Wedding Paperwork
Here are some useful starting points and Q&A regarding the steps that need to be taken before you get married in Iceland.
We will of course guide you through this process, making sure that everything is done correctly whilst answering any and all of your questions and / or concerns. No worries! It looks considerably more complicated than it really is.
Step one : gathering all the documents that you will need. They are listed below.
The Application form
You need to carefully fill out the application form. It needs to be signed by both partners, as well as being signed by two trustworthy persons who, by signing the form, vouch that there are no legal impediments to the planned marriage. Make sure they are over 18 years old.
Birth certificates
Both partners need to submit a copy (no originals please, unless specifically stated) of their birth certificate, confirmed with notarisation (Notarius publicus).
Certificate of marital status
Both partners need to submit an original copy of certificate of marital status issued by the relevant authority (source of truth) in their country or a search certificate of no records of marriage. If it is not possible to obtain certificate of marital status from a foreign authority it is required to provide confirmation from the relevant authority stating that it is not possible. The certificate must be issued within 12 weeks prior to the exact wedding ceremony date. Please note that a declaration on the bridal pairs behalf about their marital status, is not a sufficient document to prove marital status according to Icelandic law.
This can be the most confusing document but together we´ll sort it out. Remember – if there´s will there´s a way!
If bride and/or groom is divorced?
In addition to a certificate of marital status, a divorce decree, a document to prove that previous marriage has ended with a divorce, must be submitted. It is also necessary to prove that the division of assets and liabilities between the former spouses has been finalized. Original documents are not needed, only a copy.
If bride and/or groom is a widow/widower?
In addition to a certificate of marital status an official document showing that the estate (assets and liabilities) of the deceased spouse has been finalized/divided, must be submitted. Original documents are not needed, only a copy.
Passports
Both partners must submit a copy of the picture page of their passports confirmed with notarisation (Notarius publicus).
Step two : scanning the documents
When all the documents are ready, you scan them and send them to us via email. We will preview them and make sure that they will sail through the Sheriffs office without any issues. When we are confident that the documents meet the demanded requirements, we will give you the green light to send them over to us.
Step three : sending the documents
When you have received the green light to sends us the documents please do so in a safe way. Use DHL, Fedex, UPS or similar a comparable service with a tracking number. From that point on we will handle the paperwork on the bridal pairs behalf including getting the necessary stamping, before and after the wedding ceremony.
The stamp from the sheriffs office is called “certificate of examination” and is a stamp on the application form that you filled out in step one. This certificate of examination is necessary to be able to get married in Iceland, in short-spoken words, it’s your permission to get married in Iceland. The certificate of examination is valid for 30 days.
FAQ
What is the fee for examination, marriage certificate (one copy) and apostille stamping?
These fees are included in our service fees so you don´t have to worry about it. Please let us know if you need more than one copy of your marriage certificate.
When do we receive our marriage certificate?
In Iceland the paperwork is finalised after the wedding ceremony so don´t panic though you haven’t received your certificate on your wedding day. This process can take 4-12 weeks depending on various reasons. But we guarantee you´ll receive a legal internationally recognised marriage certificate!
How do we receive our certificate?
We send the marriage certificate when ready via email as a pdf and when fully stamped, it is sent with a tracked service through the Icelandic post office. If you prefer any other way please let us know. Additional cost may apply.
What´s our fee for the paperwork handling service and what´s included?
Included in the paperwork guidance and handling is all necessary assistance with the paperwork, both before and after the wedding ceremony, guaranteed marriage certificate from the Registration of Iceland and the certificate cost, Ministry of foreign affairs apostille stamping cost and tracked postal cost as specified above.