So, you’re dreaming of saying “I do” under a canopy of palm trees, with waves clapping like a well-behaved wedding guest. Costa Rica has officially stolen your heart—and now, it’s time to figure out how to make your love story legal in this tropical haven.
Yes, you can absolutely get married in Costa Rica as a foreigner. But before you pack your dress, suit, or that perfectly flowy outfit that makes you look like a beach goddess, let’s talk legal stuff. Not boring legal stuff—we promise. This is the “how not to ruin your beach wedding with paperwork” kind of guide.
Can Foreigners Legally Get Married in Costa Rica?
Short answer: YES! Whether you’re from the U.S., Canada, Europe, or pretty much anywhere else, Costa Rica allows foreigners to marry without being residents. No blood tests, no local address needed, and—wait for it—no waiting period. You can get married the same day you arrive, though we don’t recommend rushing straight from customs to the altar (unless that’s your vibe).
What Are the Legal Requirements to Get Married in Costa Rica?
Here’s what you’ll need to bring:
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Valid passports (Make sure they’re not expired. Please.)
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Affidavits of single status – a simple document you sign before a notary, stating you’re legally single.
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Two non-family witnesses – your photographer and planner can often play this dual role. Yes, multitasking is an art.
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Your love story – not technically a document, but it helps make the ceremony magical.
Your wedding must be performed by a licensed officiant, typically a Costa Rican lawyer. They’ll handle all the official filing with the Civil Registry (Registro Civil). After the ceremony, the marriage is legally recognized in Costa Rica—and once processed (it can take a few weeks to a couple of months), it can be registered in your home country.
Civil vs. Religious Ceremonies in Costa Rica
Civil ceremonies are the only legally recognized option in Costa Rica. Religious or symbolic ceremonies are beautiful, sure—but they don’t make you legally married unless combined with a civil process.
So if you’re dreaming of a barefoot beach blessing with a shaman, do it! Just make sure a lawyer officiates it too. Sacred + legal = the dream team.
Same-Sex Marriage Is Legal
Costa Rica became the first Central American country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2020. So yes, love wins here—rainbow flags, jungle parrots, and all.
Symbolic Ceremonies: A Popular Hack
Don’t want to deal with any of the paperwork? Many couples get legally married in their home country and have a symbolic ceremony in Costa Rica. It looks and feels exactly like a real wedding (because it is), but you skip the legal maze abroad.
How to Register Your Marriage Back Home
Once your Costa Rican wedding is complete, your officiant submits the paperwork. You’ll get a Spanish-language marriage certificate, which must be:
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Apostilled by Costa Rica’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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Translated into your language (by a certified translator)
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Submitted to your home country’s registry
Some planners and officiants handle this entire process for you—bless them.
Top Mistakes Couples Make (and How to Avoid Them)
Mistake #1: Forgetting to bring affidavits of single status
Solution: Double-check with your planner or lawyer 2–3 weeks ahead.
Mistake #2: Names on documents don’t match
Solution: Use your exact legal names on all documents.
Mistake #3: Waiting too long for paperwork
Solution: Start the process at least 8 weeks before your wedding.
Mistake #4: Not hiring a local expert
Solution: Don’t wing it—let a pro handle the legal maze so you can enjoy mango margaritas stress-free.
Popular Legal Wedding Locations in Costa Rica
Whether you’re into crashing waves or mountain mist, these legal-wedding-friendly spots are stunners:
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Guanacaste – dry-season sunshine and luxury resorts like Four Seasons Costa Rica
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Jaco – vibrant beach town, epic sunsets, and cliffside venues like Villa Caletas
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Manuel Antonio – where jungle and ocean collide; consider the eco-luxury Arenas del Mar resort
These destinations have experienced wedding planners, English-speaking officiants, and breathtaking backdrops that basically do half your wedding decor work for you.
Bonus: Timeline for Legal Weddings in Costa Rica
Here’s a cheat sheet:
| When? |
What to Do |
| 3+ Months Before |
Choose date + venue, hire planner/officiant |
| 2 Months Before |
Begin paperwork prep (passports, affidavits) |
| 1 Month Before |
Finalize guest list + travel plans |
| 1 Week Before |
Arrive in Costa Rica, meet your team |
| Wedding Day |
Say “I do” in paradise 💍 |
| 4–12 Weeks After |
Receive legal marriage certificate |
Frequently Asked (and Adorably Anxious) Questions
Can I legally marry and honeymoon in one trip?
Yes! Plan for 7–10 days in Costa Rica, and you’re golden.
Will my marriage be valid in the U.S./Canada/U.K./EU?
Absolutely—just follow the apostille + translation process.
Do I need a visa to get married?
Nope. Just a valid tourist entry.
Let’s Make It Official (The Fun Way)
As a destination wedding photographer with years of experience in Costa Rica, I don’t just show up with a camera—I show up with insight, calm energy, and jungle-proof shoes. I’ve captured barefoot ceremonies on Jaco’s cliffs, vows whispered under waterfalls in Manuel Antonio, and laughter-filled elopements in Guanacaste.
If you’re ready to get legally hitched in the heart of paradise—or you just want to capture your symbolic “we’re already married but want tropical photos anyway” love—I’m your person.
👉 Dive into my world of love stories and tropical light on my wedding blog
💍 Curious about photo packages? Check out investment options made for destination dreamers
📩 Let’s talk magic and logistics: reach me via contact form
Whether you’re bringing a wedding dress, a beach hat, or just each other—I’ll be there to turn your happiest moments into lifelong memories. See you in Costa Rica! 🌴📸
