How to Get Married in The USA as a Foreigner

Understand the legal requirements 

The first thing you would need to do is understand what the legal requirements for getting married in the USA are. Before you can enter or get married in the USA as a foreigner, you have to meet certain criteria. These could include getting the right visa or having the right documentation. Your legal status in the USA does not generally affect your ability to get married; however, if you plan to stay in the USA after marriage, you will need to adjust your visa status or apply for an American Green Card. 

Marriage laws are also different in every state in the USA. So, before planning your wedding, research the specific requirements for the state where you intend to get married. This includes age restrictions, identification needed, and any residency requirements. 

Concerning the legal requirements, there is no one-size-fits-all package. There are different categories that you could fall under. Let’s take a look at them:

I am a foreign national, and my American Fiancé(e) is in the United States

If you are a foreigner and you and your American (citizen or green card holder) intending spouse are both living in the United States, you will need to adjust your legal status by changing your temporary work visa to a USA green card. To do this, you need to get married and register your marriage with the state officials where the wedding took place.

Your American fiancé(e) or green card holder will be your sponsor and they will have to accompany you to the USA Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to apply for a USA green card for you. You will be interviewed in person and your biometric information will be taken. This process is known as concurrent filing because you file the Petition for Alien Relative (Form I-130) and the Application for Adjustment of Status (Form I-48) together. 

As of 2025, USCIS no longer strictly enforces the 90-day rule. USCIS may scrutinize actions taken within 90 days of entering the U.S. on a temporary visa, such as marriage to a U.S. citizen or applying for a green card, to assess whether there was any misrepresentation of intent at the time of entry. However, these actions do not automatically lead to denial. Applicants can present evidence to demonstrate that their intentions changed after entry and that they did not misrepresent their original purpose for coming to the U.S

During the entire process, you must maintain a valid immigration status if your intended spouse is a green card holder. This means you must have a valid visa like a work or student visa that is valid for up to 2 years and 6 months after filing for the USA green card. However, if your intended spouse is a US citizen and you entered the USA legally on a visa but fell out of status, it can be forgiven during the adjustment of status process.

I am a foreign national, and I am in the USA, but my American Fiancé(e) isn’t

In this case, you have two options:

1. You and your intended spouse can get married outside of the United States and then apply for a green card at the USA embassy or consulate in your country. This is known as consular processing. During the application, you will need to complete the Immigrant Visa Electronic Application (Forms I-130 and DS-260) and then do a medical examination and an interview at the USA Embassy or consulate in your country. This process can be long but it guarantees you a green card as soon as you enter the USA.
    
2. Alternatively, you can go to the United States on a Fiancé(e) visa (K1 visa). This visa is designed for people who intend to get married in the USA You can get married when you enter the USA with this visa and then begin the process of becoming a green card holder.

I am a foreign national my American Fiancé(e) and I live outside the United States

The USA government recognizes all marriages conducted abroad as long as they are registered with local authorities. Only your country’s laws on marriage such as laws on parental consent, eligibility and even divorce will apply to your marriage. You will not be bound by the United State’s marriage laws since you did not get married in the USA 

If you want to get married in the United States, you can do so with a fiancé(e) visa if you want to live in the USA after the wedding. This will allow you to enter the United States, marry, and then adjust your status.

On the other hand, if you just want to get married in the United States and then go back to another country to apply for a USA green card from the embassy maybe because of family or employment, you can enter the USA on a temporary visa and marry as long as you understand and observe the 90-day rule and abide by the state laws on marriage.

How to get married to a U.S citizen

Types of USA marriage visas

1. The K3 visa (Non-immigrant visa for a spouse): 

The K3 visa is designed for the spouses of USA citizens who are non-citizens. It creates a legal pathway to enter and stay in the USA while you wait for the approval of your immigrant visa petition. This visa aims to reduce the separation time between you and your spouse who is a USA citizen. The application process involves filing both Form I-130 and Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)).

As of 2025, K-3 visa processing times are often comparable to those of Form I-130. Once the Form I-130 is approved, beneficiaries are no longer eligible for a K-3 visa, making this visa category less commonly used.

