Costa Rican Wedding, The most important legal requirements

Planning a destination wedding in Costa Rica is a dream come true for many couples. The country’s breathtaking landscapes and warm culture make it the perfect place to say “I do.” However, understanding Costa Rican wedding legal requirements can feel overwhelming.

Whether you’re planning a traditional wedding, an intimate elopement, or a same-sex union, this guide will help you navigate the legalities and ensure your marriage is recognized worldwide.

Having photographed hundreds of weddings across Costa Rica over the past 15 years, I can share insights into not only the best times to marry but also how to handle the country’s unique legal and cultural aspects.

With my studies as a professional photographer at the Universidad Técnica Nacional in Costa Rica, combined with advanced courses in documentary photography with the Documentary Photography Course with Magnum Photos and the VII Masterclass , I’ve gained a deep understanding of how to capture your perfect wedding moments in Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes.

In this guide, I’ll share my expertise to help you choose the ideal time for your Costa Rica wedding, ensuring you get the dream photos you’ve been envisioning.

Why should you care for the Costa Rican wedding legal requirements?

Ensuring your marriage is legally binding is essential, especially for couples planning a destination wedding. Whether exchanging vows on a secluded beach, in a lush rainforest, or atop a mountain, meeting the Costa Rican wedding legal requirements will give you peace of mind as you start your journey together.

Couple happy Costa Rican Wedding legal requirements

Step-by-Step Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Costa Rica.

Many couples hire a law firm or independent lawyers to handle all the paperwork. This way, you only need to provide basic information to them, and they’ll gather all the necessary documents for you.

1. Provide Valid Identification

• For Foreigners: A valid passport with at least six months of validity.

• Costa Ricans: A valid Costa Rican ID (cédula).

2. Birth Certificate

Provide an apostilled birth certificate. If it’s not in Spanish, an official translation is required.

3. Civil Status Certificate

Submit an apostilled certificate of civil status (proof of being single, divorced, or widowed) issued within one month of the wedding date. Non-Spanish documents must be officially translated.

4. Witness Information

Provide the full names and identification numbers of two witnesses. Witnesses must be over 18 and have valid identification:

• Costa Rican Nationals: Cédula de Identidad

• Foreigners: Passport, DIMEX, or diplomatic ID

5. Publication of the Wedding Edict

A wedding announcement must be published in the official newspaper, La Gaceta. The couple bears the publication cost, and the Civil Registry provides the quote.

6. Contact Information

Provide an email address and phone number to receive official notifications.

7. Witness Presence on the Wedding Day

Witnesses must attend the ceremony, present valid ID, and affirm they know the couple is legally free to marry.

8. Signatures and Oath

During the ceremony, both partners and the witnesses sign the marriage deed. Witnesses will swear to the couple’s legal eligibility to marry.

Couple meeting the costa rican wedding legal requirements

Legal Framework for Same-Sex Marriage in Costa Rica.

Since May 26, 2020, Costa Rica has legally recognized same-sex marriages, becoming the first country in Central America to do so. This landmark decision guarantees equal rights and protections for all couples, regardless of gender, including the right to adopt and share property.

Same-sex couples follow the same legal process as heterosexual couples, from gathering required documents to registering the marriage with the Costa Rican Civil Registry. Once completed, your union is legally valid and recognized internationally.

Key Points for Same-Sex Couples:

• Legal Recognition: Enjoy the same legal rights and protections as any other married couple.

• Adoption Rights: Same-sex couples can adopt children in Costa Rica.

• International Validity: Marriages are recognized worldwide, provided they meet international documentation standards.

Prohibitions and Restrictions.

In Costa Rica, you cannot marry if:

• Either partner is already married, even if separated.

• You are closely related by blood (siblings, parents, grandparents) or adoption.

• One partner was convicted of murdering the other’s spouse.

• Either partner is under 18.

Costa rican elopement wedding with lawyer

Validity of Costa Rican Marriages.

Marriages performed in Costa Rica are legally recognized worldwide. After the ceremony, the notary registers the marriage with the Costa Rican government, and an official marriage certificate is issued. This certificate can be apostilled and translated for use in your home country.

How a Wedding Planner Can Help.

Navigating Costa Rican wedding legal requirements for weddings can be complex. From document preparation to coordinating with a notary public, hiring a wedding planning services ensure every detail is handled. Whether you’re planning a same-sex wedding, a traditional ceremony, or a unique adventure elopement, they’ll make your special day seamless and stress-free.

Summary of Key Requirements

• Minimum Age: The two partners must be 18 or older.

• Civil Status: Both must be legally single, divorced, or widowed.

• Valid Passports: Full copies of passports for both partners.

• Single Status Certificates: Issued in your home country.

• Sworn Affidavit: Notarized statement confirming your civil status.

• Witnesses: Two adults with valid ID.

• Legal Capacity: The two partners must fully understand and consent to the marriage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Costa Rican Wedding Legal Requirements.

Discovering the legal aspects of getting married in Costa Rica can feel daunting, especially when you’re planning a destination wedding. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions that may help clarify the process and give you peace of mind.

1. Do I need a Costa Rican lawyer to get married in Costa Rica?

While you don’t have to hire a lawyer for the entire process, you will need a Costa Rican lawyer to help prepare your legal documents, such as the marriage deed and any necessary affidavits. The lawyer ensures that all the paperwork is in order and complies with Costa Rican law.

