In this guide
Can You Get Married in Costa Rica Without Being a Resident 2026. Yes, absolutely. You do not need to be a resident of Costa Rica to get legally married here. As long as you have a valid passport and the required documentation, you can marry in Costa Rica as a tourist, and your marriage will be recognized internationally.
Residency requirements for marriage costa rica
There are no residency requirements for foreigners getting married in Costa Rica. You don’t need to live here, own property here, or have any long-term visa. The 90-day tourist stamp you receive when you fly in is all you need to legally marry during your stay.
This is one of the reasons Costa Rica has become such a popular destination wedding location, the process is accessible, straightforward, and welcoming to international couples.
Foreigner marriage laws costa rica
Costa Rican law treats all marriages equally, whether performed for residents or visitors. The requirements are the same:
- Valid passports for both partners
- Proper documentation (birth certificates, divorce decrees if applicable, all translated to Spanish)
- A licensed Costa Rican attorney or Catholic priest to perform the legal ceremony
Once your marriage is registered with the Civil Registry (Registro Civil), you’ll receive an official marriage certificate that’s valid worldwide. Most couples receive this document 2–3 months after the ceremony.
Pro-Tip from Your Photographer in Costa Rica: One of the beautiful things about destination weddings is that you’re starting fresh in a place that’s meaningful to both of you, not tied to anyone’s hometown or family expectations. I’ve photographed couples from all over the world who chose Costa Rica specifically because it leveled the playing field. No one has “home-field advantage,” and that often makes the celebration feel more authentic and focused on just the two of you. Plus, the photos of you exploring a new place together? They tell a better story than any church parking lot ever could.
The full picture is in my guide to the legal requirements for getting married in Costa Rica, which covers the documents, the witnesses and how the marriage is recognized back home.
