We readily obtained her parents consent, but her brother was another matter. He was noticably a powerful man. When he realized that we were serious and I wasn't going to leave her when I went back to the states, he consented as well. I had to get my parents consent. Seek counseling from my chain of command and the chaplain.
Process papers for a security clearance and a local police background check.
In fact, the paperwork seemed designed to continue on well past my rotation date. It dragged out so long, that we decided to marry anyway. It was a traditional Buddhist wedding. Lots of people attended, and the celebration went on for 24 hours nonstop. Eventually the paperwork came back approved.