What does it involve?

A marriage certificate is the legal process by which two people, whether of the same or different sexes, are united in marriage before a Notary Public, freely and voluntarily expressing their consent.

After being signed before the Notary Public, the marriage certificate must be registered in the Civil Registry.

The marriage application must be processed in the town where one of the parties is registered as a resident, and the Notary Public will assign the case to the appropriate notary association on a rotating basis.

On the other hand, the marriage ceremony can be performed by any notary public authorized to officiate in the location where the wedding takes place. This means that a notary public in Murcia cannot perform a marriage ceremony in Albacete.

Required Documents

• National Identity Document (DNI), passport, Foreigner's Identity Number (NIE), or current certificate of registration.

• Birth certificate issued by the Civil Registry of the place of birth within the last year.

• Certificate of registration in effect at the place of residence for the last two years (valid for three months from the date of issue); or consular certificate if residing abroad.

• Court authorization (marriage license) if required.

• Selection of at least two witnesses and presentation of their identity documents.

• In case of a previous marriage, a certificate of the previous marriage with a note of divorce or annulment, or a death certificate if widowed. For foreigners, a certificate of legal capacity to marry or single status according to the laws of their country.

In what situations can this service be used?

• When both parties are of legal age or at least 16 years old and emancipated.

• When the legal requirements for civil marriage are met according to the laws of the country.

• When both parties agree to marry and are willing to give their consent freely and voluntarily.

• When can two adult witnesses be provided who can sign the marriage certificate as eyewitnesses to the marriage?