K3 visa eligibility requirements

To get a K3 visa, you have to meet the following requirements:

• You have to be legally married to a USA citizen (not a green card holder) outside of the United States.
   
• You must currently live in a country outside of the United States.
   
• Your USA spouse must have already filed a family sponsorship form (Form I-130) that is currently “pending” with USCIS. 
   
• Your spouse in the USA must meet certain financial criteria. They should have an adjusted gross income on their latest tax return that equals or exceeds 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines to be eligible to act as your financial sponsor. If they don't meet this threshold, another person must submit an affidavit of support as a joint sponsor.
   
• Any biological or adopted children that will be accompanying you to the United States must be unmarried and under the age of 21.

You must submit the following documents: 

• A completed Form DS-160.
   
• A passport, valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States.
   
• Birth certificate.
   
• Marriage certificate for the marriage to your USA spouse.
   
• Divorce or death certificate(s) of any previous spouse(s).
   
• Police certificates for you and any accompanying children from your present country of residence and all countries where you have lived for up to 6 months since you turned 16. 
   
• Medical examination certificate. As of March 11, 2025, the COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required for immigration medical examinations
   
• Proof of financial support (Form I-134, Affidavit of Support may be requested).
   
• Two 2x2 passport photographs. 
   
• Evidence of your relationship with your USA citizen spouse like pictures, videos or affidavits from family and friends.
   
• Fee payment for the following services:
  
  • Filing a Petition for Alien Relative, Form I-130.
  • Filing an Alien Fiancé(e) Petition, Form I-129F.
  • Nonimmigrant visa application processing fee, Form DS-160 (for each K visa applicant).
  • Medical exam (for each K visa applicant).
  • Filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status.

2. The K1 visa (Non-immigrant visa for a fiancé (e)): 

The K1 visa, also known as the fiancé(e) visa, allows you (the foreign fiancé(e)) of a USA citizen to enter the United States to get married. You must marry within 90 days of your arrival in the United States. After the marriage, you can apply for an American green card. As of February 2025, the K-1 visa processing time has increased to approximately 10 to 16 months.

K1 visa requirements

You have to meet the following K1 visa requirements to get a K1 visa:

• You both must be unmarried with proof such as divorce certificates, death certificates, etc.
   
• The sponsoring fiancé(e) must be a US citizen. A green card holder cannot be a sponsor for a K1 visa.
   
• You must prove your relationship is genuine. You can do this by writing a statement about how you share household chores, showing proof of any bills you have paid together, showing mail that has been addressed to you both or showing documents that prove that you live together. 
   
• You must each submit a signed document stating that you intend to marry within 90 days after you (the foreign fiancé(e)) arrive in the USA If possible, include evidence like your wedding invitations or venue bookings.
   
• Your USA fiancé(e) must meet certain financial criteria. They should have an adjusted gross income on their latest tax return that equals or exceeds 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines to be eligible to act as your financial sponsor. If they don't meet this threshold, another person must submit an affidavit of support as a joint sponsor.
   
• You must provide evidence that you and the USA citizen have met in person at least once within the last two years before submitting Form I-129F. Meetings through online platforms, video chats, and phone calls do not fulfil the requirement of an in-person meeting. This rule may be waived if an in-person meeting conflicts with your cultural or religious traditions or if meeting in person would cause severe hardship to the foreign-citizen fiancé(e). You can request a waiver for the 2-year rule if you have not yet met in person within the required timeframe. This must be submitted along with Form I-129F and should include proof that arranging an in-person meeting was extremely difficult or impossible.

You must submit the following documents: 

• A completed Form DS-160.
   
• A passport valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the USA
   
• Birth certificate.
   
• Divorce or death certificate(s) of any previous spouse(s) for both you and your USA fiancé(e).
   
• Police certificates for you and any accompanying children from your present country of residence and all countries where you have lived for up to 6 months since you turned 16. 
   
• Medical Examination.
   
• Proof of financial support (Form I-134, Affidavit of Support may be requested).
   
• Two 2x2 passport photographs. 
   
• Evidence of your relationship with your USA citizen fiancé(e).

Fee payment for the following services: 

• Filing an Alien Fiancé(e) Petition, Form I-129F
• Nonimmigrant visa application processing fee, Form DS-160 (for each K visa applicant).
• Medical examination (for each K visa applicant).
• Filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status.

