Getting married in Spain

Getting married in Spain offers a unique atmosphere: sun, sea, and a relaxing Mediterranean setting. From beaches and luxurious fincas to charming villages, Spain offers beautiful wedding venues and that wonderful holiday feeling. In this blog post, you'll learn what's involved if you want to celebrate your big day in Spain.

Documents to get married in Spain

To get married in Spain, you need several documents. These documents vary by region. You can inquire about these at the civil registry office (Registro Civil) or the court (juzgado). These are usually the following:

• -Certificate of Capacity to Marry (Certificado de capacidad matrimonial)
• -Declaration of civil status (Certificado de estado civil)
• -Birth certificate
• -Identity card
• -Proof of residence in Spain
• -Documents if you are divorced

The best time to get married

You naturally want beautiful weather on your wedding day, but extreme heat is not ideal. Therefore, it's advisable to avoid July and August. It's very hot and crowded in Spain during this time, which also means more expensive flights. May, June, September, and October are better options. You could also choose to get married later in the day, when it's cooled down a bit. It's advisable to start planning at least one to one and a half years in advance. This gives you plenty of time to visit a venue, sample the menu, and meet with vendors.

Formal and elaborate weddings, complete with wedding dresses, family, and friends, are often held in the unique ceremony rooms of the city hall. These rooms offer beautiful views of the city or are located in historic buildings. But you can also choose to get married at a religious site, on the beach, in a charming village, or on a finca. The possibilities are endless.

The cost of a wedding

A wedding in Spain is naturally more expensive than a city hall wedding in the Netherlands or Belgium. However, it doesn't have to be incredibly expensive. Drinks are often cheaper in Spain, and you don't necessarily need to hire a wedding planner if you can arrange everything yourself. There are plenty of restaurants that provide food at affordable prices. It's also advisable to get married in your own country before or after the wedding, as this will save you a lot of time and money on translation and certification in Spain.

Terms of marriage

To officially get married in Spain, you must obtain a marriage license (matrimonio) from the civil registry office (oficina del registro civil). The requirements for obtaining this license vary by municipality. Foreigners usually need to present a certificate of no objection (certificado de no impedimento) from their home country. You must attend in person and present all the required documents. The procedure usually takes about a week, but during peak season it may take longer.

Spanish tradition

Spanish weddings are usually formal and traditional. A Spanish wedding tradition during the ceremony is that the groom's closest friends cut his tie and sell pieces to the guests to raise money for the couple. The bride's friends do the same with her garter.

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Written by: Esmeé - Marketeer CLD (November 12, 2025)