How to Get Married Online in Spain (Step-by-Step Guide)

In today's interconnected world, the concept of online marriages has gained traction, prompting questions about their legality, particularly in countries like Spain where traditional civil ceremonies prevail. It's essential to note that, in general, marriages performed legally in one country are often accepted in most others, albeit subject to certain conditions and requirements. This article delves into the intricacies of online marriages in Spain, exploring the legal framework surrounding them and shedding light on their recognition within the Spanish legal system.

The Legality of Online Marriages in Spain

Before the global pandemic, certain regions enforced strict regulations requiring the physical presence of the officiant and the couple for a marriage to be considered legally binding. Additionally, couples had to personally visit the county clerk's office to acquire their marriage license.

In 2019, there was a significant change in Utah County when the marriage license office collaborated with IT departments to introduce an innovative digital marriage license application process. This system revolutionized the process by allowing couples to apply for and submit their marriage licenses online, eliminating the need for them to physically visit the office. Utah's online marriage system is notable for its inclusivity, providing access to a U.S. marriage certificate to individuals regardless of their location. 

In Spain, marriages legally performed abroad, including those conducted online that result in a U.S. marriage certificate, are generally recognized. The conventional marriage process in Spain can be quite cumbersome, often requiring up to 45 days to obtain necessary approvals. Opting for an online marriage through Courtly offers a quicker and more convenient alternative, allowing couples to marry at any time and from any location. This streamlined process eliminates the lengthy wait times associated with traditional ceremonies. 

Traditional marriage process in Spain

In Spain, the traditional marriage process typically involves several steps and requirements, which may vary depending on the region. It can be a bit complicated with approval of a marriage application often taking as long as 45 days. Policies and procedures also vary from region to region. 

Residency Requirement

At least one of the individuals getting married must be a legal resident of Spain for a minimum of two years. This requirement may vary depending on the region.

Documentation

Both parties need to provide certain documents, which may include:

• Valid passports
• Birth certificates (translated into Spanish by an official translator and legalized with an Apostille stamp)
• Certificate of marital status (Certificado de Capacidad Matrimonial) obtained from your home country's consulate in Spain
• If applicable, divorce or death certificates of any previous spouses
• Certificate of residence (Certificado de Empadronamiento) proving residency in Spain

Notification of Marriage

The couple must file a marriage intention at the Civil Registry Office (Registro Civil) where one of them resides at least two weeks before the wedding date. This involves filling out paperwork and paying a fee.

Civil Ceremony

In Spain, civil ceremonies are the only legally recognized form of marriage. Couples can choose to have a civil ceremony at the Civil Registry Office, or they can opt for a civil ceremony conducted by a judge, mayor, or other authorized officiant at another location, such as a wedding venue.

Witnesses

Two witnesses must be present at the ceremony. They must be of legal age and provide their identification.

Marriage Certificate

After the ceremony, the couple receives a marriage certificate (Certificado de Matrimonio) issued by the Civil Registry Office, which legally recognizes their marriage.

Optional Religious Ceremony

Couples who wish to have a religious ceremony can do so after completing the civil marriage process. However, the religious ceremony alone does not confer legal recognition of the marriage in Spain.

It's essential to note that requirements and procedures may vary slightly depending on the region within Spain and can be subject to change, so it's advisable to consult with local authorities or legal experts for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

For Foreigners

For foreigners wishing to get married in Spain, the process generally follows similar steps to those for Spanish citizens, but there are additional considerations. 

Legal Residency

Foreigners planning to marry in Spain must meet residency requirements. Typically, at least one of the individuals must be a legal resident of Spain for a specified period. This requirement can vary depending on the region, so it's essential to check with local authorities.

Documentation

Foreigners need to provide specific documentation, which may include:

• Valid passports
• Birth certificates (translated into Spanish by an official translator and legalized with an Apostille stamp)
• Certificate of marital status (Certificado de Capacidad Matrimonial) obtained from their home country's consulate in Spain
• If applicable, divorce or death certificates of any previous spouses
• Certificate of residence (Certificado de Empadronamiento) proving residency in Spain

Notification of Marriage

Similar to Spanish citizens, foreigners must file a marriage intention at the Civil Registry Office (Registro Civil) where one of them resides at least two weeks before the wedding date. This involves completing paperwork and paying a fee.

