Imagine saying “I do” under the Spanish sun, with the scent of orange blossoms in the air, a glass of sangria in hand, and zero stress about legal paperwork. Sounds like a dream? Well, let’s make it a reality!
Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate beach wedding in Ibiza, a grand Catholic ceremony in Seville, or a romantic elopement in Barcelona, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from legal requirements to avoiding Spanish bureaucracy nightmares.
Let’s dive into the process of getting legally married in Spain as a UK or US citizen—without losing your mind!
1. Can UK or US Citizens Legally Get Married in Spain? (Short Answer: It’s Complicated!)
If you’re hoping to simply hop on a plane, pick a venue, and get legally married in Spain, there’s a catch.
Spain requires at least one of you to be a legal resident for a civil ceremony, unless you’re having a Catholic wedding (yes, there’s a loophole—more on that below!).
So, your options are:
✅ Civil Wedding → If one of you is a legal resident of Spain.
✅ Catholic Wedding → Allowed even if you’re both non-residents (and yes, it’s legally binding!).
✅ Symbolic Wedding → If neither of you lives in Spain, this is the easiest (and most fun) option.
2. How to Have a Civil Wedding in Spain (For Residents Only!)
If one of you legally resides in Spain, you can have a civil wedding—but be prepared for some paperwork. Spanish bureaucracy moves slowly, so plan ahead!
✔ Required Documents for a Civil Wedding in Spain
📜 Passports (valid and not expiring soon!)
📜 Birth Certificates (officially translated into Spanish + Apostille)
📜 Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) (proves you’re not already married)
📜 Proof of Residency (utility bill or residence card)
📜 Marriage Application Form (submitted to the local Civil Registry)
📆 Timeline for Civil Marriage in Spain
⏳ 2-3 months before: Get documents translated & Apostilled
⏳ 1-2 months before: Apply for the CNI from your embassy
⏳ 1 month before: Submit everything to the Spanish Civil Registry
💡 Pro Tip: Spain loves paperwork, so always bring extra copies of everything!
3. The Catholic Wedding Loophole: A Legal Hack for Non-Residents
Here’s the good news—you can have a legally recognized Catholic wedding in Spain even if you’re not a resident!
But of course, there’s paperwork involved:
✔ Baptismal & Confirmation Certificates (issued within the last 6 months)
✔ Pre-Marriage Course Certificate (yes, you may need to attend one!)
✔ Permission from Your Home Diocese
✔ Marriage Application at the Local Spanish Diocese
Your local parish priest will help you forward the documents to the Spanish bishop, who will approve your wedding. Once done, your marriage is 100% legally recognized!
⛪ Best Catholic Wedding Venues in Spain:
4. What If You’re Not a Resident? The Symbolic Wedding Option
If neither of you lives in Spain and you’re not Catholic, there’s an easy (and stress-free) solution:
💍 Have a symbolic wedding in Spain and legally marry in the UK or US before or after your trip.
This is the most popular choice for couples because:
💛 You can get married anywhere—beach, castle, vineyard…
💛 No legal paperwork or Spanish bureaucracy
💛 You save months of time and stress
📍 Top Dreamy Wedding Locations in Spain for Symbolic Ceremonies:
5. Gay Weddings in Spain: Everything You Need to Know
Spain is one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in the world, and same-sex marriage has been legal since 2005.
🏳️🌈 If one of you is a resident, you can have a legally recognized civil wedding.
🏳️🌈 If neither of you lives in Spain, a symbolic wedding is your best bet!
🌈 Top LGBTQ+ Wedding Destinations in Spain:
- Sitges: Spain’s most LGBTQ-friendly beach town
- Barcelona: Vibrant, inclusive, and full of stunning venues
- Madrid: Home to one of Europe’s largest Pride celebrations
6. Documents Checklist & Common Mistakes to Avoid
✅ Double-check translations – Documents must be officially translated into Spanish.
✅ Get your Apostille early – It can take weeks to process!
✅ Apply for the CNI in time – Your embassy may take up to 2 months.
✅ For Catholic weddings, start at least 6 months ahead – The church isn’t fast!
⚠️ Common Mistakes:
❌ Forgetting to Apostille your birth certificate
❌ Submitting documents too late
❌ Assuming Spain will rush your paperwork (they won’t!)
7. Final Steps: How to Capture Your Spanish Wedding Perfectly
Your Spanish wedding deserves more than just paperwork—it should be an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s a sunset elopement in Mallorca or a lavish Catholic ceremony in Seville, I’ll be there to capture every moment with timeless, artistic photography.
📸 See my wedding portfolio & real love stories: Your Happy Moments Blog
💰 Find the perfect photography package for your big day: Investment & Pricing
📩 Let’s talk about your dream wedding in Spain! Contact Me
Spain is waiting. Are you ready to say “Sí, quiero” in the most beautiful way possible? 💃🥂
