Can we be married in Costa Rica?
Good to Know
Getting married in Costa Rica is a straightforward process, simplified with the assistance of a Wedding Coordinator. The procedure requires no blood tests or minimum stay, focusing instead on essential personal documentation from the bride, groom, and two witnesses. After the ceremony, signed marriage documents and sworn statements are submitted to the Civil Registry, with the official Marriage Certificate typically processed and mailed within three months.
Yes, you can be married in Costa Rica. With the assistance of a Wedding Coordinator, it is an easy and straight forward process which does not involve blood tests or minimum stay requirements.
The bride and groom will be required to provide the following information
1. Full names
2. Passport number and nationality. Make sure that each passport is signed by the bearer. (You will need to scan and send copies before the ceremony)
3. Current physical address
4. Profession/Occupation
5. Marital Status. If divorced, please provide the court documents that decreed the divorce and the full name of ex-spouse.
6. Date and place of birth of bride and groom
7. Phone number and e-mail addresses for bride and groom
8. Full name of Father and Mother and current citizenship
9. Mailing address. This is the address where final documentation will be sent. (Must be a street address, NO PO boxes)
10. Two witnesses. Costa Rica Law requires two witnesses be present for the marriage. Any friends or family can be witnesses. They will just need to provide the information from items #1-5 on this list. In the case of an elopement, we can make those arrangements for you.
All of your information will be included into a sworn statement that the bride, groom and witnesses will need to sign on the wedding day.
A marriage that occurs in Costa Rica will become valid once both the marriage document and sworn statements are signed. After the ceremony, the paperwork will be submitted to the Civil Registry of Costa Rica. The processing of the documents (including translation and authentication) by the consulate of your country may vary, but normally takes about three months. Once complete, the Marriage Certificate and instructions will be sent to your mailing address provided.
Frequently Asked Questions Index Page
Similar Topics
Can we be married in Costa Rica?
Can we renew our vows in Costa Rica?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to get married in Costa Rica?
Yes, you can be married in Costa Rica. The process is easy and straightforward, especially with the assistance of a Wedding Coordinator, and does not involve blood tests or minimum stay requirements.
What information is required from the bride and groom for a Costa Rica wedding?
The bride and groom must provide full names, passport numbers and nationality, current physical address, profession, marital status (including divorce documents if applicable), date and place of birth, phone number, email addresses, full names and citizenship of parents, and a mailing address for final documentation.
Who can serve as witnesses for a marriage in Costa Rica?
Costa Rican law requires two witnesses to be present for the marriage. These can be friends or family, who will need to provide their full names, passport number and nationality, current physical address, profession, and marital status. Arrangements can be made for witnesses in the case of an elopement.
How long does it take to receive the official marriage certificate after the ceremony?
After the ceremony, the paperwork is submitted to the Civil Registry of Costa Rica. The processing of documents, including translation and authentication by your country's consulate, normally takes about three months before the Marriage Certificate and instructions are sent to your provided mailing address.