Getting married abroad

PHOTO: JEREMY WONG WEDDINGS / UNSPLASH

Getting married abroad – here’s what to do if you want to get married abroad

Under international regulations, a wedding must comply with the law of the country in which it takes place. For weddings at a Swedish embassy abroad, Swedish law applies. The Swedish Tax Agency states that weddings abroad, conducted in accordance with that country’s law, are valid in Sweden provided that the local authorities in that country have authorised the officiant.

There are travel companies that specialise in weddings and marriage ceremonies; they often have extensive experience of organising weddings and can assist with all the formalities. They also have information on who the authorised officiants are in the locality.

Prospective wedding couples must, well in advance of their departure, obtain a valid identity document (if you are not Swedish citizens) or a marriage certificate for each of you, and have this translated into English by an approved translation agency (which is subject to the supervision of the Kammarkollegiet).
A marriage certificate is issued locally at the time of the wedding. This must be taken to the local tax authority for registration when the couple return home. Only then is the marriage valid in Sweden as well.
In addition to the rules described above that apply in Sweden if you wish to have a foreign marriage recognised, different rules apply in different countries when foreign nationals wish to marry. You will find links below.

Marriage abroad in the Church of Sweden

You can also choose to get married in the Church of Sweden abroad, but not in all locations – each country has its own legislation regarding marriage (see links below for locations and conditions). If a wedding is not possible, the alternative is a church blessing, which is similar to a church ceremony in Sweden and can be given to all couples who have had a civil ceremony.

Documents you must bring with you (in addition to what is required locally):

• Passport
• Certificate of examination of impediments to marriage (to be obtained from the local tax office)
• For a church wedding, please bring your marriage or civil partnership certificate

NB: Contact the vicar in the town where you wish to be married well in advance for information, available dates and applicable conditions!

Top tips for getting married abroad from newlyweds Patric and Susanna:

• Think about what’s most important to you specifically when it comes to your wedding. Don’t compromise on any of your dreams or wishes. Be patient and keep looking. There’s an option out there that’s just right for you. If you find the ‘right’ wedding planner, almost anything can be arranged.
• Use a travel agency with experience of weddings. Be clear about what you want, both when planning with the travel agency and once you’re at the hotel.
• Start well in advance. For example, allow at least six months for the wedding dress (so you’ll have time to get it before you travel) and send all important documents well in advance, leaving plenty of time to spare.
• It’s worth spending almost anything you can on a photographer. Your wedding photos mean the world when you get home. A lovely idea is to have the photographer with you for as much of the day as possible, for example even before the ceremony whilst you’re getting ready.

LINK TIPS for further information:

» Destinations abroad where you can get married in the Church of Sweden. (Church of Sweden)
» Getting married in Sweden or abroad (Swedish Tax Agency)
» Swedish embassies authorised to conduct weddings (Government Offices of Sweden)

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