Translation Requirements

If any of the required documents are not in Spanish, they must be translated by an official translator recognized by the Spanish authorities.

Legalization and Apostille

Foreign documents may need to be legalized with an Apostille stamp to verify their authenticity, depending on the country of origin. This ensures that the documents are legally recognized in Spain.

Civil Ceremony

As with Spanish citizens, foreigners must have a civil ceremony to legally marry in Spain. This can take place at the Civil Registry Office or at another location with an authorized officiant.

Witnesses

Two witnesses must be present at the ceremony, as required by Spanish law. They must be of legal age and provide identification.

Marriage Certificate

After the ceremony, the couple receives a marriage certificate (Certificado de Matrimonio) issued by the Civil Registry Office, which legally recognizes their marriage.

Foreigners planning to marry in Spain should know that requirements and procedures may vary depending on the region and can be subject to change. Therefore, it's advisable to consult with local authorities or legal experts for the most accurate and up-to-date information. 

Additionally, engaging the services of a professional wedding planner or legal advisor who is familiar with the process can help streamline the marriage process for foreigners in Spain.

Courtly: Simplifying the Online Marriage Process in Spain

Courtly simplifies the online marriage process in Spain, offering a seamless experience. To ensure success, communication with Courtly representatives is key. Discuss your specific needs and any legal concerns you may have, ensuring clarity on required documents and timelines. This transparent communication allows Courtly to tailor its services to your situation, minimizing surprises.

While Courtly handles the legal aspects, you can collaborate on planning your virtual ceremony. They can assist in connecting you with authorized officiants in Spain and confirming ceremony details. Following these steps will guarantee a smooth and successful online marriage process with Courtly in Spain.

Step-by-Step Guide for Getting Married Online in Spain with Courtly

Couples can utilize Courtly to complete their marriage procedures entirely online, regardless of where they are situated. Acquiring a legitimate U.S. marriage certificate is made simple and fast through Courtly, often accomplished within 48 hours, with minimal documentation required.

Here is a step-by-step guide to using Courtly:

1. Create an Account

Register with Courtly by clicking on the "Get Married" icon in the top right corner. Follow the provided instructions to create your account and gain platform access.

2. Choose ceremony format, setting, and officiant.

Choose your ceremony format, venue, and officiant according to your preferences. Courtly will match you with a legally qualified U.S. officiant based on your selected time and day.

3. Payment Confirmation

After completing payment for your chosen wedding package, await an email confirmation from Courtly. Once received, your wedding plans are set in motion. For details on available packages and add-ons, refer to the Pricing Page.

4. Online Celebration

Enjoy your online marriage ceremony with loved ones from any location with internet access. 

Upon completion, receive a digital U.S. marriage certificate immediately, with a printed copy delivered within 1 to 2 weeks. Additionally, download your digital marriage license shortly after the ceremony.

Registration of Online Marriages in Spain

If you are a resident of Spain, you may wish to register your online marriage there. Registering your foreign marriage in Spain allows you to enjoy various benefits, including tax deductions on your annual income tax return (IRPF). Additionally, registration enables a foreign spouse to apply for residency in Spain and potentially acquire Spanish nationality. 

It is not necessary to register your marriage in Spain unless you intend to access spousal privileges there. At the same time, choosing not to register the marriage does not prevent you from exercising certain rights, such as filing for divorce in Spain or automatically inheriting from your spouse under Spanish law should they pass away before you.

Eligibility

Online marriages may be recognized in Spain if they meet certain criteria. Generally, the marriage must be legally performed in a jurisdiction where online marriages are valid and recognized like the U.S.

