Spanish marriage certificate

A marriage certificate is an official document that certifies the act of marriage between two people, detailing information such as the date, place, and details of the spouses. This certificate is essential for a wide variety of legal and administrative procedures, such as changing civil status, processing inheritances, nationality applications, and registering children.

A marriage certificate is a document issued by the civil registry that officially certifies that two people have married. It contains essential information about the marriage, such as the full names of the contracting parties, the date and place where the wedding was celebrated, and in some cases, it mentions the matrimonial property regime (separation of assets or community property).

This certificate is indispensable for certain civil and administrative procedures, and can be requested at different times in life, for example, to manage separation or divorce, access widowers benefits, or process inheritances.

Types of marriage certificates

There are several types of marriage certificates, and the type of certificate you will need depends on its intended use. Below, we explain the most common ones:

1. Literal marriage certificate
   This is the most complete type of certificate, as it includes a full copy of all data registered in the civil registry regarding the marriage. It contains details about the spouses, the place and date of the wedding, and the matrimonial property regime. This certificate is usually required for most legal procedures.
2. Extract marriage certificate
   The extract is a summary of the most important marriage data, and can be requested in the following modalities:
   • Ordinary: In Spanish.
   • Bilingual: In Castilian Spanish and the official language of the corresponding autonomous community.
   • International or multilingual: Drafted in several languages and valid in the countries signatory to the Vienna Convention.
3. Negative marriage certificate
   This certificate confirms that there is no marriage registration under a persons name in the consulted civil registry.

What is a marriage certificate for?

A marriage certificate is required for numerous legal and administrative procedures, some of the most common are:

• Change of civil status: It is necessary to update civil status on the DNI, passport, and other official documents.
• Processing divorce or separation: It is an essential document in divorce or legal separation proceedings.
• Nationality or residency application: Spouses of Spanish citizens or residents may need the marriage certificate to process their nationality or residence permit.
• Registration of common children: To register children born within the marriage in the civil registry, the marriage certificate must be presented.
• Access to benefits or pensions: In cases of widowhood or incapacity, the spouse may need the marriage certificate to apply for benefits or pensions.
• Processing inheritances: In cases of the death of one of the spouses, this certificate is essential for managing inheritances and assets.

How to apply for a marriage certificate?

There are several ways to apply for a marriage certificate in Spain, depending on your preferences and the availability of the service in your area. Here we explain the most common options:

1) In-person application at the civil registry

Ideal if you need the document immediately for urgent procedures or if the marriage took place many years ago.

Steps to apply:

1. Go in person to the civil registry office or justice of the peace with your original DNI.
2. It is essential to provide the family book or know the exact date and place of the marriage to facilitate locating the record.
3. It is recommended to check in advance if the court requires an appointment for citizen services.

2) Online application through a private agency (recommended)

If you prefer to avoid travel, you can also apply for a marriage certificate online through the RegistroCivil.es portal, which is a private agency specialising in this procedure.

Steps to apply online:

1. Fill in the form with the requested data (Application form).
2. Choose the type of certificate (literal, extract, negative).
3. The certificate will be sent to your home address or email in digital format, depending on the chosen option.

3) Application by postal mail

If you are in another locality and do not have digital means, you can make the request by letter.

Steps to apply:

1. Send a registered letter addressed to the civil registry indicating the full names of both spouses and the date of the wedding.
2. Specify the type of certificate required and add a postal delivery address and a contact telephone number.
3. The reception period usually ranges between 10 and 15 working days.

Who can apply for a marriage certificate?

Any adult with a legitimate interest can apply for another persons marriage certificate, provided it does not include sensitive information. However, in some cases, such as when the certificate contains details about the matrimonial property regime or the existence of prenuptial agreements, it may be necessary to demonstrate a legal relationship with the spouses or a direct interest in the procedure.

Cost of a marriage certificate

A marriage certificate is free if you manage it directly with the Ministry of Justice; for this, depending on the civil registry, you will need to obtain an appointment if you wish to get it in person, or make an online application to the Ministry, which, if you have a digital certificate installed on your computer, you can also obtain immediately. If, on the other hand, for convenience and guarantees of personalised attention, you wish a management company to process the documentation on your behalf and send the certificate to your home (anywhere in the world), the cost can be between 50 and 100 euros in most cases. However, in some special procedures or urgent deliveries, additional fees may apply.

Delivery time

The delivery time for a marriage certificate varies depending on how you make the application:

• In person: Delivery is usually immediate or within 1 to 3 working days.
• Online or by post: The delivery time is usually between 5 and 15 working days. In cases where it is difficult to find the certificate, incorrect data, or very high demand, the period may be extended to several months, although this is not typical.

Frequently asked questions

1. Is it necessary to book an appointment to apply for a marriage certificate?
In many Civil Registry offices, especially in large cities, it may be necessary to book an appointment to avoid long waits. We recommend checking with the relevant registry.

2. Can I apply for the marriage certificate of a deceased person?
Yes, it is possible to apply for the marriage certificate of a deceased person. In some cases, it may be necessary to demonstrate a family or legal relationship to obtain it.

3. Can I apply for a marriage certificate if I got married abroad?
If you got married outside Spain and the marriage was registered in the civil registry or at a Spanish consulate, you can apply for the marriage certificate in Spain through the Ministry of Justice or by hiring an independent company to handle that procedure for you; in our case, we recommend RegistroCivil.es as it is a reliable platform with several years of experience in the sector.

Conclusion

The marriage certificate is an essential document for numerous procedures throughout life, from updating civil status to processing inheritances or applying for benefits. With various application methods, both in person and online, this document is easy to obtain if the correct steps are followed. Make sure you have all the necessary data and documents to avoid delays in its processing.