The number of foreign homosexuals that have their names registered in the Barcelona census in order to get married is steadily increasing. There is an average of one gay wedding a week at the Registry Office in which the contracting parties – both homosexuals and lesbians – come from abroad.
Barcelona is rapidly becoming the “Las Vegas” of gay weddings between foreigners. Without underestimating Barcelona’s open and tolerant character, the truth is that getting married in the city is relatively simple. All that is required is a full birth certificate, a census certificate and a valid passport.
With regard to the census certificate, the most irksome part of the red tape, it is fairly easy to obtain, since all the applicant has to do is submit documentary proof of residence. In other words, it is as easy as submitting an electricity bill, renting a flat for a short period or asking a friend or acquaintance to confirm that the applicant lives with them.
It is all completely above board, as well as being good news for the local tourist industry, although back home the marriage is not legally recognised. But this does not seem to bother the many homosexual couples that travel to Barcelona from all over the world to say “I do”.
