Media type · Civil authorisation or registration of the marriage
Marriage licence
The permission or registration a couple obtains from a civil authority before or at the marriage.
Key facts
| What it is | Civil authorisation or registration of the marriage |
|---|---|
| Who sets or charges it | The local marriage registry or civil authority |
| Check before paying | Residency, notice period, document list and whether the fee includes the certificate |
Licence, ceremony, certificate
These are three different things. A licence authorises, a ceremony solemnises, and a certificate proves the marriage was registered. A destination may issue one, two or all three, and the office that handles each can differ.
Ask which document the visa or recognition process will need. Paying for a ceremony without a registrable certificate can leave the couple without the paperwork they actually need.
Frequently asked questions
Can visitors apply?
Some destinations allow it, often with a notice period or a local witness requirement. Others require residence. Check the authority’s rule for your nationality.
Is a religious ceremony enough?
Only if it is also registered under local law. A religious certificate may not be accepted for civil purposes.