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UncategorizedCamden AlchanatiNo Comments

Is There a Mandatory Waiting Period for International Marriages?

(And How to Get Married Quickly, Legally, and Recognized Around the World)

Introduction: What Is an International Marriage and Why the Delay?

Getting married internationally can be exciting — and stressful. Whether you’re a couple with different citizenships, planning a destination wedding, or navigating immigration rules, one question often arises:

“Is there a mandatory waiting period for international marriages?”

The short answer: it depends on the country, state, and legal jurisdiction involved. Some regions impose a waiting period between applying for a marriage license and the actual wedding. Others require waiting after the wedding before issuing documents or recognizing your marriage internationally.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain:

  • Which countries and U.S. states have waiting periods
  • What makes a marriage internationally recognized
  • How to avoid delays by marrying in California with Get Married Today
  • When you’ll need an apostille or certified copy
  • Why some couples can’t afford to wait — and how we help them marry fast

📌 Need to marry urgently and send documents abroad?
👉 Book a same-day marriage appointment now

Section 1: Understanding “International Marriage”

An international marriage refers to one of the following:

  • A marriage between two individuals of different nationalities
  • A marriage performed in one country that needs to be recognized in another
  • A wedding abroad for destination wedding purposes

These marriages typically require legal documentation that can be authenticated, translated, or apostilled for use across borders.

Section 2: Where Waiting Periods Still Exist — Country by Country

While many modern countries have removed mandatory waiting periods, others still enforce them for legal, cultural, or administrative reasons.

🌍 Examples of Countries with Waiting Periods

CountryWaiting Period
France10 days after publication of marriage banns (for marriages on French soil)
Italy2–10 days, depending on documents and citizenship status
Philippines10 days (after publication of notice of marriage license)
India30-day notice if marrying under the Special Marriage Act
Indonesia10-day waiting period after registering marriage intent
JapanNo official waiting period, but documentation review can take days

📎 U.S. Department of State: Marriage Abroad Guide

Section 3: Do U.S. States Have Waiting Periods for International Couples?

Yes — if you plan to get married in the United States before presenting your documents abroad, some U.S. states will delay your wedding.

⏳ Examples of U.S. State Waiting Periods

StateWaiting Period
Texas72 hours
Iowa3 days
Illinois1 day
Minnesota5 days
Wisconsin6 days
Maryland48 hours

In contrast, California has no waiting period and allows you to get married on the same day you receive your license — ideal for international couples.

📌 Why California Is the Fastest Place to Marry

Section 4: Why Do These Waiting Periods Exist?

Governments enforce waiting periods to:

  • Discourage impulsive marriages
  • Allow time for legal objections
  • Verify identity, marital status, and age
  • Protect against immigration fraud
  • Align with cultural or religious traditions

But in a modern world where couples are often traveling, relocating, or facing urgent legal timelines, these delays can cause serious complications.

Section 5: What Happens If You Need to Marry Fast?

Some international scenarios don’t allow for delays:

  • Immigration interviews
  • Visa or green card deadlines
  • Military deployment
  • Urgent travel or work relocation
  • Critical health or medical care
  • Adoption procedures abroad

If your wedding is time-sensitive, you cannot afford to wait 3–30 days for a government agency to approve your union.

✅ The solution: Same-day legal marriage with apostille-ready documentation.

Section 6: California — No Waiting Period, No Courthouse Visit

California is one of the only U.S. states that:

  • Has no waiting period
  • Allows confidential marriage licenses
  • Doesn’t require witnesses
  • Provides legally binding same-day ceremonies

That’s why Get Married Today, based in Southern California, is the go-to provider for international couples needing urgent legal marriage services.

🌍 We serve couples from around the world — including Mexico, Canada, the Philippines, India, France, Brazil, and more.

📎 Book Your Same-Day International Marriage Now

Section 7: What Documents Do You Need to Marry Internationally?

For most international recognition, you’ll need:

  • Valid government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license, etc.)
  • Proof of legal entry (visa, ESTA, etc. if applicable)
  • Your marriage license from the state of marriage
  • A certified marriage certificate after the ceremony
  • Apostille certification to validate the certificate abroad

🔒 We handle it all — from license to ceremony to apostille.

📌 What Is an Apostille and Why You Might Need One

Section 8: Apostilles for International Use — Explained

An apostille is a certificate that validates your marriage certificate for international use in countries that follow the Hague Apostille Convention.

We offer same-day apostille services and expedited federal apostilles via our office in Washington, D.C.

📝 Need your marriage recognized abroad? Let us take care of:

  • Certified copies
  • Translation referrals
  • Apostille for your marriage certificate

📎 How to Apostille Your Marriage Certificate

Section 9: Common International Marriage Scenarios We Help With

✅ Immigration Sponsorship
A couple needs to show legal marriage to file an I-130 family petition or adjustment of status.

✅ Dual Citizenship
A spouse needs to prove marriage abroad to obtain residency or citizenship rights.

✅ Destination Elopements
Couples who travel from Europe or Latin America to California for legal marriage and romantic photos.

✅ Military Deployments
Active duty military members needing fast marriage for spousal benefits and overseas orders.

✅ Hospital or End-of-Life Needs
Couples marrying for estate, family, or legal rights — urgently.

📌 Explore Real Stories of Couples Who Married in One Day

Section 10: How Get Married Today Makes International Marriage Easy

At Get Married Today, we offer:

  • 24/7 same-day marriage license issuance
  • Licensed officiants ready at any location
  • Private venues or travel-to-you options
  • Legal filing and apostille services
  • Immigration support documents
  • Multilingual services (English, Spanish, Tagalog, and more)

No courthouse. No waiting. No problem.

💍 How It Works – Step by Step

Section 11: Can You Marry in California and Use It Abroad? Yes — With Us

California marriages are legal and valid globally when certified properly.

With Get Married Today, you can:

  • Marry legally in California
  • Get certified copies
  • Apostille your marriage certificate
  • Translate your certificate (if needed)
  • Present your paperwork to immigration, consulates, or foreign governments

📎 Is Your Country a Member of the Apostille Convention?

Section 12: No Waiting, No Stress — Book Your International Marriage Now

✅ Why Choose Get Married Today?

  • No waiting period
  • Same-day marriage license + ceremony
  • Apostille-ready documentation
  • Legal support for immigration and dual citizenship
  • Open 24/7 — including weekends and holidays
  • Bilingual staff
  • Chapel weddings or mobile officiant anywhere in California

💼 Serving: Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Diego, Riverside, and beyond

📲 Reserve Your Same-Day Marriage Now

Conclusion: Skip the Waiting Period, Say “I Do” Today

Mandatory waiting periods can delay your future, your family plans, your immigration process, or your ability to travel. But they are not required everywhere — and definitely not in California.

At Get Married Today, we’ve helped thousands of couples marry fast, legally, and with confidence. If your situation requires speed, legal validity, and international recognition, we’re the team to make it happen.

Don’t wait three, ten, or thirty days.
📍 Get married today — and start your new life right away.

👉 Book Your Appointment
👉 Learn More About International Apostilles
👉 Need Help? Contact Us 24/7

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