Im getting married in Panama in April 2010. So far we have 48 people that have paid a deposit and confirmed their space for the hotel.
Problem, my Husband to be and I are thinking of getting the papers at City Hall before we leave. I know this is a common thing and people just dont tell. I've looked into getting legally married down there. I'm looking at an extra 1500 or more to do this.
I need:
All the documents translated into Spanish, then back to English once we return. Blood work done in Panama the day before the wedding at a cost of 85USD per person. Have to drive to Toronto to get the papers translated. Have to get a long form birth certificate and civil status certificate.
The problems I'm having with making it legal in Panama is one the blood work in a 3rd world country, two the cost and 3rd the name change. If I want to take my husbands last name, I have to legally give up my birth name as a Panama wedding isn’t legally recognised in Ontario. Therefore another 200.00 to change my name and then I give up my everything: birth certificate, license and identity before marriage.
Also, if by some strange chance we get divorced (I have to look out for myself) I have to pay to have my name changed back and then fly to Panama to get legally divorced.
What do I do?
My close friend and Mother are saying that I'm cheating people out of the real thing by getting the paper work up here. Apparently its morally wrong to make people pay 1500.00 if their just seeing the ceremony. I'm trying to save myself some heartache, money and stress.
My question is, do I not get what I want on my special day, or is it always going to be about what others want?
thoughts....?
TWQadmin
FORUM EXPERT
/ Moderator
Post #2 of 4
(352 views)
Re: Legally Married in Canada or Panama?
[In reply to]
I have to agree with Mom. Having a fake wedding ceremony, which is basically what your Panama ceremony will be since you will already be married, isn't nice, and it's really a lie. Sorry, but you did ask...
Sometimes we can't have it all. We must make choices. Decide what is most important to you and plan from there. Again, in my opinion, the ceremony IS the wedding. I'm sure your mom would like to see you (and hopefully you want the same) exchange your vows and be married and not have you already married when doing so. Remember, just because others do it, doesn't make it right and doesn't mean you should. It also worries me that you're thinking of the problems a divorce would create. If you were my daughter I would urge you to get married in a beautiful Canadian setting - (I'm sure you can find one) and then honeymoon in Panama if that's a location you wish to visit. Top Wedding Questions Forum Moderator - "Write your sorrows in the sand, your blessings in stone".
DennyandKay
MARRIAGE PREPARATION ADVISORS
Post #3 of 4
(341 views)
Re: Legally Married in Canada or Panama?
[In reply to]
We agree with the site administrator. Your quest for advice seems to be bound up in the money and hassle of getting married in Panama. If the lifetime commitment of marriage isn't worth this trouble, you may want to re-think your priorities.
Since you don't state them, consider your reasons for getting married in Panama rather than a more convenient location. If you are both open to having the ceremony elsewhere, by all means look into this.
It may help to speak to someone who was married in Panama but who is not a citizen there. This may parallel your situation and give you better advice than we could. Look on the internet for embassies and inquire there.
Re: Legally Married in Canada or Panama?
[In reply to]
I completely agree and very well stated.
Our plans only really become a problem when we invite guests. If you weren't inviting any, then you could have any type of event you wished without a second thought. But, with guests, we should consider them and what they have traveled to experience. Rebecca Black, Etiquette Now
Legally Married in Canada or Panama?
