“We want to get married in Chile! But… should we go for a civil or religious wedding?”
If this sounds like a conversation you and your partner have had, welcome to the club! Chile is an incredible destination for weddings, with breathtaking backdrops from the vibrant streets of Valparaíso to the majestic mountains of Patagonia. But before you get lost in Pinterest boards and venue hunting, there’s a big decision to make: civil or religious?
Each option comes with legal, cultural, and logistical differences, so let’s break it all down—without the boring legalese.
Civil Weddings in Chile: The No-Nonsense, Legally Binding Option
A civil wedding in Chile is the easiest way to get legally married, whether you’re a local or a foreign couple. It’s quick, flexible, and—unlike a religious wedding—it doesn’t come with additional spiritual commitments.
How to Get Legally Married in Chile
The paperwork isn’t too bad (by bureaucratic standards), but here’s what you’ll need:
✔ Valid identification (passport for foreigners, national ID for Chileans).
✔ At least two witnesses who aren’t direct relatives.
✔ A scheduled appointment with the Registro Civil (Chilean Civil Registry).
✔ If previously married – proof of divorce or widowhood.
💡 Pro tip: You don’t need to be a resident of Chile to get married here—great news for destination wedding couples!
Where Can You Have a Civil Ceremony?
While many couples choose to get married at their local Registro Civil office, you’re not stuck with fluorescent lights and a government desk. You can hire a civil officiant to perform the ceremony anywhere—at a vineyard, on a beach, or even in your Airbnb with a killer view of the Andes.
What’s the Vibe?
Civil ceremonies in Chile are short, sweet, and straight to the point—usually around 30 minutes. But don’t worry, you can personalize it with your own vows, music, and a symbolic ceremony afterward if you want more romance.
💍 Best for: Couples who want a legally recognized wedding without religious formalities or extra paperwork.
Religious Weddings in Chile: Tradition, Spirituality & a Bit More Planning
For couples who want a faith-based ceremony, a religious wedding is the way to go. However, there are a few extra steps involved—especially if you’re Catholic (which is the most common religious wedding in Chile).
Catholic Weddings: The Most Traditional Route
Planning a Catholic wedding in Chile? Here’s what you need to know:
⛪ Pre-marriage counseling is required (talk to your priest about scheduling this).
📜 Both partners must provide baptism and confirmation certificates.
✍ The wedding must take place inside a church (no outdoor Catholic weddings allowed).
The good news? A Catholic wedding can be legally recognized—but only if you register it with civil authorities within 8 days. If you forget, your beautiful church ceremony won’t count in the eyes of Chilean law.
Other Religious Ceremonies
Not Catholic? Chile also allows Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, and other religious weddings, but these are not automatically legally binding. You’ll still need a separate civil ceremony to make your marriage official.
What’s the Vibe?
Expect a longer, more formal ceremony with religious rituals, prayers, and emotional moments. If you come from a religious background (or have a family that insists on it), this might be the perfect choice.
💡 Pro tip: If you dream of an outdoor wedding with a spiritual touch, consider a civil wedding followed by a religious blessing. That way, you get both the legal and symbolic elements without restrictions!
Civil vs. Religious Weddings in Chile: A Quick Comparison
| Feature |
Civil Wedding |
Religious Wedding |
| Legally recognized? |
Yes |
Only if registered with civil authorities |
| Location flexibility? |
Anywhere (beach, vineyard, venue) |
Mostly in a place of worship |
| Requires pre-marriage courses? |
No |
Yes (for Catholic weddings) |
| Religious elements? |
No |
Yes (depends on faith) |
| Planning time? |
Shorter |
Longer (extra paperwork & counseling) |
How to Choose the Right Wedding for You
Still not sure which type of wedding fits your vision? Here’s a quick decision guide:
✅ Choose a civil wedding if…
- You want a fast, legally binding wedding with minimal paperwork.
- You’re planning a destination wedding and need flexibility.
- You want to personalize the location and ceremony style.
✅ Choose a religious wedding if…
- Your faith is an important part of your marriage.
- You dream of a traditional church ceremony.
- You’re ready for extra paperwork and planning.
💡 Can’t decide? Do both! Many couples have a civil ceremony for the legal side and a religious ceremony for tradition—especially if they’re from different countries or faiths.
Where to Have Your Dream Wedding in Chile?
Now that you know your options, let’s talk locations! Some of the best wedding spots in Chile include:
🌿 Casablanca Valley – Dreaming of a vineyard wedding? This region has stunning wineries, like Matetic Vineyards, perfect for civil or symbolic ceremonies.
🏔 Patagonia – If you want a breathtaking mountain backdrop, check out Explora Patagonia for an adventurous elopement.
🌊 Valparaíso & Viña del Mar – The colorful streets of Valparaíso or the coastal elegance of Viña del Mar are perfect for romantic seaside weddings.
🕍 Santiago’s Historic Churches – If you’re opting for a Catholic wedding, consider Iglesia San Francisco, one of Santiago’s most iconic churches.
Final Thoughts from a Destination Wedding Photographer
No matter which wedding type you choose, the most important thing is capturing those once-in-a-lifetime moments. As a destination wedding photographer, I’ve had the honor of documenting love stories in vineyards, cathedrals, beaches, and remote landscapes across Chile.
💡 Want to see what your dream wedding could look like?
📸 Check out my latest work: Portfolio & Blog
💍 Curious about pricing? Wedding Photography Packages
📩 Let’s make magic together! Contact me here
Whatever your vision—civil, religious, intimate, or grand—let’s create something unforgettable. 💕✨