2. Can I get married in Costa Rica if I’ve had a previous marriage annulled?

Yes, if you have had a previous marriage annulled, you can still get married in Costa Rica. However, you will need to provide the annulment documents, which should be apostilled and translated into Spanish, just like the divorce or death certificates of previous spouses.

3. What happens if my partner and I don’t meet the Costa Rican wedding legal requirements?

If you don’t meet the legal requirements for marriage in Costa Rica, your marriage ceremony cannot proceed. It’s important to ensure you have all the necessary documents, including valid identification, birth certificates, civil status certificates, and witnesses who meet the requirements.

4. Can same-sex couples get married in Costa Rica, and is there any difference in the legal process?

Yes, same-sex couples can get married in Costa Rica. The process is the same as for opposite-sex couples. You will need to submit the same documents and meet the same Costa Rican weddings legal requirements. Costa Rica legalized same-sex marriage in 2020, and it is fully recognized by the country.

5. Is possible to get married in Costa Rica if I’m a foreigner without a Costa Rican residency?

Yes, foreigners can get married in Costa Rica even if they do not have residency. You will need to provide a valid passport, a birth certificate, and proof of single status, along with other required documents, as stated in the legal requirements.

6. How long is the waiting period between submitting my marriage request and the actual ceremony in Costa Rica?

No, there is no waiting period between submitting your marriage request and having the ceremony in Costa Rica. Once you’ve submitted all the necessary documents, the wedding can take place as soon as everything is approved.

7. How do I get my Costa Rican marriage certificate recognized in my home country?

After your marriage ceremony, the notary will register the marriage with the Costa Rican government. You will then receive an official marriage certificate, which can be apostilled and translated into your home country’s official language, making it valid for use abroad.

8. Can I marry in Costa Rica without a valid passport?

No, you cannot get married in Costa Rica without a valid passport if you are a foreigner. A passport is required for identification purposes and must be valid for at least six months from the wedding date.

9. What if one of the witnesses to my wedding is not available on the day of the ceremony?

Typically, photographers or other professionals involved in the wedding can serve as witnesses. If a witness is unavailable on the wedding day, you can arrange for another qualified person to step in, as long as they meet the legal requirements and are over 18 years old.

10. Are there any specific Costa Rican wedding legal requirements for getting married on a private property or a remote location in Costa Rica?

There are no specific Costa Rican wedding legal requirements tied to getting married in a remote or private location in Costa Rica. As long as the wedding is officiated by a notary public, judge, or Catholic priest, the location does not affect the legality of the marriage. However, you will need to ensure that the venue meets any logistical needs for the witnesses and the officiant.

11. What documents are required to get married in Costa Rica?

• Foreigners:

• Valid passport (at least six months of validity).

• An Apostilled birth certificate (official translation if not in Spanish).

• Apostilled certificate of civil status (proof of being single, divorced, or widowed, issued within one month of the wedding date, with translation if not in Spanish).

• Costa Ricans:

• Valid Costa Rican ID (cédula).

12. How do I get a marriage certificate in Costa Rica?

After the wedding, the notary registers the marriage with the Civil Registry. Once processed, an official marriage certificate is issued. This certificate can be apostilled and translated for recognition in your home country.

13. Do I need to translate my documents for a wedding in Costa Rica?

Yes, any documents not in Spanish (such as birth certificates or civil status certificates) must be officially translated.

14. What is the process for registering a marriage in Costa Rica?

• The notary public officiates the wedding and prepares the marriage deed.

• The marriage is then registered with the Civil Registry.

• After registration, you’ll receive a marriage certificate, which can be apostilled if required for international use.

15. Can foreigners legally get married in Costa Rica?

Yes, foreigners can legally marry in Costa Rica as long as they provide the necessary documents, including valid passports, birth certificates, and civil status certificates.

16. Is a Costa Rican marriage valid in my home country?

Marriages performed in Costa Rica are legally recognized worldwide. You may need to apostille and translate your Costa Rican marriage certificate to meet your home country’s requirements.

17. Do I need a lawyer or notary public to get married in Costa Rica?

Yes, only notaries, judges, and Catholic priests can legally officiate weddings in Costa Rica. A lawyer who is a licensed notary public will prepare the legal documents and officiate non-religious ceremonies.

18. Which rules apply for witnesses at a Costa Rican wedding?

You need two witnesses who:

• Are over 18 years old.

• Provide valid identification (Costa Rican cédula or a passport for foreigners).

• Must be present during the ceremony to sign the marriage deed and affirm the couple’s legal eligibility to marry.

19. What are the restrictions or prohibitions for marriage in Costa Rica?

You cannot marry in Costa Rica if:

• Either partner is already married.

• The partners are closely related (siblings, parents, grandparents, or adoptive family).

• One partner was convicted of murdering the other’s spouse.

• Either partner is under 18.

20. How long does it take to finalize the legal process of marriage in Costa Rica?

The legal process, including registering the marriage and issuing the official marriage certificate, typically takes approximately 3 weeks. Once the certificate is issued, it can be apostilled and translated if needed for use in your home country.

Other sources of information

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