Formalities required to get married in Spain

Getting married in Spain can be a wonderful experience, but it requires careful planning and the fulfillment of certain legal requirements. This article will guide you through the formalities involved in getting married in Spain, whether you are a Spanish citizen or a foreigner, so you can enjoy your special day without worry.

Is it possible to get legally married in Spain as a foreigner?

Yes, it is possible to legally marry in Spain as a foreigner. Both residents and non-residents can get married in Spain, as long as at least one of them is registered in Spain. Therefore, foreigners who only have a temporary stay in Spain (e.g. tourists) have certain requirements and documentation that must be presented, and these may vary depending on the nationality of the parties and the place where the marriage is to be celebrated.

What are the basic requirements to get married in Spain?

To get married in Spain, whether by civil or church marriage, it is essential to meet a series of basic requirements:

Be of legal age or legally emancipated.

Not be previously married, unless a divorce or death certificate of the previous spouse is presented.

No direct family relationship up to the third degree of kinship.

Present the necessary documentation, which includes birth and residence certificates, and a sworn declaration of marital status.

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Documents for getting married in Spain (foreigners)

Foreigners wishing to marry in Spain must provide a number of specific documents. These must be legalized and, if in another language, officially translated into Spanish. Documents generally required include:

• Birth certificate.
• Certificate of marital status (single, divorce or widowhood).
• Certificate of residence or census registration for the last two years.
• Passport or identity card.
• Certificate of matrimonial capacity, issued by the authorities of the foreign partner’s country of origin.

It is important to check all the necessary documents in advance at the corresponding Civil Registry to avoid setbacks in the process.

What requirements must both spouses fulfill?

• Both spouses must meet several essential requirements for the marriage to be valid in Spain. These include:
• Legal capacity: Both must be of legal age or emancipated.
• Complete documentation: They must present all the required documentation, such as birth certificates, certificates of single status, residency and identity documents.

Appearance at the Civil Registry: Both parties must go in person to the Civil Registry to present the documents and attend the reserved hearing, where they will be interviewed to verify the veracity of the marriage.

How can I get married in Spain if my future spouse and I are foreigners?

If both spouses are foreigners and wish to get married in Spain, they must follow a similar process to that of Spanish citizens, with some specific nuances:

• Additional documentation: In addition to the standard documents, they may need additional certificates, such as the certificate of matrimonial capacity.
• Legalization and translation of documents: All foreign documents must be legalized and, if necessary, translated into Spanish by a sworn translator.
• Reserved hearing: As in the case of mixed marriages, an interview is held at the Civil Registry to verify the intention and capacity of the parties to marry.

Getting married in church

If you opt for a religious ceremony, in addition to the civil documents, you must present baptismal certificates and meet the specific requirements of the Catholic Church, which include confirmation that you are both baptized.

Getting married before a notary

Since 2017, it has been possible to get married before a notary in Spain, which can be a quicker and more convenient option for some. Notaries have the power to make marriages official and can travel to the place of celebration, as long as it is in their jurisdiction.

Validating the marriage in the country of origin

It is crucial that the parties verify the requirements for their marriage to be recognised in the home country of the foreign spouse. This may involve legalization of documents through the Hague Apostille or consular validation.

Celebrating your wedding in Spain

For foreigners who have already had a civil marriage in their home country and wish to celebrate their marriage in Spain, there are several options available that can make this experience unforgettable. Below are the steps and considerations for a symbolic celebration, a golden wedding anniversary, or a vow renewal in Spain.

Celebration options

Symbolic ceremony: This is a popular option for couples who wish to recreate their wedding ceremony without having to meet the legal requirements again. A symbolic ceremony has no legal validity, but can be fully personalized to reflect 

Practical tips

• Planning ahead: It is advisable to start planning at least six months in advance to ensure availability of desired venues and suppliers.
• Cultural and legal considerations: While it is not necessary to comply with legal requirements for a symbolic ceremony, it is important to respect the local regulations of the venue.
• Language: Consider hiring a translator or bilingual officiant if guests do not speak Spanish, to ensure that everyone can fully enjoy the ceremony.

Celebrating your marriage in Spain, even if you have already had a civil wedding in your home country, can be a magical experience. Whether it’s a symbolic ceremony on a sun-drenched beach, a renewal of vows in a medieval castle, or an intimate celebration in a vineyard, Spain offers spectacular settings that can make your special day even more memorable.

Getting married in Spain as a foreigner is entirely feasible, but it requires careful planning and compliance with a number of legal requirements. It is advisable to contact the Civil Registry or a lawyer specialising in matrimonial law to ensure that all the paperwork is done correctly, so you can enjoy your wedding in Spain without any worries!

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