How to Get Married in Spain as a British Citizen

Getting married in Spain as a British citizen is absolutely possible — and it’s one of the most romantic choices you can make. However, Spain has a bureaucratic and very specific legal process, especially for non-Spanish nationals.In this guide, you’ll find clear, honest and practical information, so you can decide whether to go for a legal wedding, a symbolic ceremony, or a hybrid solution.

How to Get Married in Spain as a British Citizen

Can British Citizens Legally Get Married in Spain?

Yes — British citizens can legally marry in Spain, but only under certain conditions.

Spain allows foreign nationals to marry if:

• At least one partner is legally resident in Spain, or

• The couple is willing to go through a lengthy civil process involving Spanish courts and registries

For most UK couples, this makes the legal route complex and slow, which is why many opt for a symbolic wedding in Spain and complete the legal marriage in the UK.

Legal Marriage in Spain: What You Need to Know

1. Residency Requirement (Key Point)

To marry legally in Spain, at least one of you must be a legal resident (registered empadronado) in the municipality where you apply.

Without residency:

• Approval is discretionary

• Processing time can take 6–12 months (or more)

• Some regions simply refuse applications

2. Required Documents for British Citizens

You will typically need:

• Valid passports

• Full birth certificates (long version)

• Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) from the UK

• Proof of nationality

• Proof of marital status (single/divorced/widowed)

• Decree absolute (if divorced)

• Death certificate (if widowed)

• All documents:

  • Apostilled

  • Officially translated into Spanish

  • Issued within strict time limits

Post-Brexit note: UK documents now require extra legalisation, making the process more demanding than in the past.

3. Civil Wedding Ceremony

Legal weddings for foreigners in Spain are:

• Civil only (religious ceremonies have additional restrictions)

• Conducted in Spanish

• Held at:

  • A civil registry

  • A town hall

  • Occasionally an approved venue

Why Most British Couples Choose a Symbolic Wedding in Spain

Because of the bureaucracy, over 80% of British couples getting married in Spain choose a symbolic ceremony.

What Is a Symbolic Wedding?

• A full wedding experience (vows, music, guests, celebration)

• No legal paperwork in Spain

• You handle the legal marriage separately in the UK (before or after)

Advantages

• No residency requirement

• No Spanish legal delays

• Freedom of location (beach, villa, vineyard, historic estate)

• Ceremony in English

• Fully personalised vows

💡 This is the most stress-free and popular option for destination weddings in Spain.

Alternative: Legal Marriage in the UK + Wedding Ceremony in Spain

A very common solution:

1. Legally marry in the UK (simple registry ceremony)

2. Celebrate with a destination wedding in Spain

Your Spanish wedding then becomes:

• Symbolic

• Emotionally meaningful

• Visually and experientially unforgettable

Where Can British Citizens Get Married in Spain?

Spain offers extraordinary settings:

• Coastal venues (Costa Brava, Mallorca, Ibiza)

• Countryside estates (masías, vineyards, olive groves)

• Historic castles and monasteries

Each region applies slightly different administrative rules, which is another reason expert local guidance is essential.

Do You Need a Wedding Planner?

Short answer: yes — especially as a foreign couple.

A specialist planner:

• Avoids legal dead ends

• Advises on the best structure (legal vs symbolic)

• Manages local suppliers and venues

• Translates culture, timing and expectations

At Agape Weddings, we specialise in British destination weddings in Spain, guiding couples honestly toward the best and safest option for their situation.

Quick Summary: Best Options for British Citizens

Option	Complexity	Recommendation
Legal wedding in Spain (no residency)	Very high	❌ Not advised
Legal wedding in Spain (with residency)	High	⚠️ Case-by-case
Symbolic wedding in Spain	Low	✅ Best option
Legal UK wedding + Spain celebration	Low	✅ Most popular

Final Advice (Honest & Practical)

If your dream is getting married in Spain without stress, the symbolic route is usually the smartest choice.It gives you:

• Legal certainty

• Emotional freedom

• A truly beautiful celebration

If you want personalised guidance based on your nationality, timeline and venue, a specialist planner can save you months of frustration and ensure your wedding is exactly what it should be: joyful, meaningful and effortless.