Greetings from Goa !
There are a lot of different versions out on the World Wide Web of the formalities for a foreign national to be married in Goa. Since we have organised this for hundreds of couples over the years, i thought of sharing the facts with you.:
a) What are the Documents Required:
Note: Points 1, 4, 5, 6, 7 original documents need to be legalized by your Foreign & Commonwealth Office, london. (contact details on next page)
1. Original birth certificate (Both need to be above 21 years of age)
2. Passport
3. Return Airline Tickets
4. If single No Impediment Certificate from the General Registrar Office (form 238) or a search record that shows that there has been no record of any previous marriage. (ask for format)
5. If divorced The Original Decree Absolute (min. 1 year gap is required)
6. In case of a widow/ widower a death certificate is required and any pervious marriage certificate.
7. If one of the party has changed their names by deed polls, proof is required. This must be stamped and signed by the solicitor.
8. If one of the party is adopted, the adoption certificate is required.
9. Details of at least 2 foreign witness and 2 local witnesses
b) How long do we need to be in Goa before we can get Married
By law any one party needs to be in Goa for a period not less than 15 days to start the marriage process. Then again after filing the intent to marriage at the Registrar office we have to give another 15 days notice period. However a legal team makes a representation to the Public Prosecutor to waive off this further 15 days notice by submitting copies of your departure tickets and dates.
In short - We will start your first date in court in the second week of your holiday and complete the final registration into the third week of your holiday. Which means that you need to book a 21 night Holiday in Goa
Further details of frequently asked questions available on this site: http://www.melotours.com/
One can also download a brochure with details and costs from the Weddings and Dreams site. http://www.weddingsanddreams.in and download the "Marriage Registration Only" brochure.
I do hope that this information will be useful to you.
Lester Melo
