You may dream of getting hitched on a Maldives sandbank, but did you know that such a wedding ceremony is not legally binding? On the other hand, a spur of the moment marriage in a Las Vegas wedding chapel, whilst under the influence of one two many cocktails could be a very costly mistake as you call in the divorce lawyers! So, if you are planning to have a destination wedding, check your facts before you fly!Before you are carried away with plans of an exotic wedding in a far-flung location, do your homework and find out the legal requirements of each country. We take a look at some of the most popular wedding destinations to establish what paperwork or legal requirements you need to complete.Don’t be put off. It’s time well spent! With a little pre-planning you could have a truly unique wedding, which may save you time and money rather than opting for a wedding ceremony on home turf. Happy planning...

Italy

The Italian law states that civil weddings must be performed in a town hall or a property purchased by the local government only. However, most town halls are located in historical buildings, unique palaces, villas and manor houses, which are charming settings for a wedding. The ceremony lasts around 30 minutes and is conducted in Italian by the Civil Registrar. An interpreter will be provided during the ceremony. It’s also worth noting that, according to Italian law, a divorced woman or widow cannot remarry unless 300 days have passed from the date of the Decree Absolute or decease of the previous spouse, and documented proof has to be supplied. You must also supply the Nulla Osta, a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI), which you can get from your nearest British consulate.If you wish to have a Roman Catholic ceremony, the church will automatically register the wedding with the Italian authorities and a civil wedding is not required. However, the Catholic Church will not marry a divorcee.

France

The French Government requires that certain criteria be met before couples marry there. Religious ceremonies are not recognised as legally official in France and it is therefore necessary for both locals and visitors to conduct a civil marriage beforehand. For most couples, a registry office at home followed by a church service or non-religious blessing in France is the best option. If you’re marrying in France you may need a Certificate of Custom Law (certificat de coutume) – consult the local Mairie for this. You’ll need to send both original and copies of your official documents to the British consulate, but allow plenty of time as they will acknowledge the receipt within 20 days and then send your application to the embassy in Paris, who will issue you with a certificate.The certificate will be in French and valid for six months prior to your marriage. This complex process costs £63. For more information contact your local Mairie or visit: www.fco.gov.uk

Cyprus

You can legally get married in Cyprus but you must make your marriage application in person to the Marriage Officer at the Municipality of your choice after you arrive in Cyprus. You must be resident in Cyprus for three working days prior to your wedding day to obtain a Special Licence, which costs approximately £250. If you do not apply for the Special Licence your marriage cannot be celebrated until 15 days after you submit your Notice of Marriage, and you will need to be resident in Cyprus for approximately 20 days. You need to take original documents including full birth certificates, Ten-year passports (with at least six months validity remaining), Sworn Affidavits to say you’re free to marry, Notice of Marriage, a baptism certificate (for church weddings) and a Decree Absolute if you are divorced.

If you’re having a religious ceremony, a Catholic ceremony is not legally binding unless you first have a civil wedding ceremony, but this is not the case with an Anglican wedding ceremony. Detailed information may be obtained directly from any Municipality or from the Union of Cyprus Municipalities. www.ucm.org.cy

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a city made for wild weddings: an energetic adult’s playground, it boasts some of the most spectacular hotels, shops and restaurants in the world. From formal black-tie affairs to renewing vows in front of a rhinestone-studded Elvis impersonator, more than 122,000 couples obtain marriage licenses each year in Las Vegas, making it the marriage capital of the world. You don’t need to have blood tests and you don’t have to wait – you can marry immediately. The legal age is 18 for both men and women (proof of age is required) and licencing fees are approximately £40. Civil ceremonies can be performed at the Marriage Commissioner’s Office at 309 S. 3rd St. Chapel fees vary depending on the services provided. For marriage licence information call the Clark County Marriage License Bureau (702) 671-0600, 201. You can get married in Vegas even if you’re not a US resident. Most countries require a certified copy of your marriage certificate ($10) and an apostile from the Nevada Secretary of State ($20).The ultimate couples’ room is the seductive and alluring Erotic Suite at The Palms. From the risqué shadow dancer projection wall to the steamy Show Shower with stripper pole, the highlight of the Erotic Suite is the incredible eight feet round rotating bed with mirrored ceiling above. www.VisitLasVegas.co.uk.

Thailand

Thailand offers a host of unique wedding locations, from a wedding ceremony on the beach or at your chosen resort to a Buddhist Temple. The marriage of UK and Irish citizens duly registered in Thailand is legally binding under British law. There are no residency requirements for getting married in Thailand; however, the required paperwork will normally take at least two working days to complete before your marriage can be registered. You’ll need valid passports, an Affidavit of Freedom to Marry under Thai Law and any divorce or death certificates. If you get legally married in Thailand, you will receive two identical official wedding certificates. The wedding certificates will be in Thai. A certified translation is normally sufficient should you need your marriage certificate for official purposes in your home country. It’s a good idea to obtain a translated certificate(s) before you leave Thailand. In Thailand the legal registration of your marriage, which takes place in the local registration office (Amphur), is the binding part of your marriage. At the registration office you will be required to have a translator present who speaks both English and Thai. The registration office will arrange the witnesses. Consult the Consulate or Embassy of the Kingdom of Thailand for more information. www.tourismthailand.org.

Maldives

Because Maldives Family Law does not accommodate marriages of religions other than Islam, it’s not possible for visitors to legally marry there. However, the breathtaking scenery and sheer luxury of the resorts in the Maldives makes this area a popular place for exquisite beach blessings and romantic non-religious ceremonies, which can be arranged through your hotel or wedding planner. From unspoilt beaches to little sandbank islands, the locations for wedding blessing ceremonies or vow renewals are out of this world. Dazzling underwater coral gardens, turquoise lagoons, luxury cruises and world-class spas are just some heavenly temptations that make celebrities, including Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, choose the Maldives for their wedding celebrations and honeymoons. The Maldives offers some of the most exclusive accommodation in the world; romantic beachside villas and thatched water bungalows with glass floors overlooking the lagoon, with its multitude of colourful fish and coral. The Maldives promises a once-in-a-life-time experience for your big day – even if its not legally recognised in the UK! www.visitmaldives.com

For unique weddings in exotic destinations, the world really is your oyster. Each country has it s own wedding laws and customs, so to find out exactly what documentation you need to get married overseas, contact the authorities of the relevant country.Visit www.fco.gov.uk for a list of foreign embassies in the UK.