3. CR1 visa/IR1 visa (Spouse of a USA Citizen Visa): 

If you are a foreign national and your spouse is a US citizen, these visas allow you to enter the United States as a permanent resident. The CR1 (Conditional Resident) visa is issued to couples who have been married for less than two years, and the status is conditional for two years. The IR1 (Immediate Relative) visa is issued to couples who have been married for two years or more, and it grants permanent resident status without conditions. The average processing time for CR1/IR1 visas has increased to approximately 14.3 months for spouses of U.S. citizens, including Form I-130 processing and consular processing.

CR-1/IR-1 visa eligibility requirements

• A passport, valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of entry into the United States. 
   
• An affidavit of Support from the USA spouse.
   
• Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application.
   
• Two 2x2 photographs. 
   
• Birth certificate, marriage certificate, and any other specified civil document.
   
• Completed Medical Examination Forms. 
   
• Fees for the following services:
  
  • Filing an immigrant Petition for Alien Relative, Form I-130.
  • Processing an immigrant visa application, Form DS-260.
  • Medical examination and required vaccinations.

Every document you provide for your visa application must be translated into English by a certified translator before it can be accepted. This is because English is the official language spoken in the United States of America. Translating your documents helps to ease the communication between you and the American Immigration authorities. To get accurate USCIS-certified translations for your marriage documents, place an order at Translayte now. Translayte offers certified and notarised translations to support immigration in the USA, with a 100% USCIS acceptance guarantee. 
 

Apply for a marriage license

A marriage license in the United States is a legal document that authorizes you and your fiancé(e) to marry. It is part of the legal marriage process and must be obtained before you can legally wed in any USA state. The marriage license serves as official permission or authorization from the state for the marriage to take place. It is different from a marriage certificate, which is a record that a marriage has occurred.

Marriage license requirements vary by state. Some states may require proof of residency, a waiting period between license issuance and the ceremony, or specific identification documents. It's essential to check with the local county clerk's office in the state where you plan to marry for precise requirements.

To get a marriage license, you should visit the local county clerk's office with your partner and apply. You should do this a week or two before your wedding day because the license expires in about 30 to 60 days in most states. There are certain requirements you must also meet to get a marriage license in the USA These vary by state, but they are usually concerning:

• Documents and applications.
• Residency requirements.
• Waiting period and duration.
• Blood test requirements.
• Minimum age requirement to marry with or without parental/guardian consent.

To ensure that you have the right requirements, contact the specific office of the county clerk, city or town where you intend to get married. 

What documents do I need to get married in the USA as a foreigner?

Alternative - getting married online 

If you’re unable to get your visa in time ahead of your wedding, you can simply marry online!

Thanks to recent legal updates in states like Utah, you can now have legally valid marriages conducted virtually, regardless of where you are in the world. This is very helpful if you or your spouse is awaiting a visa, are in an unavoidable long-distance relationship, or either of you is facing travel restrictions. 

Here’s how it works:

1. Apply for a marriage license online: You and your partner will need to apply through a county (like Utah County) that offers virtual marriage services. The application is submitted digitally, and both of you can sign remotely. A valid ID (such as a passport) is usually required.
    
2. Schedule a virtual ceremony: Once your license is approved, you'll be able to book a video call ceremony with a licensed officiant. The ceremony is conducted live; you and your spouse, alongside your witnesses, can join online. For the ceremony to be valid, the officiant must be physically present in the United States, e.g. Utah, as that becomes the “host location.”
    
3. Receive your official marriage certificate: After the ceremony, your marriage is legally recorded, and you'll be sent an official marriage certificate, typically within 48 hours. This document can be used for immigration processes, visa applications, name changes, and more, just like any in-person marriage.
    

Is it legal and recognised?

Yes, marriages conducted online through authorized U.S. counties are legally valid in all 50 U.S. states. Many other countries also recognize these marriages, though it's important to check with your local embassy or government office to ensure recognition in your specific case.

Can you get married by proxy in the USA?

