Legal requirements for getting married in Spain

Option 1: Civil marriage in Spain (residents mostly)

• Requires one partner to be a Spanish resident, typically for 2+ years.
• Documentation: birth certificates (apostilled + translated), passports, single-status certificates, proof of residency.
• Processing time at the Registro Civil: 4–8 months.
• Realistic for couples living in Spain; impractical for typical destination weddings.

Option 2: Catholic ceremony (recognized as civil)

• Both partners must be baptized Catholics; one may need a dispensation for the other.
• Pre-marital preparation course (Cursillo) — usually 6 weekly sessions.
• Documentation submitted through the local parish; final approval from the Diocese.
• The resulting marriage is legally recognized in Spain and abroad.

Option 3: Gibraltar workaround (most destination couples)

• Book a civil ceremony at Gibraltar's Registry Office (approx. £250 + application fees).
• Arrive 1–2 business days ahead; ceremony takes 20 minutes.
• Marriage certificate is recognized worldwide (US, UK, EU).
• Then travel to Spain for a symbolic ceremony with your officiant of choice at your venue.

Documents typically required

• Valid passports (both partners).
• Full birth certificates (apostilled + translated for civil in Spain; simpler for Gibraltar).
• Certificate of no impediment / single-status certificate (issued in your home country).
• If divorced: final divorce decree, apostilled.
• If widowed: death certificate of former spouse.

What we recommend

For 90% of American, British, and non-EU couples marrying in Spain: Gibraltar legal + Spain symbolic. Cheaper, faster, and administratively far simpler than trying to legally marry in Spain as a non-resident.

Spain destination wedding checklist →

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with the Spanish Consulate serving your region and with Gibraltar's Civil Status and Registration Office before booking.