Can Foreigners Get Married in Spain?
Yes. Foreign nationals can legally marry in Spain, but the process varies depending on your nationality, residence status, and whether it’s a civil or religious ceremony.
At Borderless Lawyers, we help international couples handle legal paperwork, translations, and registration to ensure their marriage is valid both in Spain and abroad.
📝 Types of Marriage in Spain
1. 💼 Civil Marriage
-
Recognized under Spanish civil law
-
Performed at a Civil Registry (Registro Civil), Town Hall, or Court
-
Open to opposite-sex and same-sex couples
Requirements:
-
At least one party must be resident in Spain, or a Spanish national
-
Valid passports and birth certificates
-
Certificate of No Impediment (Certificado de Capacidad Matrimonial)
-
Proof of civil status (single, divorced, widowed)
-
Proof of address or residence registration (empadronamiento)
📌 All foreign documents must be officially translated into Spanish and apostilled if required.
2. ⛪ Religious Marriage
-
Catholic marriages are legally recognized if registered at the Civil Registry
-
Other religious marriages (Jewish, Muslim, Protestant) are symbolic unless civil registration follows
Catholic Marriage Specifics:
-
Must complete pre-marital course with the parish
-
Submit baptism and confirmation certificates
-
Church issues documentation to Civil Registry for recognition
3. 🌐 International or Destination Weddings
-
Non-resident couples often choose symbolic ceremonies followed by legal registration in their home country
-
You may also get legally married in your home country and host a ceremonial wedding in Spain
🏛️ Legal Steps to Marry in Spain
-
Submit Documents to the relevant Civil Registry
-
Publication of Banns (public notice for 15–21 days)
-
Interview (for mixed-nationality couples to check genuine intent)
-
Approval & Ceremony Scheduling
-
Marriage Certificate issued and recorded
✅ Borderless Lawyers can help you complete every step without legal delays.
👨⚖️ Marriage Contracts & Prenuptial Agreements
Couples can enter into a Matrimonial Property Agreement (Capitulaciones Matrimoniales), defining:
-
Community or separation of assets
-
Property ownership and management rules
-
Clauses on debts, inheritance, and divorce
📜 Must be notarized and filed before or shortly after the wedding.
🌍 Recognition of Spanish Marriages Abroad
A Spanish marriage is valid in most countries but may require:
-
Apostilled marriage certificate
-
Official translation
-
Registration with your home country’s embassy or civil authority
🌐 Our lawyers ensure your Spanish marriage complies with international recognition rules.
💬 Example Case
Scenario: A Canadian-German couple residing in Madrid wanted to formalize their marriage legally and protect their property rights. We handled the bilingual documentation, drafted a prenuptial agreement, and registered their marriage with both Spanish and foreign authorities.
💼 Our Marriage Law Services
At Borderless Lawyers, we support couples with:
-
✅ Civil and religious marriage paperwork
-
✅ Prenuptial agreements
-
✅ Apostille and legal translations
-
✅ Bilingual coordination with Civil Registry
-
✅ International recognition of your marriage
📞 Get Legal Support for Your Marriage in Spain
Ready to get married in Spain without stress or legal confusion? Our team guides you through the process, step by step.