Commonwealth countries are typically excluded, such as Uganda, but they can be issued when you are getting married in Italy for example. When it comes to your destination wedding, you need to check the local requirements as they can often change with time, a prime example of this in recent years is Cyprus. Always contact the people you have booked your wedding with, or, if you have booked directly, with the local registrar or equivalent.
Certificates of no impediment are sometimes requested as well as declarations or affidavits for freedom to marry. Quite often it is one or the other, but again, that is decided by the country in which you are getting married. Both documents are ultimately confirming to the destination that you have the freedom to marry. You shouldn’t be married to someone else, and if you have been before, you may be asked to evidence that the marriage is over with your decree absolute, final order or death certificate. Again, all of these requirements can be obtained from your wedding planner.
Certificates of no impediment can have apostilles attached directly, without the need for a notary to attest them first.
When getting married abroad, you can be asked to get UK documents legalised such as your full or long birth certificate. If this is the case, do get your marriage certificate legalised in the place of issue as it is easier to do so whilst in country. You will also need to have a certified translation if you need to evidence to the wedding, such as changing your name on your passport. You can do this in the UK, but it is often cheaper and easier to do so at the time of your wedding.
In summary, a certificate of no impediment is an important step in getting married overseas, but it can be redundant if they don’t accept it. You also need to check if it has to be legalised.
If you need help legalising your certificate of no impediment or need a declaration drafted or notarised, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me today.