Imagine this: You’re standing on a sun-drenched vineyard, the Andes Mountains painting the horizon behind you, a gentle breeze carrying the scent of fresh grapes. Your partner’s eyes lock with yours, and in that moment, you know—you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.
Sounds dreamy, right? Well, if you’re considering getting married in Chile as a foreigner, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure. But before you get lost in the romance, let’s talk about something equally important—legalizing your marriage. Don’t worry, I promise to make it as painless as possible (and throw in some secret wedding tips along the way).
Can Foreigners Get Married in Chile?
Short answer? Absolutely! Chile is open to both foreign couples and mixed-nationality couples. Whether you both hail from faraway lands or one of you is Chilean, you can legally tie the knot here.
But—and there’s always a “but” when it comes to paperwork—you’ll need to follow some formalities to make it all official. Let’s break it down.
Marriage Requirements for Foreigners in Chile
1. Valid Passports or IDs
If you’re not a Chilean citizen, you’ll need a passport. If you’re from a country that uses national identity cards (like some European countries), those might work, too.
2. Birth Certificates
Your birth certificate must be translated into Spanish and apostilled or authenticated by the Chilean consulate in your home country. Bureaucracy, gotta love it!
3. Proof of Marital Status
Chile wants to make sure you’re single (because bigamy is so last century). You’ll need a certificate of no impediment to marriage, which proves you’re not married elsewhere. Again, this document must be apostilled or legalized.
4. Two Witnesses
Find two people over 18 years old who aren’t blood relatives. They don’t have to be Chilean, but they do need to be physically present at the ceremony.
5. Residency Requirements? Not Really!
You don’t have to be a resident to marry in Chile. You can even get married as a tourist! However, some civil registry offices require you to be in Chile for a certain period before the ceremony—so always check in advance.
Civil vs. Religious Weddings in Chile
Civil Wedding (The Legal One)
Chile only recognizes civil marriages as legally binding. Here’s what you need to know:
✔ Conducted at the Civil Registry Office (Registro Civil).
✔ You’ll need to book an appointment in advance.
✔ Once married, you’ll receive an official marriage certificate (Acta de Matrimonio).
Religious Wedding (The Romantic One)
If you dream of a church wedding, great! Just know that it won’t be legally binding on its own. You still need to go through the civil process first. Catholic weddings may require pre-marriage courses, so check with the church in advance.
Best Wedding Locations in Chile
Now for the fun part—where should you say “I do” in Chile? Here are some of the most stunning spots:
🏙 Santiago – Urban Elegance
The capital offers stylish city venues, luxury hotels, and rooftop weddings with Andes Mountain views. Ideal for couples who love a cosmopolitan vibe.
📍 Visit Santiago
🎨 Valparaíso – Boho Chic by the Sea
This artsy, colorful port city is perfect for free-spirited couples. Think cliffside vows, historic mansions, and vibrant murals in the background.
📍 Explore Valparaíso
🏔 Patagonia – A Wedding in the Wild
Want to elope in one of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes? Patagonia offers glaciers, lakes, and remote lodges for an adventure-filled wedding.
📍 Discover Patagonia
🌄 The Atacama Desert – A Starry-Eyed Ceremony
One of the best places on Earth for stargazing, the Atacama is a surreal backdrop for a celestial-inspired wedding.
📍 Atacama Travel Guide
🏝 Easter Island – The Ultimate Destination Wedding
Imagine exchanging vows near the legendary Moai statues, with the Pacific Ocean stretching endlessly behind you. Talk about once-in-a-lifetime!
📍 Easter Island Travel
Marriage Registration & Legalization
Once you’re married, you’ll receive an official Chilean marriage certificate. But what if you need to register your marriage in your home country? Here’s what to do:
✅ Get the certificate apostilled if your country is part of the Apostille Convention.
✅ Have it translated (if needed).
✅ Register it with your home country’s consulate (if required).
Secret Tips for a Stress-Free Wedding in Chile
🔎 Book early – Some registry offices have waiting lists, especially in big cities like Santiago.
🔎 Check the weather – If you’re dreaming of an outdoor ceremony, remember that Chile has extreme climates. Patagonia is stunning but windy. The Atacama is magical but hot. Choose wisely!
🔎 Plan for translation – If neither of you speaks Spanish, you might need a translator for your documents and ceremony.
🔎 Make it a wedding-moon – If you’re traveling all the way to Chile, why not combine your wedding and honeymoon? Wine tours in Casablanca Valley, beachside relaxation in Viña del Mar, or hiking in Torres del Paine—Chile has it all.
Final Thoughts (And the Perfect Wedding Photographer!)
Getting married in Chile isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about creating a memory that lasts a lifetime. Whether you’re dreaming of a simple civil ceremony in Santiago or a breathtaking elopement in Patagonia, this country has something magical to offer every couple.
And if you want your wedding photos to reflect that magic, I’d love to be a part of your journey. As a destination wedding photographer, I specialize in capturing real emotions, breathtaking landscapes, and those once-in-a-lifetime moments.
✨ Check out my portfolio here: Your Happy Moments
📸 Explore my wedding photography packages: Investment
💌 Let’s make your love story unforgettable! Contact me here: Get in Touch
So, are you ready to start planning the adventure of a lifetime? Chile is waiting! ❤️