Yes, proxy marriage is legal in some parts of the United States, but it’s not allowed nationwide. Proxy marriage is when one or both individuals getting married are not physically present, and someone else stands in for them during the ceremony. 

Proxy marriages can be done with either one person there in person and the other remotely, or both of them remotely, while two stand-ins take their place, but this is dependent on local and state laws. 

The most well-known and accessible state for proxy marriage is Montana. It’s the only U.S. state that allows double proxy marriages for certain people, especially if one spouse is on active duty in the US military or if the couple are U.S citizens living abroad. 

For a proxy marriage to be legal under USCIS, the marriage must be consummated through sexual relations. This does not include consummation prior to the marriage. Meaning, having kids before the marriage doesn’t count. You need to provide evidence of marriage validity to be considered eligible for immigration.

Proxy marriage can be useful when distance or legal issues prevent both partners from being in the same place. However, because of the strict eligibility rules and limited locations, many couples now opt for online weddings, which are more accessible and widely recognized. It’s important to confirm whether your home country will recognize a U.S. proxy marriage, particularly if you plan to use it for immigration or legal purposes.

Plan your ceremony

Finally, you’re done with all the major paperwork and immigration hurdles. It’s time to get into the real fun. The possibilities are nearly endless when it comes to planning a wedding in the USA You can have a traditional church wedding, a casual beach ceremony, or anything you can think of. Let’s give you a few tips on how to plan the ceremony. 

1. Choose your type of ceremony: Decide on the type of ceremony that best reflects your values and relationship. This could be religious, secular, or spiritual. Your choice may influence your venue, officiant, and even the legal requirements in some cases.
    
2. Set a budget: Determining your budget will guide many of your decisions, from the venue to the number of guests and the style of the event. Make sure to account for any potential costs like the venue, attire, officiant fees, decorations, and any additional services you might want.
    
3. Select a venue: The venue sets the tone for your wedding. Popular options in the USA include churches, beaches, parks, historic homes, and banquet halls. When choosing a venue, consider its location, capacity, availability, cost, and the logistics of getting married there (some venues have their own rules about catering, decoration, and music).
    
4. Choose a date and time: When selecting your wedding date, consider factors like the weather, special dates for you and your partner, and the availability of your desired venue and key vendors. Saturdays are the most popular choice, but a weekday wedding might offer more flexibility and cost savings.
    
5. Hire vendors: Depending on the complexity of your ceremony, you may need to hire various vendors, such as:

• An officiant: Ensure they are legally recognized to perform weddings in your state.
• A Photographer/Videographer: Book early, as the best ones often have their schedules filled months in advance.
• Music: Whether you want live music, a DJ, or a simple playlist, plan how music will be integrated into your ceremony.
• A Florist: For bouquets, boutonnieres, and any venue decorations.
• A Caterer: If your venue doesn’t provide food, you’ll need to hire a caterer.

6. Plan the ceremony details: Decide if you want to write your vows or stick with the traditional ones. Select your wedding party, including bridesmaids, groomsmen, ring-bearers, and flower girls. Don’t forget to decide on how you want the ceremony to unfold, from start to finish.

7. Have a dress rehearsal: A rehearsal is typically held the day before the wedding, especially for complex ceremonies or large wedding parties. This helps ensure everyone knows their roles and the event runs smoothly.

8. Day-of Coordination: Consider appointing a day-of coordinator to manage the logistics of the ceremony. They can handle any issues that arise and ensure that the ceremony aligns with your vision.

9. Personalize your ceremony: Incorporate elements that reflect you and your partner’s personalities and relationship. This could include unique music choices, a special reading, or a ritual that has personal significance.

Have Fun!

Costs associated with getting married in the US

At the bare minimum, it’ll cost around $35,000 to $50,000 to have a basic wedding in the United States. This cost depends on the type of ceremony you’re having, your location, and whether you're getting married in person or online. Here’s a breakdown of the main expenses to expect:

• Marriage License Fee:  It typically costs around $30 - $150 and varies by state. For example, it’s around $40 in Utah and up to $100+ in California or New York.
   
• Officiant Fees: In-person officiants may charge between $100 – $500, depending on experience and location.
   
• Food and drinks: Around $6000 - $10000, depending on the number of guests you intend to have. 
   
