The big question for many destination wedding couples travelling from overseas for their wedding is, “Can a foreigner get legally married in Spain?
Getting legally married in Spain
- Yes, a foreigner can get legally married in Spain. However, there are certain requirements and procedures that must be followed.
- Firstly, both parties must be at least 18 years old and not closely related by blood or adoption – proof may be required.
- Secondly, at least one of the parties must have been a legal resident in Spain for at least two years before the date of marriage.
If neither of the parties is a resident in Spain, they may still be able to get married in Spain, but they will need to obtain a special permit from the Spanish authorities or apply through the Catholic church.
The Spanish marriage application process
1. To begin the process, the couple must first obtain a Certificate of No Impediment from their home country's embassy or consulate in Spain. This document states that there are no legal obstacles to the marriage and must be translated into Spanish and legalized by a Spanish notary or consulate.
2. Once the necessary paperwork is completed, the couple must appear before a Spanish civil registry to officially declare their intention to marry.
3. After a waiting period of 15 days, the marriage can take place. The ceremony must be conducted by a Spanish judge, priest or civil servant, and two witnesses must be present. If you choose to have a religious ceremony you will need to have a civil ceremony as well to ensure that your marriage is legally recognised.
After the marriage ceremony
After the marriage ceremony, the couple will need to obtain a marriage certificate from the Civil Registry which is then recognized both in Spain and abroad. It is important to note that requirements may differ between the autonomous Spanish communities and according to the nationality of the applicants – it is advisable to consult with a legal expert or the relevant authorities to ensure that all the necessary requirements are met for a legally recognised marriage in Spain.
Stress free alternative
The majority of foreign wedding couples however, avoid the often frustrating Spanish bureaucracy and contract their legal marriage in their home country or in the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar.
They are then free to plan a destination wedding ceremony to exchange rings and say personal vows of commitment to each other before an independent officiating celebrant.
For more information about a celebrant-led symbolic wedding ceremony, don’t hesitate to reach out to Debbie Skyrme, award winning officiant of elopements, vow renewals and wedding ceremonies in the Spanish sunshine.
Featured photo by kind permission of Michal Carbol Photography at michalcarbol.com
Author bio: Debbie Skyrme is "Celebrant Spain". Award winning bilingual destination wedding celebrant officiating elopements, vow renewals and wedding ceremonies in the Spanish sunshine.
