How to Get Married in Costa Rica

Foreigners are permitted to get married in Costa Rica. The required legal ceremony can be performed by an attorney. You may contact the US Embassy for a list of attorneys who can assist with the ceremony.

Residency Requirements: none

Waiting Period: none, however, it will take 4-6 weeks to obtain a copy of your marriage certificate (see below).

Applications and/or Documents Required: Bring along original copies of the following (and be sure pack these in your hand luggage, never in your checked bags):

• A valid passport
  
• Certified copy of birth certificate
  
• If previously married, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree or a certified copy of death certificate if marriage ended due to death.
  

If you have not been married before, you must come to the Embassy's Consular Section and make a sworn statement that you are free to marry.

Please note that your marriage cannot be recognized in the U.S. until a marriage certificate is issued by the Costa Rican Civil Registry (Registro Civil). The issuance of the marriage certificate normally takes 4-6 weeks.

Having Your Marriage Recognized in the US: In order for the marriage to be recognized in the U.S. you must do the following:

• The Costa Rican marriage certificate must be translated into English by any official translator of the Ministry of Foreign
  
• It has to be authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Relations
  
• The certificate must be notarized and signed by the U.S. Embassy's Consular Section
  

For more information, please contact the Consular Section of the Embassy

~ by Liz Stiglets

Related Pages:

• wedding regulations in other destinations

Note: Lovetripper.com provides the above information for guidance purposes only. Couples should verify all information with the consulate from their respective countries and with the local offices before making any plans.