Legal Requirements for Americans to Get Married in Barcelona in 2025
- Agape Weddings
- 22 hours ago
- 3 min read
Planning a destination wedding in Barcelona sounds like a dream come true. But before the cava is poured and the vows are exchanged, American couples must first navigate the legal requirements to get married in Spain. In this guide, we break down the exact steps, documents, and options you need to consider when organizing a legal or symbolic wedding in Barcelona in 2025.
Can Americans Legally Get Married in Spain?
The short answer: yes, but with conditions.
Spain allows foreigners to marry in its territory, but the process can be bureaucratic—especially for non-residents. As an American citizen, you can choose between two main options:
Civil Marriage (Legally Binding): Requires fulfilling Spain’s legal conditions.
Symbolic Ceremony (Legally Non-binding): Most popular choice for destination weddings.
Let’s explore both.
Option 1: Civil Marriage in Barcelona
To have a legally recognized marriage in Spain, at least one partner must be a legal resident of Spain for a minimum of 2 years, or be registered (empadronado) in a Spanish municipality for the required period.
✍️ Required Documents for Civil Marriage:
Valid passport
Original birth certificate, apostilled and translated into Spanish
Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) or “Single Status Affidavit” (issued by a U.S. notary and legalized for use in Spain)
Proof of residency (empadronamiento) in Spain
Divorce or death certificates if previously married
All foreign documents must be:
Apostilled (via the Secretary of State office in the U.S.)
Officially translated into Spanish by a sworn translator (traductor jurado)
⏱️ Processing time: Can take 3-6 months, depending on the municipality and backlog.
💡 Important: Each city hall (ayuntamiento) may have slightly different interpretations of the law. Always confirm the specific requirements of the Barcelona Civil Registry or the town hall where you intend to marry.
Option 2: Symbolic Ceremony (Most Popular)
Because of the residency requirement, most American couples opt for a symbolic ceremony in Barcelona.
Benefits:
No legal residency required
No bureaucratic delays
Freedom to choose any venue: beach, villa, vineyard, or Gothic church ruins
Ceremony can be fully personalized
Many couples choose to legally marry in the U.S. first, then celebrate with a symbolic wedding in Spain.
From a guest’s perspective, it looks and feels exactly like a legal ceremony—with vows, rings, and even an officiant.
Step-by-Step: How to Plan Your Wedding in Barcelona
Whether you're opting for a legal or symbolic wedding, here’s a basic timeline:
🗓️ 6–12 Months Before:
Decide on ceremony type (civil or symbolic)
Hire a wedding planner familiar with international weddings
Choose your venue
Start gathering required documents (if legal marriage)
🗓️ 3–6 Months Before:
Book key vendors: photographer, officiant, florist, etc.
Translate and apostille all required paperwork
Confirm appointment with local registry if applicable
🗓️ 1 Month Before:
Finalize guest list and travel logistics
Prepare ceremony script and vows
Enjoy a legal ceremony at home if doing symbolic ceremony abroad
How Agape Weddings Can Help with Legal Requirements for Americans to Get Married in Barcelona
Navigating foreign marriage laws can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone.
At Agape Weddings, we:
Advise on the best ceremony option for your situation
Help gather and translate all legal documents
Offer personalized symbolic ceremonies in Barcelona’s most stunning venues
Handle vendor bookings, guest logistics, and day-of coordination
Final Thoughts
While a legal wedding in Barcelona is possible for Americans, it requires planning, paperwork, and patience. For many couples, a symbolic ceremony offers the best blend of beauty, freedom, and stress-free celebration.
Whatever you choose, Barcelona promises an unforgettable setting for the beginning of your love story.