What are the formalities to be followed in the main countries in which Quebec couples marry?

In Cuba, you'll need the originals of your divorce certificate and death certificate (in the case of widowhood). These documents must be translated into Spanish and legalized by the Cuban consulate (both the original certificate and the translation must be legalized).

At the beginning of 2011, the Cuban authorities charged a fee of $160 for the legalization of documents, so legalization of the divorce certificate and its translation will cost $320, not including translation fees.

In the Dominican Republic, you'll also need the originals of your documents: birth certificate, divorce certificate and death certificate (in the case of widowhood). The Dominican authorities also require a "solemn declaration of celibacy". If future spouses are unable to sign their documents in front of a member of the Dominican consular staff, they will have to have these documents notarized at their own expense.

At the beginning of 2011, the Dominican authorities were charging $40 for the translation of each document and $100 for its notarization. Taking the example of two future spouses unmarried, they will have to provide for the translation of four documents (2 birth certificates and 2 "solemn declarations of celibacy") and the legalization of two documents (the "solemn declarations of celibacy") for a total of $360. These documents are valid for three months from the date of legalization. In addition, four witnesses must attend the marriage ceremony.

In Mexico, you will first be asked to fill out a form indicating your intention to marry with an officer of the Registro Civil of the city where your marriage will be celebrated. To this document, you'll need to attach an agreement declaring whether your property will be held jointly or separately. You'll also need to present a birth certificate legalized by a Mexican consulate in Quebec. A future spouse divorced will need a certified copy of his or her divorce certificate, and a future spouse widowed, an original death certificate, all of which must be legalized by a Mexican consulate in Quebec.

Mexico also requires a medical certificate attesting that the future spouses have undergone, in Mexico, blood tests and X-rays demonstrating that they are free of contagious diseases.

During the marriage ceremony, the Mexican authorities require the presence of two witnesses who, under oath, will declare that there are no legal impediments to the celebration of the marriage.

After the marriage ceremony, you can request a certified copy of the marriage certificate from the Registro Civil, which will be valid in Canada after legalization at the Canadian Embassy or Consulates in Mexico.

It strongly recommend that all Quebec couples wishing to marry abroad abroad to check with the consulates or embassies of the countries concerned consulates or embassies of the countries concerned or other official sources before planning their wedding.