How do marriage laws in the European Union work?

Samian’s Fifteenth Account: How do marriage laws in the European Union work?
Suppose, for instance, a Polish woman living in Britain wants to marry an Englishman. Could they both get married in the UK, and then their marriage would automatically be recognized in Poland, too?

Are European Union member states required to recognize marriages of couples in other member states?

And what about countries like Spain and the Netherlands who have same-sex marriage?
Would married couples be allowed to live together as a couple in Latvia?

Answers and Views:

Answer by Justinian
Both Poland and Britain are members of the European Union, so if it is recognized in one country, it should most likely be recognized in the other.

As for gay marriage. That is NOT recognized in Latvia, so someone from Spain or Netherlands can’t assume they will get marriage rights there. Gay marriage is up to the sovereign states, even if they are in the European Union to decide.

Answer by Carrusel
If you are British and want to marry in Spain, then both people need to have Spanish residency status. Once they are married it will be recognised everywhere.
Even though one party is a citizen of one country does not mean you can automatically marry someone from another country, even within the EU.
Gay marriage depends on each country’s laws.

Answer by Tumbit
The same sex marriage laws changed in Spain in 2005 , and here’s a link explaining the current situation with regards to what is and is not possible here –