Travel Tip: What You Need to Know About Destination Weddings [ 1:00 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

We’re coming up on wedding season, and for some couples that means one thing: destination weddings!

Only…not so fast. Running away to a tropical resort may sound like a great solution but, if you don’t read the fine print, you may come home to discover your marriage isn’t so official after all.

Getting married in Mexico? Couples have to get a blood test in Mexico, issued within 15 days of the nuptials. The good news is, a lot of the resorts offer that on the property.

You also need to arrive at least four business days before the ceremony.

Don’t worry, be happy…you can get married in Jamaica as soon as 24 hours after arrival. But that’s only if you submit your marriage license application at least two weeks in advance.

The Bahamas doesn’t require any blood tests, and there’s no early arrival accommodation. But you do have to get a license from the Registrar General in Nassau during business hours.

If the Dominican Republic is your dream wedding destination, be aware that that most official documents have to be translated into Spanish before you can tie the knot.

For more information, visit the Weddings & Honeymoons archives.

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