How to Apostille Documents for International Marriage
1. Why Apostilles Are Essential for Getting Married Abroad
If you’re planning an international wedding, your home country documents won’t automatically be accepted by foreign authorities. Most countries require official documentation such as your birth certificate, single status affidavit, and in some cases, divorce decrees or name change records, to be authenticated through an apostille. This ensures the documents are legally recognized abroad under the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961. Without this authentication, your wedding could be delayed or deemed invalid by local authorities.
2. Understanding What an Apostille Is
An apostille is a certificate that verifies the authenticity of a public document, such as a vital record or a notarized affidavit. It confirms that the signature, seal, or stamp on the document is valid and was issued by a recognized authority in the document’s country of origin. The apostille allows that document to be legally recognized by all countries that are part of the Hague Convention. View the full list of countries that accept apostilles here:
🔗 Hague Apostille Country List – HCCH
3. Common Documents Required for Apostille Before an International Wedding
Couples typically need to apostille several key documents depending on the requirements of the destination country. These may include:
• Certified birth certificates (to prove identity)
• Single status affidavits (to prove you are free to marry)
• Divorce decrees (if previously married)
• Death certificates of a prior spouse (if widowed)
• Passport copies (sometimes required, and must be notarized before apostilling)
Each country has its own legal requirements. You can check foreign embassy guidelines here:
🔗 U.S. Department of State – Foreign Embassies
4. What Is a Single Status Affidavit and Why It’s Important
A single status affidavit is a sworn statement declaring that you are currently unmarried and legally free to marry. Many countries—including Mexico, Spain, Italy, and the Philippines—require this document, properly notarized and apostilled, before you can register your marriage there. It’s often completed in front of a notary public and sometimes accompanied by a passport copy or ID. Sample templates can often be found through consular websites, such as:
🔗 Philippine Consulate General – Affidavit of Single Status
5. Timing and Planning Ahead for Document Authentication
It’s critical to begin your apostille process as early as possible. Some documents—like vital records—must be certified copies issued within a specific timeframe (often within the past 3–6 months), and international destinations may impose translation requirements too. Delays can also occur due to missing signatures or improper notarization. Orange County Apostille can help you check your documents for apostille readiness to avoid costly delays.
6. Notarized Documents May Need Special Handling Before Apostille
In addition to government-issued documents like birth certificates, you may also need to submit notarized affidavits (e.g., single status affidavits or consent letters). These must be notarized by a properly commissioned notary public. Ensure the notary’s name, seal, and signature are clearly visible, and that the notarial wording complies with state law. You can verify what a compliant California notary acknowledgment looks like here:
🔗 California Secretary of State – Notary Acknowledgment Sample
7. Translations May Be Required for Foreign Use
If your destination country does not operate in English, your documents may need to be translated by a certified translator before or after the apostille. Some countries require the apostille to be applied to the original English document, followed by a notarized translation that is separately apostilled. Others want the document translated first, then apostilled as a full package. To confirm, contact the foreign country’s consulate directly:
🔗 List of Foreign Consulates in California – California DOJ
8. Special Considerations by Country
Each country has specific expectations. For example:
• Italy often requires documents translated and authenticated at an Italian consulate.
• Mexico may require a CURP (Mexican ID number) for Mexican nationals and an apostilled single status affidavit for foreigners.
• Spain mandates both apostille and sworn Spanish translation.
Always check with your destination’s consular office before starting the process.
🔗 Spain Consulate in Los Angeles
🔗 Mexico Consulate in Santa Ana
9. Why You Should Work with a Professional Apostille Service
The process of preparing documents for international marriage can be tedious and confusing. Documents must be in the correct format, signatures verified, notarial wording checked, and deadlines managed. Orange County Apostille can handle all of this for you, ensuring a fast, secure, and error-free authentication process. Whether you’re eloping to Italy or planning a beach ceremony in Mexico, working with professionals ensures your documents meet international requirements.
10. Book Your Apostille Appointment Today
If you’re ready to move forward with your international marriage plans, Orange County Apostille can help you authenticate all your necessary documents. Whether you need a single status affidavit notarized, a birth certificate apostilled, or everything translated for use abroad, we make the process fast and stress-free.
🔗 Book your appointment today at Orange County Apostille
