In this guide
Is It Legal for US Citizens to Get Married in Costa Rica 2026. Yes, absolutely. Marriages performed in Costa Rica are legally recognized worldwide, including in the United States, Canada, and throughout Europe. This is one of the most common concerns for destination wedding couples, but the process is more straightforward than most people expect.
Legal requirements for wedding in Costa Rica
Costa Rica welcomes foreign couples with relatively simple documentation. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Valid passports for both partners
- Birth certificates (original or certified copies, translated to Spanish by an official translator)
- If previously married: Divorce decree or death certificate of former spouse (also translated)
- Tourist visa: Most US citizens receive a 90-day tourist stamp upon arrival, no special visa required
One major relief: No blood tests are required, unlike in some US states. This outdated requirement doesn’t exist in Costa Rica, simplifying your timeline considerably.
Getting married in Costa Rica US citizens
The ceremony itself must be performed by a licensed Costa Rican attorney or a Catholic priest. Most wedding planners and venues have trusted attorneys they work with regularly. The attorney will handle the legal paperwork, and you’ll receive an official marriage certificate (in Spanish) that you can then translate and authenticate for use back home.
Processing time is typically 2-3 months after the ceremony for the final certificate, so plan accordingly if you need it for legal name changes.
Documents needed for marriage Costa Rica
Your wedding planner or attorney will provide a complete checklist, but having your documents translated before arrival saves valuable vacation time. Expect to spend $300-$500 on document preparation and attorney fees for the legal ceremony.
Pro-Tip for Eloping Couples: If you’re eloping and need witnesses for your legal ceremony, your Elopement photographer(me) can serve as one. It’s happened more times than you’d think, sometimes it’s just the two of you, your attorney, and me with my camera. It’s actually pretty special.
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.
