Here we explain for you all You Need to Know About Getting Married in Spain! There are a few options available to the Bride and Groom that wish to get legally married in Spain.
You can legally marry in Spain if…
..You wish to have a Catholic Church Ceremony in Spain- If you are both Catholic and wish to marry in a Catholic Church you can get legally married in Spain. This can be arranged relatively easily and we are in some cases able to arrange english speaking priests or translators. The process for a catholic wedding requires strict paperwork which takes 6 months to obtain and process. With high demands for the local Catholic Church, it is recommended that provisional dates are booked early to avoid disappointment. (approx. 18 months in advance)
..If you are resident and wish to have a Civil Ceremony in Spain- You would need to be legally registered as living in Spain for 6 months or more in order to have a civil ceremony, this can be lengthy and complicated process. Application for a civil marriage must be made at the Civil Registry in the place where the couple reside. Once the paperwork is completed you can marry in your local town hall or occasionally in another venue conducted by the Town Mayor.
Both of these legal options do involve extensive paperwork, multiple meetings and can take up plenty of time. If this is the way you would like to get married in Spain, your Wedding Planner in Spain can take care of all of the hard work for you, ensuring you have all of the correct paperwork completed in time for your big day.
Same Sex Marriage- In July 2005, the government of Spain finally legalised Same Sex Marriage. Gay couples can be married Civilly in Spain, however the same rules apply as above, you must be a resident. Therefore many same sex couples choose a Blessing Ceremony or a Commitment Ceremony in Spain and take care of all of the legalities back in their home Country.
Other Options for Getting Married in Spain
Hold A Blessing Ceremony in Spain-Another option you could consider to make the process easier for yourselves would be to take care of the legalities by civil marriage in your home country first. Many couples choose to do this and then ask their Spanish Wedding Planner to arrange a Blessing ceremony for them in Spain, surrounded by your closest friends and family.
The Blessing can be religious or non-religious, dependent on the celebrant that you choose. You have so much freedom with a Blessing to incorporate any elements that you feel represent you and truly create a personalised ceremony. To all present your Wedding Day in Spain will appear as special as a full Wedding Ceremony. During your Blessing ceremony you will exchange your rings and take your vows, hear readings from friends and family. For ease, this is the method is recommend, however if your wishes are different we would be more than happy to assist you. Read more about Blessing Ceremonies in Spain at our Ceremonies in Spain Page.
A Civil Ceremony in Gibraltar- As a non-resident you are able to marry in Gibraltar in a Civil Ceremony. To get married in Gibraltar you must provide the Registrar with documentary evidence that you will either be staying in Gibraltar at least one night immediately prior to or, immediately following the ceremony. A booking for your Civil Ceremony must be made in advance, additionally you must BOTH attend the registry office in person no later than 24 hours prior to your wedding date to present your documentation.
You will need to indicate whether you wish to be married at the Registry or at one of the approved external locations listed below:-
The Caleta Hotel
The O’Callaghan Eliott Hotel
The Rock Hotel
The Alameda Botanic Gardens (between 1 – April and 30 October weather permitting)
Latinos Restaurant
The Mount
Top of the Rock – Mons Calpe Suite, Cable Car Station
Sunborn Yacht Hotel
The Landings Restaurant
La Sala at Ocean Village
Waterfront Restaurant
St Michaels Cave (after 19.00 April to October)
Garrison Library
Rendezvous Chargrill Restaurant
On board a passenger ship registered in Gibraltar of over one hundred gross tonnes and carrying more than twelve passengers
Marriages held at the Registry Office will only take place on weekdays between 09.00 and 14.00 excluding public holidays.
Marriage ceremonies held outside the Registry must comply with all of the conditions imposed by the Registrar.
Getting Married in Gibraltar Full Information
For more information and a list of Documents needed for your getting married in Spain, please CONTACT US.
If you would like to know more about our wedding venues in Spain or to book a Pre-Wedding Consultation, please do not hesitate in contacting me via EMAIL . To find out more about our Wedding Planning Services Click here now.
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