Legal Vs. Symbolic Destination Wedding Ceremonies: What's The Difference?

A happy couple in their Destination Wedding -Photo Jonathan Borba

​When considering your destination wedding – planning a destination wedding is more than just deciding where you'll hold the ceremony. You also need to consider whether you'll have a legal or symbolic wedding.

Knowing the difference between what a legal and symbolic wedding ceremony are can make a big impact on your travel plans, and ultimately on your wedding day. So, let's explore this subject and see what the differences are – and if you have any questions about this topic, don't hesitate to reach out!
 
Destination Weddings Are More Popular Than Ever
 
In the past couple of years, destination weddings have experienced a surge in popularity. So much so that the trend is making its way across to those who would otherwise not have considered it.

If you're planning to get married in a different country, you will probably be faced with the decision between a legal and symbolic wedding and may be wondering, “what the heck is a symbolic wedding?” or, “is a symbolic wedding legal”, or “what’s the difference between a symbolic ceremony and a civil ceremony?”
 
This article is going to give you the deets on both a legal (civil) destination wedding ceremony and a symbolic destination wedding ceremony so that you can decide which is best for you.
 
What is Required For a Legal Ceremony Away?

Photo: Katarina Dragon - Couple signing their legal wedding document

Documents You May Need

Just like you would experience in your State, there will be documents and proof of identity required, along with any licensing fees. Some countries require notarized copies of your passport, divorce decree, or legal name change. Others will require translation of the documents into their language.
 

• Ceremony Officiated in Language of That Country

Additionally, when doing a legal ceremony in a country where English is not their native language, there is no guarantee that your wedding will be officiated in English. In this case, a translator (usually the onsite wedding planner) will translate what the officiant says.
 

• Government Fees:

Then there will be government fees involved, and possibly a blood test done on-site.
 

• Witnesses:

Some countries will require witnesses (who are not related to you) to arrive with you on the
same day.
 

• Residency Requirement:

Beyond that, most countries will also require a residency. For example, a requirement may be a 4-day residency and only business days (Monday-Friday) count toward your residency. Others may have a requirement of 48 hours and you can arrive any day of the week.
 
A Legal Ceremony is Nothing to Worry About:

Don’t let this scare you! Some countries are super easy to get legally married in. It all varies, so I generally advise my clients to do what is best for them based on the country they decide to get married in.
 

• Be Flexible:

I also suggest being flexible. You may be going into planning a legal destination wedding abroad assuming that you’ll be able to make it legally binding in the destination. Don’t let this pigeonhole you into only a handful of options.
 

• Benefits of a legal/civil marriage:

 
The moment you say “I Do” in front of your friends and family is the real deal. You won’t have to decide which day to celebrate your anniversary.
In my book, it’s kind of cool to say you were legally married in “Mexico”
 
 
A Symbolic Ceremony:

Symbolic Destination Wedding-photo Jonathan Borba

Second, let’s discuss the mystery of the symbolic wedding and what you need to know.
Essentially, a symbolic wedding looks and sounds just like a civil wedding, it just isn’t legally binding. It is like a commitment ceremony or a renewal of vows.
 

• Avoiding Extra Hoops to Jump Through:

The purpose of choosing a symbolic destination wedding would be to avoid the legal requirements to get married in another country. Maybe due to the hassle, or possibly due to the cost.
 

• Can Ensure Everyone Can Celebrate:

Sometimes, couples will have certain family members who won’t be able to travel with them, so they choose to get married in the States before heading to their destination so that those family members can be a part of the union.
 

• You Will Need Proof You Are Married:

No matter your reason, with a symbolic destination wedding you will want to get married before heading to the destination because the country you are heading to will want a copy of your marriage records. To them, your ceremony is like a vow renewal, and they want to ensure you are legally married before officiating your ceremony. Make sense?
 

• Benefits of a symbolic wedding ceremony:

1. Less expensive
2. Not as much paperwork
3. No residency requirements
4. No translation of documents
 5. Ceremony can be officiated by a family member or friend

Dominican Republic Destination Wedding - Photo Junior Cruz

In the end, each couple should do what it feels is right for them. Unless you absolutely need to have a legal ceremony for your destination wedding, such as in some Catholic weddings, there is no wrong answer here. The most important thing to remember about your destination wedding ceremony, is to do what will make you and your soon to be spouse most happy. A destination wedding is supposed to be a celebration of your love, so make it as hassle free & wonderful as possible.
 
If you are in the midst of planning your destination wedding and feel like you’re stuckand not getting very far, I encourage you to schedule a free 60-minute discovery  session with me! I would be honored to help your figure out everything you need for an amazing destination wedding! (Legal or Symbolic)

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