All marriages require commitment, dedication and work to be successful. An international marriage is even more challenging given the obstacles that face the couple right from authentication of documents to the actual marriage life. Some of the problems they face include language barriers, differences in values between the background of the couple, sex role expectations, political issues, economic adjustments and legal complications among other factors. Legal complications are among the top causes of complications in international marriages due to the diverse nature of documents required to formalize the marriage.

Document authentication is a routine procedure by governments and organizations especially when international issues such as marriage are involved. The process involves checking of signatures in all documents to verify that the same person did them. Although it is not always necessary to check the contents of documents, the documents can be checked if they are suspected to have been forged or obtained in a fraudulent manner. Usually a cover letter details the procedures of an intended activity such as an international marriage. The letter gives an outline of the specific requirements.

An international marriage is usually carried out after it has been proved beyond reasonable doubt that all documents were obtained legally and that the persons bearing them are the actual couple awaiting marriage. Hence, document authentication usually involves checking of documents like certificates to ensure that they are genuine. Photocopies of original documents have to be certified by a lawyer to verify their authenticity. A solicitor, notary or commissioner of oaths may verify the photocopies and endorse them. All international marriage documents have to be submitted in person so that the person\'s photograph is checked against his or her appearance.

If the country where the international marriage documents are to be used is a member of the Hague Convention, then the concerned persons need apostille legalization. Apostille is a simplified method of legalization and endorsement of documents to be used in the countries that are members of the aforementioned convention, which is noted in various documents during the filling in of application forms for marriage. However, if eligibility for the apostille is not cited anywhere, the people seeking the various forms have to notify the company manager.

Apostille legalization usually involves translation of documents into languages that are commonly used, which is in case the original document is totally unreadable due to language barrier. In case the person seeking international marriage documents is the one who translates the contents of a document, the translation can only be taken after the document is certified and edited by a qualified member of staff. Apostille legalization ensures that all public documents issued in one signatory country would still be recognized as they are in any other signatory country. The document certifies the authenticity of the signature or signatures on the documents, the capacity of the person who signs it, as well as the identity of the stamp used to seal or fix the document. Although the process is tedious, it is necessary and cannot be avoided.