations for weddings abroad

Some destinations have become classics for a reason. Here are some of the most popular choices for Swedish couples:

• Italy & France: Perfect for those who want to focus on fine dining, beautiful surroundings and romance.
• Thailand & the Seychelles: For the ultimate barefoot beach wedding.
• Las Vegas: For couples who want a fun, unconventional and quick wedding (bear in mind that you’ll still need to register the marriage back in Sweden afterwards!).
• Mallorca: Easy for guests to fly to and offering fantastic fincas and views.

If your dream is to get married under the Mediterranean sun, don’t miss our exclusive guide to one of Europe’s most popular wedding destinations. Read more about weddings in Mallorca and Eddie Love’s guide to the best venues and wedding locations on the island here.

Checklist: Planning your destination wedding

1. Decide on the venue and date: Plan well in advance – ideally a year beforehand if you’re booking a specific venue.
2. Check marriage requirements: Contact the Church of Sweden, the embassy or the local authorities to find out what’s required.
3. Apply for the examination of impediments to marriage: This must be done through the Swedish Tax Agency no earlier than four months before the wedding.
4. Inform your guests: Send out ‘Save the date’ cards early so that friends and family have time to arrange time off work and book flights.
5. Witnesses: If you’re travelling alone, the embassy or church can often help arrange witnesses, but check this in advance.

After the wedding

When you return to Sweden, you must submit a marriage certificate to the Swedish Tax Agency so that the marriage can be registered in the Swedish population register.