How do you get legally married in Spain for a destination wedding?

How to Get Legally Married in Spain

This article is not intended as legal advice. Before you travel, make sure you understand the legal requirements for marrying in Spain.

Spain’s sun-drenched landscapes, historic cities, coastal villages, and vineyard-covered hillsides make it one of Europe’s most desirable wedding destinations. From Mediterranean beaches to medieval hill towns and countryside estates, it’s easy to see why couples from the UK are drawn to celebrating their wedding here.

For British couples hoping to get legally married in Spain, the good news is that it can be done. However, the process involves official paperwork, preparation, and coordination with Spanish authorities. Understanding the steps ahead of time will help avoid unnecessary stress and ensure everything runs smoothly.

Before finalising your plans, it’s also worth deciding whether you want to complete the legal marriage in Spain, or handle the legal formalities in the UK and hold a symbolic ceremony abroad. Many couples choose the latter for simplicity, but if making things official in Spain is part of your vision, it’s entirely achievable with the right preparation.

Understanding Spanish Marriage Requirements

For a marriage to be legally recognised in Spain, the ceremony must comply with Spanish civil law. Once completed, the marriage is generally recognised internationally, including in the United Kingdom.

Spain allows both civil and religious marriages to be legally binding. For most destination weddings involving foreign couples, a civil ceremony is the typical option.

One important consideration is that Spain often requires at least one partner to demonstrate residency in Spain in order to complete a legal civil marriage there. This usually involves registration with the local town hall (known as empadronamiento) or providing proof of residence in the municipality where the marriage will take place.

Because procedures can vary between regions, it is always advisable to confirm requirements directly with the local Civil Registry (Registro Civil) or your wedding planner.

Legal Requirements for UK Couples

British citizens planning to marry in Spain must prepare several official documents before the ceremony. While requirements can vary slightly depending on the municipality, couples will generally need:

Valid passports for both partners
Full birth certificates
Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) confirming you are legally free to marry
Proof of residency or local registration in Spain (empadronamiento)
Divorce decree or death certificate (if previously married)
Apostille certification for UK-issued documents
Official Spanish translations by a sworn translator

UK documents must typically be legalised with a Hague Apostille and formally translated into Spanish before they can be accepted by Spanish authorities.

Should You Marry Legally in Spain or at Home First?

Many UK couples choose to complete the legal marriage in the United Kingdom, then travel to Spain for a symbolic ceremony and celebration. This approach avoids language barriers, document deadlines, and administrative appointments once you arrive.

However, if you’d like your marriage certificate to be issued in Spain and for the legal ceremony itself to take place there, the process can certainly be arranged with careful planning and coordination.

Getting Legally Married in Spain: Step by Step

Before You Leave the UK

Before travelling to Spain, couples should prepare the necessary documentation and complete several important steps:

Gather all original documents, including passports, birth certificates, and any divorce or death certificates if applicable.
Apply for a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) through your local UK register office.
Have the required documents legalised with an Apostille through the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
Arrange official translations into Spanish for all relevant paperwork.
Confirm the exact requirements with the Civil Registry (Registro Civil) in the Spanish region where you intend to marry.

In Spain

Once in Spain, the legal process generally involves several administrative steps:

Submit your documentation to the local Civil Registry or town hall.
Attend any required appointments with registry officials.
Schedule your civil ceremony, which may be performed by a registrar, mayor, or authorised civil official.
Ensure two adult witnesses are present at the ceremony.
Receive your Spanish marriage certificate (Certificado de Matrimonio) after the ceremony has taken place.

Afterwards, couples often arrange an official translation of the certificate for use in the UK if needed.

Witness Requirements

Spanish civil law requires two adult witnesses to be present during the civil ceremony. These witnesses can usually be chosen from your wedding guests.

Timelines & Deadlines to Remember

Planning ahead is essential when arranging a legal wedding abroad. As a general guide:

Begin preparing documents at least three to six months before travel.
Certificate of No Impediment applications must be completed in advance through your local UK register office.
Appointments with the Civil Registry in Spain may need to be scheduled weeks before the ceremony.

Allowing plenty of time helps ensure all documents are properly processed and accepted.

Weighing Your Options

A legally recognised marriage in Spain can add an extra layer of meaning to your destination wedding. However, it does involve paperwork, official appointments, and careful coordination with local authorities.

For couples seeking a simpler process, completing the legal ceremony in the UK first and then holding a symbolic wedding in Spain is often the easiest route.

That said, if exchanging vows and signing the official documents under the Spanish sun is part of your dream, it can absolutely be achieved with the right preparation.

Final Thoughts

For UK couples, getting legally married in Spain is certainly possible, but it requires organisation, patience, and a clear understanding of the legal process.

Whether you decide to complete the legal formalities in the UK or Spain, the result is the same: a celebration surrounded by Spain’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable atmosphere.

Just remember that legal procedures can vary by region and may change over time, so always confirm details with the local Spanish Civil Registry and UK authorities before making final arrangements.

Need help planning?

Planning a destination wedding involves many moving parts, and navigating international legal requirements can feel overwhelming. That’s where experienced guidance can make all the difference.

Our Destination Weddings team can assist with everything from understanding paperwork timelines to sourcing venues and trusted suppliers across Spain. If you’d like help bringing your Spanish wedding to life, contact our team or download our free wedding planning guide to start planning with confidence.

Disclaimer: We’ve done our best to ensure this information is accurate, but legal requirements may change and can vary by municipality. Always confirm details with official authorities before making travel or wedding arrangements.