How to Marry in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is well known for being a wildlife paradise, with many eco-friendly lodges and sustainable tourism projects. You may not also know that it makes a beautiful location to get married in - whether you'd like a beach wedding or an eco wedding, Costa Rica can oblige. You can marry in a lodge in the cloud forest, or on a Caribbean beach - there are plenty of fantastic wedding locations to choose from here.  

Below are the legalities for marrying in Costa Rica, to help you plan your ideal wedding abroad.

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Costa Rica Marriage Law Requirements

What are the legal requirements to get married in Costa Rica?
Legal age for marriage is 18 years for both men and women.
Bride and Groom may not be related by blood, marriage or adoption.
Two witnesses are required who are not immediately related to the bridal couple.
The bride is from Costa Rica then she must wait at least 300 days after having been divorced or widowed before remarrying, or take a pregnancy test which is negative.

 

How long do I have to be resident in Costa Rica before I can get married?
There are no residency requirements to get married in Costa Rica.

 

Getting a marriage licence
You must send the papers mentioned below to a notary/lawyer or wedding planner in Costa Rica who will take care of the legal aspects.
The marriage licence may take up to three months to arrive after the marriage.

 

What legal papers do I need to take with me?
Passports and two copies.
A sworn statement stating your date and place of birth, if you have been divorced then you must state the date, place, name of the court on your divorce papers and the full name of your ex-spouse. This will be sworn in Costa Rica.
You may wish to bring your final divorce papers as well.
Your witnesses with full passports.

 

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