If you get married in the D.R., is it legal in the U.S?

[micsor]

Just confused about getting married in the D.R. Does anyone know if you get married there, will it be legal when you get back to the United States? I've heard a lot of stories of people getting married, and it not being legal.

[jerzshortstuff]

I just read this "The U.S. statute states that a marriage performed abroad which is valid under the laws of that country is generally accepted by any state. " So the answer would be yes. I am not sure if the resorts vary on requirements, but here are requirements I found when I looked it up:

 

Notarized / certified copies of birth certificates

Notarized / certified copies of passports

Notarized / certified copies of passports of witnesses

Single declaration ( translated in Spanish and legalized by an official Judge)

Notarized / certified copies divorce papers ( if applicable )

Notarized / certified copies of death certificate ( if applicable)

All documents have to be presented in Spanish and must be legalized by an official Judge and validated by the Consul of the Dominican Republic.

[micsor]

Thank you!

[Diva]

Jerz is correct, but also keep in mind residency requirements when choosing to do the "legal" part in DR I think it is 3 days. It is much less of a hassle to do a ceremony, and go down to the courthouse in your state for the formalities. Your guests don't have to know that's what you did either! Thats our plan Just food for thought!

[beachbum]

What is the process once you are back with a DR WEdding certificate? Does it come in English or in Spanish. If its in Spanish, do we have to go to the consulate to have it translated?

[FutureMrsTO]

Quote:

Originally Posted by beachbum What is the process once you are back with a DR WEdding certificate? Does it come in English or in Spanish. If its in Spanish, do we have to go to the consulate to have it translated?

yes you do have to have it translated. my resort recommended a service called wedo (WEDO .:: Taking care of your legal documentation for your Dominican weddings) the cost isn't so bad its $250 per couple. you mail them all the required information (passport, birth certificates, single status affidavit, 2 witness photo copies of passports) they prepare all documents and have everything translated. be sure to only do 3 months in advance as it expires.

best of luck
Kim

[JenB]

The Dominican Consulate in Chicago tol me it is ONLY legal in the States if after returning you send them an ORIGINAL copy of your marriage license to be translated and legalized here

[MrsProffitt2B]

Thank you for sharing!