Couple getting married in Costa Rica after satifying legal requirements

How Can We Get Married in Costa Rica?

Costa Rican marriages are recognized all over the world. The legal process is relatively straightforward. 

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Copies of the front pages of your passports and the passports of your witnesses.
  • Two witnesses who can be anyone but your parents.  We can provide witnesses for you.
  • A document asking the following (sent to you by your lawyer):
    • Full Name
    • Profession
    • Current Address
    • Passport Number & Nationality
    • Marital Status (if divorced, the date, city, state, name of the court that decreed the divorce and the full name of the ex-spouse.)
    • Date and Place of Birth
    • Name of Parents and their Citizenship.
    • Mailing Address
    • E-mail address
What Happens Next?
  • On the wedding day you will sign a sworn statement attesting to your marital status and a marriage document. 
  • The notarized documents are submitted to the Civil Registry.
  • Registration normally takes 1 week.
  • Documents are officially translated into English and authenticated by your consulate.
  • The documents are sent to you by certified mail.
Did you know?
  • You could get married on the day you arrive. 
  • Costa Rican women do not change their name when they marry.
  • Your names will appear on the legal certificate issued by the government as written on your passport.