Religious Weddings Abroad

There is a separate page of information for couples organising a Roman Catholic Wedding abroad.

The information below is very brief and provides no more than an overview of the likely situation for members of any other religious grouping or denomination. Further information and contact details for churches of various religions are available in the destination guides.

It is always advisable to contact your local clergy for initial advice.

Anglican & Episcopalian Weddings

Generally speaking it will be a requirement that at least one party to the marriage must be Anglican or Episcopalian.

In most cases Anglicans can marry in Episcopalian churches and vice versa.

If you meet this requirement you need to contact both your local clergy and those in the parish or church in which you plan to marry, who will advise you on other requirements.

Most countries will have Anglican Churches, though in predominantly Catholic or Muslim countries this may not be the case. There are quite a large number of Episcopalian Churches overseas also.

Check individual country listings for more details.

Presbyterian/Methodist Weddings

Marriage in either of these churches is at the discretion of the local minister.

Religious affiliation is not always required in Methodist Churches, though you will have to meet with and satisfy the minister of your sincerity and of your freedom to marry.

Presbyterian and Methodist churches are not always that easy to locate outside the British Isles. Where they are found are usually in areas where there is a large British ex-pat community.

Jewish Weddings

Both parties to the marriage must be Jewish and permission to marry is at the discretion of the Chief Rabbi in the area where you plan to marry.

You will be required to meet in person with the Rabbi at the Synagogue at which you wish to marry, often some time in advance of the wedding so this may entail a separate trip, before permission is granted. You need to bring letters of introduction with you to this meeting from your own Rabbi.

Society of Friends (Quakers)

Usually require that both parties to the wedding are members of the Society of Friends, are free to marry and of age.

You will be required to meet in person with the elders in the area in which you wish to marry.