So, you’re dreaming of a romantic wedding in Chile—maybe exchanging vows under the snow-capped Andes, celebrating with a toast in a sun-drenched vineyard, or saying sí, acepto on a wild Patagonian cliffside. But before you book that flight and pick out your best empanada-fueled dance moves, there’s one crucial question to answer:
Will your Chilean marriage be recognized internationally?
Short answer: Yes! But (and there’s always a but), the process depends on your home country and a little bit of paperwork magic.
Let’s break it all down—without the legal mumbo jumbo but with a touch of adventure.
Is a Chilean Marriage Legal Worldwide?
If you get legally married in Chile, your marriage is valid internationally—but it must be properly registered and legalized.
Types of Weddings in Chile
💍 Civil Marriage – The only one that matters legally. You’ll need an official ceremony through the Chilean Civil Registry (www.registrocivil.cl).
⛪ Religious Ceremony – Beautiful and meaningful, but not legally binding unless combined with a civil marriage.
How to Get Married in Chile as a Foreigner
If you’re not a Chilean citizen, no worries! Here’s what you need:
📜 Required Documents:
- Valid passport
- Birth certificate
- Affidavit of Single Status (proving you’re not already married—Chile is romantic, but not that romantic)
- Application at the Chilean Civil Registry
- Two witnesses (bonus points if they can salsa)
📆 The Process:
- Submit your documents to the Civil Registry
- Schedule a marriage appointment
- Say Sí, acepto!
- Receive your Chilean marriage certificate (this is the document for international recognition)
How to Make Sure Your Chilean Marriage is Recognized Abroad
Once you’ve tied the knot, the next step is making it official in your home country.
1. Apostille Your Marriage Certificate
Chile is part of the Hague Apostille Convention, meaning you can get an official Apostille Stamp at the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs (www.minrel.gob.cl)—this makes your certificate valid in most countries.
2. Register Your Marriage in Your Home Country
Each country has different rules:
🇺🇸 USA: No registration required, but check with your state for name change processes.
🇬🇧 UK: Recognized automatically, but you may need to notify the General Register Office.
🇨🇦 Canada: Some provinces require additional steps—check with your local registry.
🇪🇺 EU Countries: It varies! Some require official registration at local offices.
💡 Pro Tip: If your country is not in the Apostille Convention, you may need extra legalization at the Chilean embassy.
Can You Change Your Last Name?
If you plan to take your partner’s last name, get ready for extra paperwork. Chilean law doesn’t require (or even encourage) name changes after marriage. So if your country allows it, be prepared to prove your marriage with an apostilled certificate.
Why Choose Chile for Your Wedding?
Okay, now that we’ve handled the legal side, let’s talk about why Chile is an amazing place to get married.
🌄 Incredible Scenery – Beach, desert, mountains, vineyards—Chile has it all.
🍷 World-Class Wine – Your wedding toast just got way better.
💃 Vibrant Culture – Get ready for incredible food, passionate music, and spontaneous cueca dancing.
🏡 Stunning Venues – From boutique hotels to wild national parks, the options are endless.
💍 Top Wedding Venues in Chile:
FAQ: Quick Answers for the Curious Couple
❓ Can foreigners get legally married in Chile?
✅ Yes! You just need the right documents and a civil ceremony.
❓ Do we need a residency permit?
✅ Nope! Tourists can get legally married in Chile.
❓ How do we legalize our marriage back home?
✅ Get your marriage certificate apostilled and check with your country’s registry office.
❓ Will our marriage be recognized in the USA/UK/Canada?
✅ In most cases, yes! But you may need to notify local authorities.
Final Thoughts: Love Knows No Borders (But Paperwork Does)
Yes, your Chilean marriage will be recognized internationally—but to make sure it’s seamless, follow these steps. And if you need someone to capture your epic destination wedding in all its breathtaking, emotional, and candid glory—I’ve got you covered.
✨ See my wedding photography portfolio
📷 Explore my photography packages
💌 Let’s talk about your dream wedding photos!
Because no matter where you say I do, your love story deserves to be told beautifully. 💕
