The context
A country built on immigration, with an immigration system that is heavily documented and heavily litigated. Everything is knowable in advance; almost nothing is quick.
Entering the country
Many nationalities travel under the visa waiver programme with an ESTA; others need a B-2 visitor visa. Either way, entering as a visitor with the intention of staying is treated seriously — it can result in refusal at the border and long-term consequences.
Marrying, and having it recognised
The United States does not issue certificates of no impediment. For a marriage abroad, US embassies can usually witness an affidavit of eligibility instead, which some foreign authorities accept and others do not: check with the local authority first.
Two routes exist for bringing a partner: the K-1 fiancé(e) visa, which requires marriage within 90 days of arrival, and the spouse visa after marrying abroad. Both require an affidavit of support with an income threshold, and a consular interview. See civil marriage in the United States.
Getting there
Direct flights from every continent. Marriage requirements are set by each state, not federally: waiting periods, licence validity and officiant rules all differ.
Customs and family
The rehearsal dinner, the processional and the gift registry structure a typical American wedding. See wedding customs in the United States.
Points to watch
- Choose the route before travelling: switching later usually means starting over.
- Misrepresentation at the border — entering as a visitor with immigrant intent — carries lasting bars on re-entry.
- The income threshold of the affidavit of support is a real barrier; a joint sponsor is allowed.
Two absolute prohibitions, wherever you live
Sex tourism and any relationship with a minor are punished here as everywhere, and your own country's law follows you abroad. For sexual offences against a child, almost every state sets aside dual criminality and dispenses with any complaint: you can be prosecuted and tried at home whatever the local law says and whatever the local authorities do. See sexual offences committed abroad.
If you met online
The warning signs are the same everywhere: a very fast escalation, a systematic refusal of video, a request for money for an urgent reason, pressure to leave the platform. The rule holds here as anywhere: you do not send money to someone you have never met face to face. Someone genuine will happily take a video call, meet in a public place and introduce you to their family.
Spotting and reporting a romance scam — United States
United States: everything on this site
This country appears on 35 other pages of this site, across every section. Here they all are, in one place.
Sexuality
Health
- Assisted reproduction
- Abortion
- Alcohol and tobacco
- Contraception
- HIV and AIDS
- HPV
- Hepatitis B
- Mental health
- Pregnancy
Advice
Marriage
- Same-sex marriage
- Divorce
- Marriage
- Matrimonial property and inheritance
- Partnerships and cohabitation
- Religious ceremony
- Wedding customs and ceremonies
Names
Rights
- Adoption
- Copyright
- Data protection
- Fundamental rights
- Identity theft
- Image rights
- Online shopping
- Privacy
- Sexual offences committed abroad
- Speech and online harassment
Official sources and links
- Your own foreign ministry's travel advice — read it before each departure: it also conditions your travel insurance. Official portals: United Kingdom · Canada · Australia · New Zealand · Ireland
- Your consular post there, or the one covering the country — civil status, marriage, emergencies; note the number before you go. Official directories: United Kingdom · Canada · Australia · New Zealand · Ireland
- World Health Organization — health recommendations by destination
- Hague Conference on Private International Law — celebration and recognition of the validity of marriages