UK and US citizens dreaming of tying the knot in Spain will encounter a slightly overwhelming bureaucratic maze. Picture navigating a labyrinth of 4-6 months, filled with meticulously prepared documents and regional requirements. For Britons, the post-Brexit adjustments loom large, demanding updated Certificates of No Impediment and the inevitable sworn translations. It’s worth noting that, since 2005, same-sex unions have been celebrated legally. However, civil ceremonies throw a curveball by requiring at least one partner to be a Spanish resident. Consequently, many international couples find themselves embracing complex consular processes or choosing symbolic vows as a delightful alternative.
How to legally marry in Spain as a foreigner: complete guide for UK/US citizens
Introduction
In Spain, both civil and religious ceremonies are viable paths to marriage for foreign nationals. Naturally, requirements split into two camps: residents and non-residents. UK and US citizens face particular documentation hurdles and regional stipulations for international recognition.
Can foreigners get married in Spain?
Civil vs. religious marriage options
Ah, Spain, a land where love takes different ceremonial forms! Local Civil Registry Offices offer civil ceremonies, requiring one partner to either be Spanish or have at least 2 years’ residency. Meanwhile, non-residents can choose religious or symbolic ceremonies, strolling past residency demands.
Resident vs. non-resident requirements
Residents will need a Certificado de Empadronamiento—think of it as Spain’s roll call for civil weddings. For non-residents, the road leads to consular processes via the ever-helpful UK embassy or US embassy.
Who can get married in Spain?
Legal age: 18+ cozily perched with valid ID
Marital status: Being single, divorced, or widowed, with proof in hand
Same-sex marriage: Joyously legal since 2005
UK/US citizen considerations
For UK nationals, the post-Brexit landscape insists on an updated Certificate of No Impediment. Across the pond, US citizens must dance through the hoops of state-specific affidavit notarisation.
Civil marriage process: step-by-step
Step 1: Confirm eligibility
Ponder your residency and kinship degree (no closer than those distant third cousins).
Step 2: Gather required documents
Essentials? Well, start with valid passports, fresh birth certificates (less than six months old), a Certificate of No Impediment or Affidavit of Eligibility, and divorce decrees or death certificates, if relevant.
Step 3: Legalise and translate documents
Every paper trail must feature:
Step 4: Submit to civil registry
Hand these treasures to your local Registro Civil through the Expediente Matrimonial form. All for about €140-€200.
Step 5: Marriage banns publication
Ensure a 15-day public notice. Objections are rare birds, but if spotted, add 14-28 days to their flight path.
Step 6: Interview process
A notable 37% of couples face interviews to affirm their relationship’s authenticity. Arm yourself with a timeline and joint financial records for peace of mind.
Step 7: Ceremony & certificate
Civil ceremonies offer a succinct 20-40 minute experience with two necessary witnesses. Walk away with your Libro de Familia pronto and expect the official certificate within just 7 business days.
Required documents for UK/US citizens
UK citizens might wait 28 days for a Certificate of No Impediment from the UK embassy, honing patience as birth certificates acquire Apostille stamps (15 days). Empadronamiento becomes your residency badge. For US citizens, a notarised affidavit (60 days), plus a state-issued birth certificate with that shining Apostille, are essentials. And who could forget the NIE number if required?
Religious marriage in Spain
Catholic church requirements
Conversing with your local parish is step one. You’ll need:
Baptismal certificates
A Nulla Osta from your home diocese
Evidence of pre-marital course completion
Other faiths
For those choosing Protestant or Jewish weddings, ministry approval is a must (Ministry of Justice approval), allowing 6-8 weeks for registration.
How long does the process take?
Document preparation: Plan for 2-3 transformative months
Civil Registry processing: Guided by fate for 18-45 days
Total timeline: Brace for a 4-6 month adventure
Marrying on a tourist visa
It can be done! But starting key steps from home is wise. Residency permits, however, simplify things marvellously and reduce undue scrutiny.
Common mistakes to avoid
Using expired birth certificates—isn’t the paperweight enough?
Skipping crucial apostille certification—no corners to cut here.
Ignoring regional quirks, like Barcelona’s pre-marital courses.
Post-wedding procedures
International recognition
For UK citizens, register your matrimony with the GRO. Joining the ranks in the US? You’ll want to file a DS-1884 with the Madrid Embassy.
Legal implications
Spanish marriages are fantastically recognised across EU countries. To understand UK/US tax and inheritance implications, consulting local attorneys is highly recommended.
Final considerations
Manoeuvring through Spain’s marriage laws calls for genuine care and cultural insight. Looking for personalised help with residency applications, document legalisation, or ceremonial arrangements? Our team at Nimextranjeria is here to assist.
