Picture this: You, standing under the golden Spanish sun, a gentle Mediterranean breeze swaying your wedding attire, and the love of your life beaming at you. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, getting married in Spain is a spectacular idea—but before you sip that celebratory sangria, let’s talk about how to make it legal.
Spanish wedding laws have a few twists and turns, but don’t worry—I’ve got your back. Whether you’re dreaming of a rustic Andalusian villa wedding or a chic Barcelona rooftop celebration, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Who Can Legally Get Married in Spain?
Spain welcomes international love stories with open arms, but there are a few rules:
✅ You must be 18 or older. Love has no age limit, but Spanish law does!
✅ Both partners must be single, divorced, or widowed. Your past relationships shouldn’t haunt your paperwork.
✅ One of you must have lived in Spain for at least two years—unless you’re opting for a religious ceremony (more on that later!).
Types of Weddings in Spain: Which One is Right for You?
Not all weddings are created equal in the eyes of Spanish law. You have three options:
1. Civil Wedding (Legally Binding but Bureaucratic)
A civil wedding in Spain is recognized worldwide, but it comes with one major hurdle: at least one of you must have been a Spanish resident for two consecutive years. That’s a dealbreaker for many destination couples, but if you meet the requirement, it’s a straightforward process handled by the Civil Registry Office.
2. Catholic Wedding (No Residency Required!)
Spain is a deeply Catholic country, so Catholic weddings are legally recognized—and they don’t require residency! However, both partners must be baptized Catholics, and you’ll need to go through church paperwork, including pre-marriage counseling. After the ceremony, you still need to register your marriage with the Civil Registry.
3. Symbolic Wedding (The Easiest & Most Popular for Foreigners)
Here’s a little secret: Many couples skip the legal headaches by getting legally married at home first and having a symbolic wedding in Spain. This way, you can have your dream ceremony without stressing over Spanish bureaucracy. Plus, it allows for breathtaking locations like the cliffs of Mallorca or a beach in Ibiza without the paperwork drama.
Documents You’ll Need (And How to Get Them Without Losing Your Mind)
📌 Valid passports for both partners
📌 Birth certificates, translated into Spanish and apostilled
📌 Certificate of No Impediment (proving you’re free to marry), available at your home country’s embassy in Spain
📌 Proof of residency (if applying for a civil wedding)
📌 Previous marriage documents, if applicable (divorce papers or spouse’s death certificate)
📌 Baptism certificates (for Catholic weddings)
⚠️ Important: All foreign documents must be officially translated into Spanish and apostilled for legal recognition.
The Best Wedding Locations in Spain
Alright, now for the fun part—where should you say “I do”?
🌿 Barcelona – Modernist charm, beaches, and vibrant city life. Consider La Baronia for a fairytale venue.
🏰 Seville – Traditional Andalusian romance with flamenco vibes.
🌊 Ibiza & Mallorca – Dreamy island weddings with boho-chic aesthetics.
⛪ Toledo & Granada – Medieval cities with breathtaking historical venues.
Spain is packed with breathtaking wedding venues, and the best part? You’re already in the perfect honeymoon destination!
How Much Does a Wedding in Spain Cost?
💰 Civil wedding fees: €100-€300 for paperwork
💰 Venue rental: €3,000 – €15,000 (depending on location & season)
💰 Catering: €80-€200 per person
💰 Photography & videography: €2,000 – €5,000 (👋 Hey, check out my work here)
💰 Flowers, décor, entertainment: €2,000 – €10,000
💡 Pro Tip: Spain offers luxurious weddings at a fraction of the cost of France or Italy. Plus, the food? Absolutely worth it!
How Long Does It Take to Plan a Wedding in Spain?
⏳ Civil wedding process: 3-6 months (bureaucracy takes time!)
⏳ Catholic wedding process: 2-4 months
⏳ Symbolic wedding process: As fast as you can say “Vamos!”
The Ultimate Checklist for a Destination Wedding in Spain
✅ Sort out your paperwork (or opt for a symbolic ceremony)
✅ Choose the perfect venue
✅ Hire a wedding planner who speaks Spanish
✅ Find a photographer who knows how to capture golden-hour magic 😉 (I might know someone)
✅ Book flights & accommodations for you and your guests
✅ Don’t forget the cava! (Spain’s answer to champagne 🍾)
FAQs: What Couples Ask the Most
🧐 Can foreigners legally get married in Spain?
Yes, but civil weddings require two years of residency unless you’re having a Catholic wedding.
🧐 Is a Catholic wedding in Spain legally recognized?
Yes, but you must register it with the Civil Registry.
🧐 Do I need to translate my documents?
Yes, all foreign documents must be translated into Spanish and apostilled.
🧐 Can we have a legal wedding and symbolic wedding separately?
Absolutely! Many couples get legally married at home and have a stunning symbolic ceremony in Spain.
Final Thoughts: Your Dream Spanish Wedding Awaits
Planning a wedding in Spain might seem like a rollercoaster of emotions, but trust me—it’s worth every step. Whether you’re exchanging vows in a sun-drenched vineyard or dancing under the stars in Seville, your wedding will be a story for the ages.
And speaking of stories—capturing those moments beautifully is just as important as the big day itself. As a destination wedding photographer, I specialize in making your Spanish wedding memories last forever.
📸 See my latest wedding stories: Your Happy Moments Blog
💰 Curious about my photography packages? Check them out here
📩 Want to chat about your dream wedding? Let’s talk!
Your love story deserves to be captured perfectly. Let’s make magic together! ✨