Documentation

The documentation required for registering an online marriage in Spain may include:

• Marriage certificate with apostille certification or embassy authentication issued by the jurisdiction where the online marriage took place
• Translation of the marriage certificate into Spanish by an official translator
• Official birth certificate for each spouse.
• If one of the applicants was divorced at the time of the marriage, they must submit an official certificate of their previous marriage, including a divorce certificate.
• If either party was widowed at the time of marriage, they must provide: (a) a certificate of their previous marriage, and (b) a death certificate of the deceased spouse.

It’s important to note that all documents must be original. If a document is translated, the original must be submitted with the translation. 

After gathering all the required documents, you can initiate the proceedings at your local Civil Registry or directly at the Central Civil Registry in Madrid. Alternatively, you may send the documents via certified mail with a return receipt requested, or schedule an appointment at your local registry. If you choose to proceed through your local Civil Registry, be sure to verify any additional requirements that may differ from one locality to another.

Registration Process

The registration process typically involves submitting the required documentation to the Civil Registry Office (Registro Civil) where one of the spouses resides in Spain. The office will review the documents and verify the legality of the online marriage. However, if neither spouse resides in Spain, they must register their marriage at the corresponding Spanish Consulate.

Apostille Certification

Depending on the country where the online marriage occurred, the marriage certificate may need to be legalized with an Apostille stamp to ensure its authenticity and recognition in Spain. 

Translation Requirements

If the marriage certificate is not in Spanish, it must be translated by an official translator recognized by the Spanish authorities (only translations carried out by a Diplomatic, Consular or Sworn Interpreter are accepted). 

Civil Registry Office Approval

Once the Civil Registry Office verifies the legality of the online marriage and all required documentation is in order, they will proceed with the registration. After registration, the online marriage is legally recognized in Spain.

Professional Assistance

Engaging the services of legal professionals or agencies specializing in foreign marriage registration in Spain can help navigate the process efficiently and ensure compliance with all legal requirements.

Keep in mind that the specific procedures and requirements for registering online marriages in Spain may vary depending on individual circumstances and the jurisdiction where the online marriage took place. Therefore, consulting with legal experts or professionals experienced in foreign marriage registration in Spain is highly recommended for personalized guidance. 

Apostille certification for online marriage certificates

An apostille is a special certificate issued by either the Secretary of State or the Lieutenant Governor, allowing a legal document from one country to be accepted in another. By obtaining an apostille for your marriage certificate, you ensure its legitimacy according to The Hague Apostille Convention of 1961, making it valid in countries that are part of the convention.

Courtly provides the service of obtaining an apostille for your marriage certificate. This process usually takes 15 to 30 business days after the online ceremony for it to be recognized in Spain or other countries that accept apostilles.

Online Marriage and Immigration

The recognition of online marriages by immigration officials varies widely, and it's important to understand these differences. Marriages conducted through platforms like Courtly result in a valid US marriage certificate issued by Utah County, generally recognized by US immigration officials if it adheres to federal and state laws. For more insights, read our article on the acceptance of online marriages by US immigration authorities.

Outside the US, the acceptance of online marriage certificates can differ. While many countries recognize legally performed marriages from other nations, some immigration officials may question the authenticity of an online marriage. Proving the legitimacy of your relationship is crucial for any spouse visa application.

The acceptance of virtual weddings by international immigration authorities is subject to change and often depends on specific jurisdictions and situations. Given the complexities and variations in immigration laws, we strongly recommend consulting with an immigration attorney for precise and up-to-date advice tailored to your situation. This will help you understand the legal status of your online marriage and any additional documentation required for recognition.

Courtly offers a convenient marriage option, but we cannot provide legal advice on immigration matters. Always seek advice from legal professionals or relevant authorities in your area for the most accurate information.

Conclusion

This guide has provided you with the necessary information to navigate online marriage procedures in Spain with Courtly. We've discussed the legality of online marriages, compared them to traditional ceremonies, and outlined the registration and apostille processes. By maintaining open communication with Courtly and carefully planning your legal ceremony, you can ensure a seamless experience. Ultimately, Courtly streamlines the online marriage process in Spain, enabling couples to embark on their new life together with assurance and convenience.