Picture this: you and your partner, standing against the breathtaking backdrop of the Andes, a soft breeze from the Pacific carrying the scent of Chilean vineyards, and the love of your life saying, “I do” in a place that feels like a dream. Sounds perfect, right? But before you get lost in the romance of it all, there’s that tiny little detail—can foreigners actually get married in Chile?
Short answer: Yes!
Long answer: Let’s break it down step by step, from legalities to the most dreamy wedding spots and how to make your big day truly unforgettable.
Getting Married in Chile as a Foreigner: The Legal Process
If you’re not a fan of paperwork, grab a glass of Chilean wine now, because things are about to get a little bureaucratic (but don’t worry, I’ve got your back!).
1. Civil Ceremonies Are the Only Legal Weddings
No matter how stunning your church wedding might be, it won’t be legally binding in Chile unless you also have a civil ceremony. Religious ceremonies are purely symbolic unless followed by a civil registration.
2. Documents You’ll Need (aka, the Paperwork Party)
Before heading to the altar, make sure you’ve got:
✅ A valid passport (both partners)
✅ Birth certificates (official and apostilled)
✅ Proof of single status (also apostilled, known as a Certificate of No Impediment in some countries)
✅ If previously married, a divorce decree or death certificate of the former spouse (apostilled as well)
Important: All foreign documents must be officially translated into Spanish and notarized. Chilean officials love order, so double-check every stamp and signature.
3. Do You Need Residency?
Nope! Unlike some countries, Chile allows tourists to get married, which makes it a fantastic destination for international weddings.
4. The Judge Comes to You (or You Go to Them)
A judge from the Civil Registry (Registro Civil e Identificación) will officiate your wedding. You can either:
- Visit the Civil Registry office for a simple, no-frills ceremony
- Have the judge come to your dream location, whether that’s a vineyard, a beach, or even Patagonia! (This option costs a bit more, but hey—totally worth it.)
5. Timing & Fees
Scheduling your wedding date might take a few weeks, so plan in advance! Fees depend on whether you have your ceremony at the Civil Registry or bring the judge to your venue.
Best Wedding Locations in Chile: Where to Say “I Do”
Now, onto the fun part—where to have your wedding! Chile is a country of stunning contrasts, so whether you’re into mountaintops, beaches, or vineyards, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you.
🌇 Santiago: Chic City Wedding with Andean Views
If you love urban elegance but want breathtaking mountain scenery, Santiago is your spot. Imagine tying the knot on a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the Andes or in the beautiful Metropolitan Park (Parque Metropolitano).
🍇 Casablanca Valley: A Vineyard Wedding Dream
Love wine? Then why not get married in one of Chile’s most famous wine regions? The Casas del Bosque Vineyard (www.casasdelbosque.cl) offers magical vineyard settings, while Matetic Vineyards (www.matetic.com) provides a mix of rustic charm and world-class wine.
🌊 Valparaíso & Viña del Mar: Coastal Romance
- Valparaíso is a colorful, artsy city with bohemian charm—perfect for a unique and eclectic wedding.
- Viña del Mar offers golden beaches and stunning oceanfront venues for a classic seaside wedding.
❄️ Patagonia: A Wedding at the End of the World
If you’re an adventurous couple, nothing beats saying “I do” with glaciers and mountains surrounding you in Torres del Paine National Park. It’s remote, wild, and absolutely unforgettable.
Chilean Wedding Traditions to Steal for Your Big Day
Why not add some Chilean flavor to your wedding? Here are a few fun traditions to incorporate:
💍 La Liga (The Ribbon Game): Instead of tossing the bouquet, single guests pull ribbons from the wedding cake—one has a ring attached, symbolizing the next to marry!
🍹 Pisco Sour Toast: Forget Champagne—raise a glass of Chile’s iconic cocktail, the Pisco Sour. It’s tangy, refreshing, and dangerously good.
🎶 Cueca Dancing: This is Chile’s national dance, featuring handkerchiefs, stomping, and a whole lot of passion. Don’t worry if you don’t know the steps—just have fun!
Why You Need a Destination Wedding Photographer (Like Me! 😉)
Sure, your best friend’s iPhone takes decent pictures, but when you’re standing on a vineyard in Casablanca or exchanging vows in Patagonia, you’ll want a professional to capture the magic properly.
As a destination wedding photographer, I specialize in making your love story come to life through breathtaking imagery. Whether it’s a sunset kiss in Valparaíso, a mountaintop ceremony, or a vineyard wedding, I’m here to document every moment.
📸 Check out my portfolio: www.yourhappymoments.net/blog/
💰 Explore wedding photography packages: www.yourhappymoments.net/investment/
💌 Let’s start planning your dream wedding photography! www.yourhappymoments.net/contact/
Final Thoughts: Is Chile the Perfect Wedding Destination for You?
If you want a stress-free, exotic, and stunningly beautiful destination wedding, Chile is a top-tier choice. With easy legal requirements for foreigners, breathtaking locations, and a touch of Latin American magic, it’s the perfect place to start your forever.
So what’s next? Grab that Pisco Sour, start browsing wedding venues, and—most importantly—let’s talk about capturing your love story in the most epic way possible. 💍✨
