How to Get Married Legally in Costa Rica
March 2, 2024If you are planning your destination wedding in Costa Rica, in addition to enjoying the breathtaking scenery and warm hospitality of the country, you will also want to make sure that all the legal aspects are covered so that your marriage is legally recognized. At SpencPhoto, not only do we capture every special moment of your wedding, but we also work hand in hand with an exclusive lawyer who takes care of all the legal paperwork so that you only have to worry about enjoying the most important day of your life.
In this guide, we explain the process of getting legally married in Costa Rica and how our team makes it easy for you every step of the way.
If you are planning your destination wedding in Costa Rica, in addition to enjoying the breathtaking scenery and warm hospitality of the country, you will also want to make sure that all the legal aspects are covered so that your marriage is legally recognized. At SpencPhoto, not only do we capture every special moment of your wedding, but we also work hand in hand with an exclusive lawyer who takes care of all the legal paperwork so that you only have to worry about enjoying the most important day of your life.
In this guide, we explain the process of getting legally married in Costa Rica and how our team makes it easy for you every step of the way.
1. Is it legal to get married in Costa Rica?
Yes, foreign couples can legally marry in Costa Rica, and their marriage will be recognized both in Costa Rica and in their home country, as long as they follow the proper procedures. Costa Rica allows civil marriages for citizens and non-citizens alike, making the country a perfect destination for destination weddings.
2. Legal Requirements for Marriage in Costa Rica
Before the wedding, there are certain documents you will need to have ready. These include:
- Valid passports: Both parties must present current and valid passports.
- Personal information: This includes your full names, nationalities, occupations, addresses and marital status.
- Witnesses: Two witnesses are required for the marriage, who must also present copies of their passports. If you don't have witnesses, don't worry! At SpencPhoto, we can help you coordinate witnesses if necessary.
Thanks to our exclusive lawyer, this whole process will be handled stress-free. Our team will make sure you have the necessary documents and will guide you through every step so you don't have to worry about the legal paperwork.
3. Affidavit and Marriage Certificate
One of the key steps in the process is to complete an affidavit before the lawyer, which certifies that both parties are free to marry and that there are no legal impediments. This declaration is a mandatory requirement and, once completed, our lawyer will take care of sending all the documentation to the Costa Rican Civil Registry so that your marriage is duly registered.
The marriage certificate will be issued within a few weeks and will be valid in any country. If necessary, our lawyer can also help you with the translation and authentication of the certificate to ensure its validity in your country.
4. Simplified Process with SpencPhoto
The best thing about working with SpencPhoto is that we offer a complete service for destination weddings. Not only do we capture the most special moments of your wedding, but we also help you coordinate every detail, including the legal aspects. Our exclusive attorney will handle all the paperwork, from the affidavit to the official marriage registry, ensuring that everything is ready for your big day without any hassle.
In addition, if you opt for an elopement or an intimate wedding, we can make sure the process is just as simple and stress-free, so you can enjoy a relaxed ceremony focused on you and your partner.
5. Witnesses and Ceremony
For couples who decide to have an intimate wedding or elopement, the question of what to do with witnesses may arise. If you do not plan to bring guests, our team and network of vendors can help you coordinate local witnesses to sign for you, ensuring that the ceremony is legally valid. Again, the lawyer will manage all the legal logistics, so you can just concentrate on enjoying yourself.
6. Make it Easy with SpencPhoto!
Planning a destination wedding can seem overwhelming, especially when it comes to dealing with legal paperwork in a foreign country. At SpencPhoto, we make your life easier with our comprehensive photography, videography and legal coordination services. We make sure that every moment of your wedding, from the vows to the legal paperwork, is covered by experienced professionals.