Thinking you need to get your marriage certificate notarized? In many cases you’ll instead need a certified copy, an Apostille or a notarised translation. Learn what your destination country really requires, and how NotaryPublic24 makes the process simple, online and compliant.
Introduction
If you’ve recently gotten married – or need to use a marriage certificate for immigration, residence, name change or international recognition – you may have been advised to “get it notarized”.
But in fact, for most marriage certificates the correct steps are: order a certified copy**, then (if you’re going abroad) arrange an Apostille, and lastly (if the document is in a foreign language) obtain a notarized translation.
In this article we walk you through what each term really means, when you need it, how the process works and how NotaryPublic24 can assist you 100% online, no matter where you are in the world.
What do we mean by “marriage certificate notarization”?
When people talk about “notarizing a marriage certificate”, they might mean different things: getting a notary to stamp a document, certifying a copy, verifying a translation, etc. But for a marriage certificate (a vital record), the key points are:
- A marriage certificate is a public document issued by a registrar or civil authority (e.g., in the UK the General Register Office (GRO), or in the U.S. a state/county vital records office).
- A Notary Public can witness signatures, certify affidavits, or notarise a translator’s affidavit _ but in most jurisdictions a notary cannot certify or “Apostille” the original marriage certificate itself.
- What many foreign authorities actually require is an Apostille on the certificate (or certification of the certificate by a competent public authority) to validate the document abroad.
- If the certificate is in a foreign language, the receiving authority may demand a certified or notarized translation.
In short: if you skip the right step (certified copy → Apostille → translation) you could face rejection of your application.
Certified copy vs notarised copy – what’s the difference?
Certified copy
A certified copy of a marriage certificate is an exact duplicate of the original, issued by the same authority or registrars office, with official stamp indicating it is a “true copy”. This is the correct document when required by law or foreign authority.
For example in the UK you would order a copy from the GRO (“Order a certified copy of a marriage certificate”).
A notary cannot generally issue this for you unless specifically authorised.
Notarized copy
A notarized copy means that a Notary Public has certified that a copy is a true and accurate copy of a document presented to them – often used for private documents rather than vital records.
Using a notarized copy when a certified copy is required may lead to rejection by authorities who demand official certified copies from the register.
Therefore, always check what the destination authority requires.
Apostille: what it is & when you need one
An Apostille is a special certificate attached to a public document (such as a marriage certificate) to verify its authenticity for use in another country that is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention (1961).
- It confirms that the document was issued by the competent authority and the signature and seal are genuine.
- Once a document has the Apostille, most countries waive further legalization.
- For example: Your Swedish marriage certificate may need to be Apostilled if it will be used in a non-EU country.
When do you need an Apostille?
- When the destination country is a signatory to the Hague Convention and requests authentication of the document for use abroad (e.g., for immigration, visa, residence, property, citizenship).
- Unless you are within a jurisdiction where there is a special mutual recognition (see next section for EU nuance).
How to obtain it:
- Start with your certified copy of the marriage certificate.
- Submit it to the competent authority (in the issuing country or online at NotaryPublic24) for Apostille — this may be a Notary Public, ministry, or authorised office.
- Once the Apostille is affixed, the document is ready for use abroad (provided translation or other requirements are met).
What about within the EU? Special rules apply
If your marriage certificate is issued in one EU-member country and you want to use it in another, you may not need an Apostille. Thanks to Regulation (EU) 2016/1191 on public documents, a certificate issued in one Member State must be accepted as authentic in another Member State without the need for an Apostille.
Key points:
- The regulation applies to specific categories: birth, death, marriage, registered partnership, domicile/residence, nationality, absence of criminal record.
- It does not however address recognition of the legal effect of the document (for example whether the receiving country recognises the marriage) – that is still a matter of national law.
- If the certificate is in a foreign language (not accepted by the receiving authority), you may still need a translation or a multilingual standard form.
What this means for you:
If your certificate was issued in (say) Germany and you want to use it in France, you might bypass the Apostille stage – but you might still need translation or other local formalities. Always check the requesting authority’s guidance.
Notarized translation: why and how
If your marriage certificate (or the accompanying documents) are not in a language accepted by the authority you are submitting to, you’ll often need a translation. In many cases, the translation must come with a sworn statement or translator affidavit, which is then notarized by a Notary Public.
Why choose a notarized translation?
- It adds weight and legal credibility: the translator certifies the accuracy, and a notary certifies the translator’s signature.
- Many authorities specifically ask for translations with a notary’s certification rather than just an “ordinary translator”.
- It integrates perfectly with online notarization solutions such as those offered by NotaryPublic24.
How it works with us:
- You upload the marriage certificate (or relevant document).
- We coordinate a certified translator to translate the document.
- The translator signs an affidavit.
- We notarize that affidavit online (via secure bio-ID and digital notarization).
- You receive the notarized translation ready to accompany your certificate + Apostille or certified copy.
This service is ideal when you are dealing with cross-border matters, name changes, immigration, residence applications, etc.
Step-by-step: What you should do when you need a marriage certificate for international use
Here’s a practical roadmap you can follow – tailored for someone using NotaryPublic24’s services.
Step 1: Order a certified copy of your marriage certificate
- Contact the registry or civil authority in the country where your wedding was registered (or the issuing authority).
- Request a “certified copy” or “official copy”, not just a photocopy.
- Check how long it takes, cost, and whether the copy has the appropriate seal/stamp.
- Have it delivered to you (or to a legal address if needed).