• Venue: $15,000
   
• Photography: $3000-$5000
   
• Videography: $3000 - $5000 
   
• Flower and Decorations: $2000 - $5000
   
• Entertainment: $2000 - $3000
   
• Wedding dress: $2000 - $5000
   
• Cakes: $600 - $1000
   
• Wedding cars: $1000 - $2000

Note: The cost of getting married in the USA can exceed $50,000, depending on the size. A smaller wedding will cost less than a luxurious and elaborate ceremony. Additionally, you can save costs by using already available items like a friend's car instead of renting one. 

Legalize your union

After your ceremony, your officiant will sign the marriage certificate along with the required witnesses. It's then your responsibility to submit this to the appropriate government office (usually the county clerk’s office) in the state you got married in to legalize your marriage. Don’t forget to register your marriage in your home country as well. 

Some states require one or two witnesses to be present during the marriage ceremony. These witnesses must usually be over 18 years old and may need to provide valid identification.

Recognition of U.S. marriages abroad

If you plan to reside in your home country after marrying in the U.S., ensure that your marriage will be recognised by your country's legal system. This may involve registering the marriage with your home country's embassy or providing an apostilled marriage certificate.

Most US marriages that are legally performed and properly documented are recognised in many countries in the world. However, it still depends on the local laws of the specific country where your marriage needs to be recognised. 

For your marriage to be recognised abroad, you’ll need; 

1. Marriage certificate:  You’ll need an official U.S. marriage certificate issued by the state or county where you were married. Some countries may require an apostille or legalization to confirm the certificate’s legitimacy.
    
2. Apostille or Legalization
   
   • If the country is part of the Hague Apostille Convention, you’ll need an apostille from the U.S. state where the marriage was registered.
      
   • If the country is not part of the Hague Convention, you may need additional legalization from both the U.S. Department of State and the destination country’s embassy or consulate.
      
3. Marriage Type
   
   
   • Traditional in-person marriages are almost universally recognized.
      
   • Online or proxy marriages may be more closely scrutinized, and some countries may reject them if neither party was physically present at the ceremony. Always check with your local government or embassy first.
      
4. Translation Requirements: If your marriage certificate is in English but the destination country uses another language, you may need a certified translation of the document for legal use.
    

Important Tip: Before using a U.S. marriage for international purposes (such as immigration, name change, or spousal visa applications), check the foreign country’s specific marriage recognition laws. This helps avoid delays or complications with legal processes later.

A U.S. marriage can be a strong legal foundation for immigration and residency processes abroad, but taking the right legal steps, especially regarding apostilles and document translations, ensures your marriage is recognised without issues.

Adjust your status (If needed)

If you plan to remain with your newly minted spouse in the USA, you will need to adjust your legal status or apply for a Green Card, as we had stated earlier. If you received a conditional Green Card through marriage, you will also need to file Form I-751 to remove the conditions and obtain permanent residency. Consult with an immigration attorney to ensure you follow the correct procedures based on your specific situation.

How can Translayte help you?

If you’re getting married in the US and your documents are in a foreign language, or you need your marriage recognised abroad, Translayte can simplify the entire process. 

We specialize in certified translations, apostilles, and legalizations, making us the go-to partner for couples who need their documents translated for use in the USA or their marriage documents legalised to be accepted in another country. 

Our team of professional translators is well-versed in over 150 languages and specializes in various industries. This ensures that whether you need translations for your wedding invitations, programs, or even vendor contracts, the context and cultural nuances will be perfectly captured. We believe that language should never be a barrier but a bridge that brings people closer.

Whether you're applying for a spousal visa, updating legal records, or submitting your marriage certificate to foreign authorities, Translayte ensures your documents meet the exact requirements of the destination country.

Here’s what we can help you with:

• Certified Translation of your documents into any language
• Apostille Services for countries in the Hague Convention
• Legalisation for countries that require it
• Fast Turnaround within 12 hrs, with express options available

Our USCIS certified translation services ensure that all your important documents are translated with the utmost accuracy. We ensure that these translations are accepted by Spanish authorities, giving you one less thing to worry about in your wedding preparations.

Want us to help with your marriage documents? Request a quote or contact us to get started.

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