A civil marriage is a secular (non-religious) ceremony that is conducted and registered by a registrar. No religious content is permitted in the ceremony.
Below are all the information you need to plan a registry office wedding in Spain.
The first thing you need to do is apply directly through your local registry office. A list of Civil Registries and further information about civil marriage in Spain can be found by region on the Spanish Ministry of Justice website.
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The legal requirements for registering your marriage in Spain depend on your civil status, your nationality, and the region that you live in. The marriage in Spain, both parties must be at least 18 years old.
Apply for a marriage license: All couples must first apply for a certificate granting permission to marry at a local Civil Registry Office.
Attend the interview: Once the 10 days are up, you can call to arrange an appointment for the interview process. Both applicants must attend separate interviews at the town hall and answer a variety of questions. This is to determine the validity of the relationship and ensure that the partners are genuine applicants.
Documents:
- Current valid passport (for non-Spanish applicants) or a DNI identification card for Spanish nationals and copies.
- Original birth certificates, with sworn Spanish translation if that is not the original language.
- Certificate of No Impediment which can be obtained from the registrar office of the home country.
- Proof that they are free to marriage. Provide marriage and divorce annulment or death certificates.
- Proof of Spanish residency (residence card).
- Certificate of residence, proving residence in Spain of at least two years (available from the Town Hall).
Ceremony: A civil marriage can be held in licensed buildings such as the courts, or the Town Hall of residence where it will be performed by the Mayor or a delegated Councillor.
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The marriage is effective immediately following the ceremony. After the wedding, it will be registered in the Civil Registry and a certificate stating the date, time and place of the marriage will be issued.
Cost: This can range from €400 to €3,000. The venue may charge for the ceremony and reception together. In addition, you will have to source chairs (€4 to €25 per chair), a vehicle to transport the chairs, and an Officiant (€300 to €600).
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