Unusual Marriage Laws Around the World

In our last blog post, we reported about the unusual law in India requiring a groom to provide proof to the state that he will be providing his future with toilet accommodations. This seemingly odd demand (which actually has public sanitation and safety implications) had us wondering about other strange-but-true wedding requirements across the world.

Before obtaining a marriage license in Greece, a couple must have a notice printed in the local Greek newspaper that outlines their intent. The notice must contain the names of the betrothed along with the date of the wedding and where the festivities will take place. If there is no local newspaper, these details can be posted in other public places including city hall. Wow, just imagine how easy this makes wedding crashers! Better order an extra-large cake!

Religious wedding ceremonies are not acknowledged legally in the country of Turkey. In order to make your union fly with government officials, the ñI doÍsî have to take place in a civil ceremony. Afterward, a religious ceremony may be held if the couple so chooses.

In France, either the bride or the groom must show proof of living in the country for a minimum of 40 consecutive days before getting hitched. So, if you are planning a romantic vacation to Paris or some other French city, donÍt expect that you can say your ñI doÍsî . . . . make that ñOuiÍsî as tourists! This law cannot be waived, so donÍt waste your time trying to bribe an officiant with one of our groomsmen gifts that the French love _ like an engraved cufflink and tie pin set or a personalized bota bag filled with wine.

The small country of Monaco is known for its sparkling casinos. However, there is no gambling on getting married; couples must post an announcement of their intent to marry on their town hallÍs door for at least 10 days before the event. And, to make things even less spur-of-the-moment, the 10-day announcement period must also span over two Sundays. If you are planning to get secretly hitched here, there is no way friends can start a ñwill-they-or-wonÍt-they-ever-get-marriedî wedding pool because all the information needed to make the right bet is out in the open!

Citizens of the US can get married for free in Puerto Rico. Judicial centers across the territory hold no-cost ceremonies on a weekly basis for US citizens. After exchanging vows in a governmental office, newlyweds can celebrate anywhere from the beautiful beaches to the resort hotels. Plus, there is enough rum in this country to keep the rowdiest of wedding parties happy. If you get hitched in Puerto Rico, make sure to give groomsmen gifts that are island-inspired. Check out our island shooter glasses or hurricane glasses which are perfect for tropical-inspired cocktails.

Finally, in Mexico, the bride and groom are required to take a blood test, get x-rays, be tested for various diseases and provide a doctorÍs note of clearance at least 15 days prior to the marriage. All exams must take place in Mexico. Sounds a bit involved, but at least the future husband and wife know what they are signing up for when they finally make it down the aisle. Now when signing up your friends to be in your party, youÍll want to persuade them . . . . we mean, thank them with great groomsmen gifts, especially gifts for groomsmen that have a south-of-the-border spirit. Our vintage-inspired tequila pub sign featuring a charging bull will describe just how you and the guys will feel after taking a few shots of 100-percent agave!

Have you heard of any strange wedding requirements or seen any unusual international groomsmen gifts ideas? Let us know in the comments below.