Is it possible to get married in a Spanish castle hotel?
Yes. In the private castles. Paradors that are converted castles and palaces generally, as a rule, do not have the facilities to perform a wedding ceremony, but they can put on a lovely reception and facilitate your big day. Check the individual hotel listings on this site for a notation if a wedding ceremony can be performed in the castle.
Types of weddings in Spain
Unlike other countries in Europe, Spanish law recognizes both religious and civil marriages as legal. Catholic, Protestant, Islamic, and Jewish marriages are valid. All marriages need authorization from the civil authorities. For religious marriages, documentary requirements from one’s religious denomination may be required as well.
Whether you have a religious or a civil marriage in Spain, allow some months to ensure all the paperwork is completed. There are plenty of stories out there that the snail-pace of Spanish bureaucracy has caused the delay and/or cancellation of many weddings. It’s better to overestimate the amount of time the paperwork will take and be pleasantly surprised if you’re given the go-ahead sooner than anticipated.
Rules and procedures differ from region to region in Spain. Some regions, or autonomous communities, may have different residency requirements. It’s strongly suggested to consult with the regional authorities in the location where you wish to marry.
Religious marriages
For a religious ceremony, you must obtain authorization from the civil authorities by presenting the requirements as mentioned below for a civil ceremony.
If you are a Catholic you will need:
- The Bishopric’s permission
- A Birth Certificate translated by a certified translator
- A Baptismal Certificate issued no more than six months before the wedding, authenticated by the issuing Bishopric, translated into Spanish by a certified translator. Non-Catholic Christians need not show this document.
- Proof that you and your intended are free to marry. Sometimes a sworn statement by the couple’s parents, witnessed by a parish priest is necessary.
Civil marriages
In Madrid, application must be made to the Civil Registry at Calle Pradillo, 66. Outside of Madrid, you must apply at the District Court. You will need:
- An application form signed by both parties
- An original, certified Birth Certificate, translated into Spanish by a certified translator by the Spanish Foreign Ministry.
- Proof that you and your intended are free to marry. A sworn statement to the effect that you are single and free to marry given and signed by your country’s consulate is acceptable.
- Divorce, Annulment, or Death Certificate. These must be original documents with a seal, and translated into Spanish by a certified translator and authenticated by the Spanish Foreign Ministry.
- Certificate of Residence If you are not a permanent resident of Spain, you can sign an affidavit before an officer of your consulate detailing your place of residence for the last six years, as well as your address of temporary residency in Spain.
- Certificate of Consular Inscription. For U.S. citizens, your embassy or consulate can produce this letter after you have registered as a U.S. citizen in Spain.
- Posting of Banns is a public declaration of intent to marry. This is done usually three weeks before the marriage takes place.