Getting Married In The Costa Blanca | Buying Property In Spain
Getting married in the beautiful Costa Blanca is becoming more common. You may already live in Spain or plan to buy property in Spain as your first marital home. Whatever your circumstances, this will be an exciting time for everyone involved, but it can also be stressful, so do research what is involved when you choose to marry in Spain.
Already living in Spain
You have already been through the process of buying a villa in the Costa Blanca and either visit regularly or live here full time so that’s one adventure already under your belt! Having met your soul mate and what could be more a beautiful setting for a wedding than the gorgeous Costa Blanca with sparkling sea and magnificent mountains? Do make sure that you are fully aware of all the legalities involved in getting married in Spain and ensure that you start planning early so that nothing can spoil your day.
Buying a Property in Spain
Doing both things at once might be daunting but, while you’re in the process of buying a villa in Spain and planning your wedding the Costa Blanca you will at least already be in contact with a local Lawyer who you trust to guide you through both processes. With professional guidance your dreams do not need to become nightmares and you can start to enjoy your new life in Spain with your partner.
Legalities of getting Married in Spain
Initially you must obtain a certificado de matrimonio (marriage certificate) from the Spanish consulate in your home country and arrange for the ceremony to be officiated by a registered celebrant – this can be either a judge, mayor or a religious official. Also, if you are not a Spanish citizen or resident you may need to apply for a visa to get married in the Costa Blanca.
Logistics
Once all the legal process are in place you will want to start planning the wedding itself and find a venue, book the food bar, music, cake, flowers and photographers, find outfits and send out the invitations. If you are buying property in Spain or already own a house in the Costa Blanca you might like to hold the wedding in your home. This way everyone can enjoy the beauty of your villa and its grounds. However, you may also need to advise guests who do not live in Spain about local hotels, bed and breakfasts, transport etc in plenty of time for them to plan their trip. You will need to invite the caterers and other providers in well in advance so that they can establish their work areas etc.
Fun Stuff
Once you have chosen the venue and source providers for catering, flowers and music, choosing your outfit can be an enjoyable experience, especially if you can take some friends along to make an occasion of this moment. You will also want to plan your honeymoon but, if you are buying your villa in the Costa Blanca perhaps you will just want to relax and enjoy your new home in the sun.
Tips for planning
Start your planning early, particularly if you are getting married in the summer months when venues, caterers etc will get booked up early. Try to remail relaxed and be prepared for the bureaucracy that can occur getting all the necessary paperwork together, this does involve a bit more in Spain than in some other countries. Wedding planners help betrothed couples, allowing them to relax and enjoy their experience. Learn some Spanish to help with communication with providers. Enjoy some Spanish traditions and incorporate them into your special day.
Enjoy your day
If you are fully prepared you will have a glorious day that will be memorable and enjoyable. Recently one of Jalon team at Hamiltons of London got married and has been kind enough to provide us with some insights from their experience which all have said went extremely well:-
Many people will get married using the registry office, Spanish partners will not need any paperwork the registry will sort that out for them but, those who are resident but, not Spanish will need to provide a non-impediment certificate or certificate of marital status and for UK Citizens information can be found here - https://www.gov.uk/marriage-abroad/y/spain/ceremony_country/opposite_sex
You will then need to make an appointment at the registry office and take two witnesses with you, here they will ask some questions and take all the paperwork to open a “marriage file”. You can then choose a day when you want to go to sign the registry. In this case our colleague went in to sig the day before their wedding so that they would have the certificate ready for their Saturday wedding when the registry office would have been closed. It is possible to arrange for some one from the town hall to marry you at a venue of your choice if they have somebody available and the cost is about 200 euros.
The Wedding Itself
Spanish weddings are different from other countries, they don’t usually give gifts but, money – guests might for example pay for their own meal and top up with a little extra which is put in an envelope and given to the couple (or is now frequently done by bank transfer a few days prior to the wedding). Traditionally there isn’t a maid or honour, bridesmaid or best man, you may still wish to incorporate these special guests into your occasion but, Spanish friends and relatives may find it a little strange. It is more usual in Spain to have a Madrina and Padrino who are the people who walk the bride and groom down the aisle. These rolls used to be fulfilled by the Mother of the Groom and the Father of the Bride but, sometimes these duties are performed by siblings or uncles and aunts and friends if you don’t have many family members. Traditionally the couple will also buy gifts for those closest to them, family and friends, and these are given out between courses of the meal. You may want to use elements of both traditions from your home country and Spain to make your day unique and special.
Religious Weddings
To marry in a Spanish Catholic church ceremony, you do both need to be Catholic and you will not be required to have a civil ceremony as well. You will need to present baptismal certificates, the letter that you are free to marry and attend pre-martial counceling. The local diocese will handle the paperwork and connect you with the local priest. If you buy a villa in the Costa Blanca do start to attend your local mass and get to know your priest so that he can help you with the process. Only Catholic ceremonies are legally binding in Spain, all other denominations and religions will need to have a civil ceremony followed by a blessing.
Same Sex Weddings
Are you and your partner are buying a house in the Costa Blanca but, concerned that you may not be able to be married here? You don’t need to be worried same-sex marriages became legal in the Spain in 2005 and you are, therefore, able to proceed with a civil ceremony in the Costa Blanca. There are now several wedding planners in the Costa Blanca who specialise in same-sex weddings and the LGBTQ+ community in this area means that there are many friendly venues and provider to ensure that you have the perfect day.
Conclusion
Buying property in Spain and getting married do require planning, paperwork and patience but, this is something that is integral to both commitments in all countries. Although things may be a little different there is nothing insurmountable so go ahead and start planning for your perfect future in the Costa Blanca.
