Considering getting married in Spain, France, Greece, Italy or Mustique? You’ll need to do your homework first – luckily for you, we’ve done the legal bit for you…
CERTIFICATE OF NO IMPEDIMENT (CNI)
What? A certificate confirming there are no objections to your marriage.
How? It is a legal requirement that each party gives notice prior to any proposed marriage. You’ll need to arrange a meeting at your local register office – your notice will then be displayed for 15 days before your CNI is issued.
When? The certificate is issued without an expiry date. However, the country in which you intend to marry may have its own validity period; so check.
Who? If you are getting married in Italy, Spain or Greece, you will be asked for a CNI. You’ll need to get your CNI translated and sworn before the courts or Justice of the Peace in the relevant country.
Cost? A register office notice fee costs £35 per person while there is no charge for a CNI.
STATUTORY DECLARATION
What? A legal declaration used to confirm your single status.
How? You will need to make a declaration under oath, in the presence of a solicitor, stating your intent to marry in the destination that you have chosen.
When? This document must be obtained within three months of your intended wedding date.
Who? Italian law requires a Statutory Declaration.
Cost? The cost is nominal (from £5).
LEGALISATION
What? The Foreign & Commonwealth Office needs to certify your statutory declaration and CNI as genuine.
How? You will need to complete the legalisation application form at gov.uk and then send away the relevant documents and payment to be processed.
When? Immediately after you have your Statutory Declaration and CNI, as the SD has a three-month expiry date.
Who? Weddings in Spain, Greece and Italy require the legalisation of documents.
Cost? This service costs £30 per document, plus postage.
