Documents required to marry in Morocco?
Morocco is a special place, although formally marrying there is not straightforward. It's full of beautiful venues, whether you're looking at getting married in the city of Marrakech or up in the Atlas Mountains. Typically, we would recommend tying the knot in your home country and then having a post-wedding celebration in Morocco. However, if you are determined to marry in Morocco, just follow these steps closely and be in constant dialogue with your relevant embassy:
- Firstly, you will need to get an affidavit stating that it is legal for you and your partner to wed.
- To organise the affidavit, book an appointment at the British embassy or consulate in Morocco. You will need to bring the documents listed below, including the fee. Bear in mind that both you and your partner will need your own individual affidavit.
- Once this affidavit has been approved by the British embassy, you will need to get it legalised (certified as genuine) by the local Moroccan authorities.
- This document will also have to be translated into Arabic by a professional translator and then taken to the relevant registry office to be authorised. This can take anything from a few days to a few months. A judge will then advise you how to best secure your marriage certificate. This document is then valid for 3 months after the date of issue.
- Bear in mind that you will also need an updated police record background check from your home country, as well as a medical certificate from a Moroccan doctor stating that you have no STDs and are in good health.
- Equally, the groom-to-be has to organise a notarised statement of religious denomination.
As usual, if you are in any doubt, please stay in constant contact with the British embassy in Morocco for the most up-to-date advice and tips. Good luck!
Necessary Documents
- Passport
- Passport sized photos
- Birth certificate
- Copy of the 2 witnesses' passports
- Fee
- Police record from your country of residence
- Medical certificate from a Moroccan doctor
- Affidavit stating that you can legally marry
- Divorce certificate (if necessary from previous marriage)
- Death certificate (if you have been widowed)
Same-Sex Weddings
Same-sex relationships are a criminal offence in Morocco, as a result, marriage between a same-sex couple is not permitted.
Sources
- https://www.gov.uk/marriage-abroad/y/morocco/uk/partner_british/opposite_sex
- http://www.expat.com/en/guide/africa/morocco/8941-getting-married-in-morocco.html
Sources updated 15th May 2024
This information is appropriate for UK nationals getting married overseas. We always advise that you contact the relevant embassy for information before booking any trips. This information is up to date to the best of our knowledge.