Getting married in the church in Galicia as foreigners: What You Need to Know

Understanding the basics

First off, let’s get one thing straight: if you’re thinking about a Catholic wedding in Spain, you don’t have to worry about dealing with the civil courts. The Catholic Church recognizes marriages legally, so you can skip the whole civil marriage hassle. Just focus on getting everything sorted with the church!

Essential Documents You’ll Need:

Here’s a quick rundown of the documents you’ll need to gather before you can walk down the aisle:

• Valid ID: Bring a copy and the original of your DNI/NIE or passport if you’re a foreigner without residency.
• Birth Certificates: Both partners will need original and up-to-date certificates (usually valid for six months).
• Pre-Marriage Course Certificate: More on that later!
• Certificate of Singleness/Proof of Status: This document proves you’re free to marry.
• Baptism Certificates: You’ll both need these.
• Empadronamiento Certificate: A record of your residence for the past two years.
• Specific Cases: Tailoring Your Approach

Now, let’s break it down further, depending on your situation:

Case 1: One Partner is Spanish or EU Citizen, the Other is Foreign

If one of you is Spanish or from the EU, you’ll still need the same documentation mentioned above, but here are a few tweaks:

If you’re from a Spanish-speaking country, all your documents need to be legalized and stamped with the Hague Apostille.

If your documents are in another language, they’ll need to be translated by a sworn translator. Don’t worry, this is usually quick and not too pricey.

For foreign couples without residency in Spain, you can still have a Catholic wedding with legal validity. Just process your marriage paperwork in your home country six months before the wedding, then send it to the relevant church in Spain.

Case 2: Already Married Civilly

If you’ve tied the knot civilly before, don’t sweat it! You’ll still need to open a marriage file, but you won’t need the certificate of singleness. If married in Spain, bring your family book along with the other documents. If married abroad, consider getting your marriage validated in Spain for a Spanish family book. Just remember: documents not in Spanish need translation and apostille.

Case 3: One or Both are Divorced or Widowed

If either of you has been previously married, here’s what you need:

• Request a marriage certificate from your previous marriage showing the divorce annotation.
• Bring a copy of the divorce decree to confirm everything’s in order.
• If one of you is widowed, include the previous marriage certificate and the death certificate of the former spouse.

Case 4: One Partner is Not Catholic

If your partner isn’t Catholic, they can still marry you in the church! You’ll need to request a dispensation for disparity of cult, which can take around two months. Alternatively, your non-Catholic partner can take a crash course to get baptized before the wedding.

Where to Start the Process

So, where do you go to get all these documents? Here’s a quick guide:

• Baptism Certificate: Ask your parents where you were baptized, as you’ll need to request it from that specific parish.
• Pre-Marriage Course: These courses vary, but they’re usually just a few hours long. Check the website of the Family Pastoral for schedules in your area.
• Birth Certificates: If you were born in Spain, you can request them online. If born abroad, go to the Central Civil Registry in Madrid.

Once you have everything, take it all to your parish to kick off the marriage process. If either of you is divorced, widowed, or of a different faith, you’ll need to start the paperwork at the Archdiocese instead of the parish.

Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Spain

Let’s talk legalities for a moment. To marry in Spain, both partners must meet certain requirements:

Legal Age: You need to be at least 18 years old, or 16 with parental consent.

Single Status: You can’t be currently married unless you provide proof of divorce or death of your spouse.

No Close Kinship: You can’t marry close relatives up to the third degree.

Free Consent: Both partners must agree to the marriage willingly.

Celebrating Your Wedding in Galicia

Once your paperwork is approved, you can choose how to celebrate your big day. You can opt for a civil ceremony at the Civil Registry, or if you’re set on a religious ceremony, just remember that it needs to be registered to have legal effects.

If you decide on a religious ceremony, you’ll have to present:

• Baptism certificates for both of you
• Proof that you’ve completed the pre-marriage course
• The civil documents mentioned earlier

Getting Married in A Coruña and Galicia

So, you’ve made it this far! Now that you know all the steps, let’s dive into what makes getting married in A Coruña and Galicia so special. This region offers stunning landscapes, breathtaking coastlines, and rich cultural heritage, making it the perfect spot for a romantic wedding.

When you decide to get married here, you’re not just choosing a venue; you’re choosing a backdrop of castles, vineyards, and charming villages. Plus, with the delicious Galician cuisine and local wines, your wedding feast is bound to be a hit!

Why You Need a Great Photographer for Your Wedding

Now, let’s talk about capturing those beautiful moments. As a wedding photographer based in A Coruña and Galicia, I know how important it is to have someone who can tell your love story through images. A wedding is one of the most memorable days of your life, and having a professional photographer to document it can make all the difference.

Your wedding photos will be your cherished memories for years to come. It’s not just about the ceremony; it’s about the emotions, the details, and the special moments that unfold throughout the day. I specialize in capturing authentic emotions, candid moments, and the unique essence of each couple I work with. I understand that every love story is different, and I take the time to get to know you and your vision for your wedding day.

So, if you’re planning a destination wedding in Galicia, consider investing in a photographer who understands the local scenery and can create stunning images that reflect your love story. Let’s chat about how we can make your wedding day unforgettable!

Wrapping Up

Getting married in Galicia as a foreigner might seem a bit daunting at first, but with the right information and a good photographer, it can be a smooth and beautiful experience. Embrace the adventure of planning your wedding, and remember to enjoy every moment of your special day. Here’s to love, laughter, and happily ever after in stunning Galicia!