Step 2: Check whether an Apostille is required
- Determine the destination country (where the document will be used).
- Is that country party to the Hague Apostille Convention? If yes, likely an Apostille is needed.
- If within the EU (and destination is another EU member state), check if the Regulation applies – you may avoid the Apostille altogether.
- Confirm with the receiving authority (e.g., embassy, immigration office, property registrar) what they require.
Step 3: Obtain the Apostille (if needed)
- Submit the certified copy to the competent Apostille authority (often ministry of foreign affairs, Notary Public or authorised department).
- Pay any fees and wait for processing.
- Once issued, check the Apostille contains the correct details (issuing country, date, signature, seal).
If translation will be needed later, consider filing for Apostille before translation (so translation is done after authentication).
Step 4: Translate the certificate (if required)
If the receiving country does not accept the issuing country’s language, arrange a certified translation.
- Choose a translation service that offers a notarized translator’s affidavit.
- Have the affidavit notarized online via NotaryPublic24.
- Package everything: certified copy + Apostille (if any) + notarized translation.
Step 5: Submit to the receiving authority
- Send or present the full set of documents.
- Follow local instructions (some will require original, others will accept electronic submission).
- Retain certified copies, translations and Apostille for your records.
- If you plan future use (e.g., another country), pay attention to validity / renewal requirements.
Common use-cases & scenarios
Here are some of the scenarios where marriage certificate notarization/translation/Apostille come into play, and how NotaryPublic24 can add value.
Name change abroad
- Case: You married abroad and now want your new name recognised in your home country (or visa/residence in a third country).
- Need: Certified copy + Apostille + translation (if required).
- How we help: Notarized translation + walk-through of Apostille process.
Immigration / spouse visa
- Case: You’re filing a spouse visa application in a country where the certificate is required for proof of marriage.
- Need: Certified copy + Apostille + translation + possibly other supporting affidavits.
- How we help: Provide translator affidavit notarized, assist with online notarized statements (e.g., translations of documents or sworn declarations).
Property ownership / dual citizenship
- Case: You’re using your marital status in foreign property purchase, citizenship application or business registration.
- Need: The document must be fully accepted abroad (hence Apostille and translation).
- How we help: One-stop online service to get a translation, notarization and Apostille.
Within EU move
- Case: You moved from one EU country to another and need to register your marriage.
- Need: Possibly only certified copy + multilingual standard form (instead of Apostille). See Regulation (EU) 2016/1191.
- How we help: Advise you on translation / standard form requirements and handle translation online.
Why choose NotaryPublic24 for this process
- Fully remote & digital: You upload documents, complete ID-verification online, and get a notarized translator affidavit without needing to visit a notary in person.
- Streamlined translation + notarization bundle: We coordinate professional translators plus the notary step in one service.
- Clear guidance on Apostille route: If you need an Apostille, we easily handle the whole process online.
- Trusted globally: Our services are built for individuals and businesses dealing with cross-border legalisation and multilingual documentation.
- Conversion-focused support: At each stage you’ll be guided to the correct next step (certified copy → Apostille → translation) and shown how our service fits in.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can a notary simply notarize my original marriage certificate so I don’t need anything else?
In nearly all jurisdictions a marriage certificate is a public or vital record, and the issuing authority must provide a certified copy. A notary cannot replace that. Instead, you’ll get a certified copy from the registry, then (if needed) an Apostille and translation.
I only got married within the EU – do I still need an Apostille?
Maybe not. Under Regulation (EU) 2016/1191, a public document issued in one Member State must be accepted in another Member State without an Apostille. However, translation or multilingual standard forms may still apply. Always check the receiving authority’s requirements.
My certificate is in Spanish, the receiving country uses German – do I need a notarized translation?
Yes, if the authority does not accept your document’s language or the multilingual standard form. A notarized translation provides strength and credibility – we handle this online for you.
How long does the process take with NotaryPublic24 for notarized translation?
Typically you upload the translation requirement, our translator completes the text, then we log a notarization session. Entire process can often be done within 24-72 hours (depending on languages and volume).
What if my destination country is not part of the Hague Convention and wants legalisation?
Then the process typically requires legalisation through the embassy or consulate of the destination country (after Apostille or instead of). Contact NotaryPublic24 and we can assist you with further legalization.
How to start right now
- If you haven’t already obtained a certified copy of your marriage certificate, do that first.
- Check with the receiving country/authority whether they require:
- Apostille (or not)
- Translation (or multilingual standard form)
- If translation/notarization is needed:
- Upload your certificate (scan or photo) to NotaryPublic24.
- Choose language pair, translator and specify the “translator affidavit notarization”.
- Receive your notarized translation ready for submission.
- If Apostille is needed: we will place the Apostille stamp on the document.
- Submit everything: certified copy + Apostille (if any) + translation and supporting affidavit.
- Keep digital & physical copies of everything – many authorities will ask for original or certified paper versions.
Conclusion
Navigating a marriage certificate’s international acceptance can seem overwhelming – certified copies, Apostilles, translations, notaries. But when done correctly you ensure that your marriage certificate is accepted by foreign authorities without delays or rejections.
With NotaryPublic24, you gain a digital, efficient, compliant solution for the translation & notarization piece, the part that many forget or get wrong. Combine that with the correct registry copy and the correct authentication (Apostille or EU exemption) and you’ll have a seamless outcome.
Ready to get started? Visit NotaryPublic24 and upload your documents – our team is ready to assist you end to end.
