this was posted on the USA visa site about ppl living abroad and getting married
Marriage Abroad
Consular officers abroad cannot perform a marriage for you. Local civil or religious officials abroad generally perform marriages. Once your marriage is performed overseas, Consular officers may authenticate foreign marriage documents. Note that this authentication simply signifies that your foreign marriage documents are real; it does not necessarily mean that your marriage will be recognized by your home state in the U.S. A marriage, which is valid under the laws of the country where the marriage was performed, is generally recognized by most states in the United States. If you are married abroad and need confirmation that your marriage will be recognized in the United States, consult the Attorney General of your state of residence in the United States. For current information on authentication fees, consult the Website:
http://intranet.ca.state.gov/cainternet/marriage.html.
Marriages abroad are subject to the residency requirements of the country where the marriage is performed. There is almost always a lengthy waiting period. Some countries require that the civil documents, which are presented to the marriage registrar abroad, be translated and authenticated by a foreign consular official in the United States. This process can be time-consuming and expensive.
Unlike in the United States, some countries require proof of legal capacity to enter into a marriage contract. If it is necessary to obtain this proof overseas, you can execute an affidavit of eligibility to marry at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. There are also individual requirements, which vary from country to country, e.g., parental consent and blood tests. Before going abroad, check with the Embassy or tourist information bureau of the country where you plan to marry to learn of any specific requirements.
In addition, the Office of Overseas Citizens Services, Room 4811 Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520 has some general information on marriage in a number of countries overseas. If you are already abroad, consult with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. To find out how much the service fee is for a marriage abroad, feel free to consult the Website at:
http://intranet.ca.state.gov/cainternet/marriage.html.
