Planning a wedding in the sun? Sounds dreamy! But before you pack your bags and walk barefoot down the beach aisle, it’s essential to know what travel documents Canadian couples need for a destination wedding.

The truth is, every country has different rules, and skipping a small step, such as not having the proper paperwork, can cause significant headaches. Don’t worry, though. With a bit of prep and the correct info, this part is totally manageable. In this guide, we’ll break it all down for you, from your passports to your destination wedding marriage license and everything in between.

Before we dive in, welcome! At Love at First Travel, we help Canadian couples plan their destination weddings by finding the perfect all-inclusive resort, securing group travel deals, and ensuring guests are supported every step of the way. We’re not wedding planners, we’re your travel experts for all things destination wedding, including what documents you need to tie the knot abroad. Ready to get started? Reach out today, or come say hi on Instagram!

Start With the Basics: Valid Canadian Passports for Everyone

This may seem obvious, but it’s essential. Every Canadian couple planning a destination wedding needs a valid passport. And not just valid for the wedding week. Most countries require your passport to be good for at least six months after your travel dates. So, double-check those expiry dates early.

If your passport is expired or nearing expiration, apply to renew it as soon as possible. Passport processing times can take weeks, especially during busy travel seasons.

And it’s not just about the couple. All your guests will also need valid passports. If you’re inviting friends or family who haven’t travelled in a while, give them a heads-up to check theirs. It’s one of those little things that can slip through the cracks.

Getting married in Mexico? Check out our ultimate Mexico Destination Wedding Guide for tips, resorts, and legal must-knows.

Marriage Requirements Vary by Country (Here’s What That Means for You)

Every destination has its own rules regarding legal weddings. The travel documents Canadian couples need can change depending on where they’re getting married. For example, some countries require your birth certificate, while others request a translated copy, and a few even necessitate blood tests or waiting periods.

This is where things can get a little tricky. If having a legal ceremony abroad is essential to you, you’ll want to research the rules before choosing your destination. Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica are popular destinations for Canadian couples, but each has slightly different marriage laws.

The good news? Most resorts have wedding teams who guide you through the legal steps. And if it all sounds like a lot, many couples choose to do the legal paperwork in Canada first and have a symbolic ceremony at the resort. That way, you get all the beach wedding magic without the legal stress.

What Documents You Might Be Asked to Provide

So, what travel documents do Canadian couples need to legally tie the knot abroad? It depends on the destination, but here are the most common ones you might be asked for:

• Valid Passports
  Both of you need passports that are not expired and are valid for at least six months after your travel dates.
• Birth Certificates
  Some countries require long-form birth certificates, which may need to be translated into the local language.
• Statutory Declaration of Single Status
  This is a legal document that proves you’re not already married. You can usually get it notarized in Canada before your trip.
• Divorce or Death Certificates (if applicable)
  If one of you was previously married, you’ll need official documents to show the marriage ended legally.
• Tourist Card or Visa
  A few destinations require a tourist visa in addition to your passport, especially if you plan to stay longer than the usual vacation time.
• Marriage Application Forms
  The resort or local government typically provides these, and may need to be completed before arrival.
• Apostille or Legalization of Documents
  Some countries require that your Canadian documents be authenticated before they’re accepted. This can involve a few extra steps, so it’s best to check early.

Just getting started? Grab our Destination Wedding Planning Guide for real advice, checklists, and stress-saving tips.

What Travel Documents Do Canadian Couples Need to Register Their Marriage in Canada?

One of the most common questions we hear is whether couples need to register their destination wedding in Canada. The short answer is usually no. If the country where you got married legally recognizes your wedding, Canada will typically recognize it too. That said, you will need to bring home your official marriage certificate from the destination. This is different from the decorative one you sign during the ceremony. The government-issued certificate often arrives by mail a few weeks after the wedding.

If you plan to change your last name or need the certificate for legal purposes, be sure to request multiple copies and follow any additional steps your province may require. Not all destination weddings receive legal recognition, so it’s important to check the requirements. Many couples choose to handle the paperwork at home and have a symbolic ceremony at the resort. This is a valid choice and much more common than you might think. It still feels just as special, and you won’t have to deal with extra paperwork in another language.

Thinking of eloping? Learn what a destination elopement really looks like and why it might be your perfect fit.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance and Health Documents

When considering the travel documents Canadian couples need, passports and marriage certificates naturally come to mind first. However, travel insurance and health-related documents also play an important role!

Travel insurance can protect you if something unexpected happens, like a delayed flight, lost luggage, or a last-minute illness. Some companies even offer special coverage for destination weddings, which can help with issues such as weather delays or vendor cancellations. It’s a wise investment, especially when you’re travelling with a group.

Depending on your destination, you may also need to provide proof of certain vaccinations or complete health forms before travelling. Some countries still enforce COVID-19 entry rules or ask travellers to complete online forms before arrival. These rules can change often, so it’s a good idea to check closer to your departure date.

You don’t need to overwhelm your guests with excessive information, but providing them with a quick heads-up or a link to official travel guidelines can make things easier for everyone.

Dreaming of a beach wedding? Explore why the Mayan Riviera is one of the best spots for a destination wedding. Want a list of our favorite resorts? Check them out here.

Top Tips to Stay Organized With All This Paperwork

When you’re juggling wedding plans and travel documents, staying organized can make a big difference. Here are some simple ways to keep everything on track:

• Create a wedding travel folder
  Use a physical folder or a digital one (like Google Drive) to store all your important documents. Keep copies of your passports, booking confirmations, marriage paperwork, and insurance details in one secure location.
• Start early
  As soon as you book your destination, look up what travel documents Canadian couples need for that specific country. Some paperwork can take weeks or even months to process.
• Set calendar reminders
  Add reminders for when to apply for your passport, when to send in marriage documents, and when to confirm guest bookings. It’s easy to forget a deadline when you’re busy choosing wedding colours.
• Talk to your travel agent.
  A destination wedding travel expert (like us!) can help you understand what’s required and guide you through the process. You’re not expected to figure it all out alone.
• Keep guest communication simple.
  Create a wedding website or group chat to share travel tips and updates with your guests. It saves you from repeating the same info a hundred times.
• Bring backup copies
  Always bring both printed and digital copies of your key documents when travelling. You never know when Wi-Fi might go down or a file might not open on your phone.

Not sure where to start? Check out our 9 essential steps for Canadians planning a destination wedding.

Final Thoughts on What Travel Documents Canadian Couples Need

Planning a destination wedding is an exciting adventure, but we know the paperwork can sometimes feel overwhelming. The good news is that once you know what travel documents Canadian couples need, it’s much easier to check them off and move forward with confidence.

Thinking a destination wedding might be the perfect fit for you? We’d love to help you take the next step. Whether you’re still figuring out what travel documents Canadian couples need or are ready to start searching for your dream resort, we’re here to make the travel side feel simple and stress-free.

Download our Destination Wedding Planning Guide for tons of real advice, or reach out to learn more about how we support couples (and their guests) every step of the way. We can’t wait to hear all about your vision!