Legal Requirements for US Citizens to Marry in Costa Rica
In 3 easy steps!
While dealing with legal requirements in a foreign country can sound complicated or even overwhelming, it is actually fairly simple to get married in Costa Rica. There are a few things to prepare and do ahead of time, but the process is manageable and painless. In fact, it can be broken down into just 3 basic steps!
CHECK LIST:
1. Contact lawyer
Provide basic info
Scanned copies of passport
Provide copies of divorce decrees or death certificates
2. Civil wedding
Decide when to have the civil wedding
Sign in the presence of two witnesses
Wait for marriage certificate in the mail
3. Register marriage
Contact your city clerk’s office/local municipality
STEP 1: Contact a Local Lawyer
What you will need:
Your basic info
Scanned copies of passport
Certified copy of divorce decrees or death certificates
The only religious officiant that can legally conduct weddings in Costa Rica is a Catholic Priest. However, to do this you must be Catholic and are usually required to participate in premarital classes. With that said, your wedding planner or venue will most likely arrange a local lawyer for you who has experience in destination weddings.
A few weeks before your wedding you will need to get in touch with the lawyer to provide some basic information such as your birth date, address, occupation, and parents’ names. You will also need to scan over copies of your passports. If you have been divorced or widowed you may have to provide a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate.
STEP 2: Civil Wedding
What you will need:
Two witnesses unrelated to you
Witnesses’ & Couple’s passports
Before the ceremony you will need to decide and communicate with the lawyer when you are going to have the civil wedding which includes the couple and the witnesses signing a document. Keep in mind that there are also some formalities to be completed such as reading through the Costa Rican civil code of marriage which can take some time. The whole process can take about 15-35 minutes so you might want to consider doing it the day before the ceremony or having something to keep guests entertained while they wait. Sign & voilà! You are now legally married and can enjoy the rest of your stay.
From this point, the lawyer will then take care of the legal process to register your marriage with the Costa Rican Civil Registry. Your marriage certificate will be notarized, apostilled, translated, and mailed to you which can take anywhere from 4-12 weeks.
STEP 3. Register Your Marriage
What you will need:
Costa Rican marriage certificate
Once you have received your marriage certificate in the mail, you can now register your marriage in the United States. This process varies from State to State so you will have to contact your city clerk’s office/local municipality. They will let you know the process that needs to be followed although again it should be fairly simple because Costa Rican marriages are internationally recognized.
Didn’t find the information you were looking for? Keep scrolling for a little Q&A.
Q: Do I need a marriage license from my State?
A: No, you do not need a marriage license to marry in Costa Rica.
Q: Can I legally elope in Costa Rica?
A: Yes! However, the lawyer will still need a little bit of time to prepare the marriage paperwork once you have provided your basic information.
Q: What if we are eloping and don’t have two witnesses coming with us?
A: No problem. Anyone of age can stand as a witness. Meaning, you can let your hotel know and they can provide two witnesses or you can just grab the first two people you see! As long as they are have their passport or cédula (Costa Rican ID) you are good to go.
Q: How do I change my name?
A: The process for changing your name is the same as when you marry in the US.