Tips For Hiring The Ceremony Officiant for Your Costa Rica Wedding
Disclaimer: I’m not a legal professional and laws and policies change periodically. Be sure to check with a lawyer or another qualified professional prior to your wedding!
HOW TO GET MARRIED IN COSTA RICA
Couples marrying in Costa Rica can choose to have either a symbolic or legal wedding ceremony. Those who choose a symbolic ceremony will need to make it legal in their home country before or after the wedding in Costa Rica. You can do either one and it’s totally a personal decision which one you choose! Let’s review some of the benefits of each so that you can decide what's best for you!
SYMBOLIC WEDDING CEREMONY
During a symbolic (non-legal) ceremony, the wording is slightly different. Don't worry, your guests won't notice! You will need to make it legal in your home country either before or after the wedding in Costa Rica.
CAN A FRIEND OFFICIATE?
Yes, if you have a charming friend or family member then they could perform the ceremony for you. There's no "registration" process for the officiant to go through since it is just a symbolic ceremony. Remember to give your friend a nice thank you gift as a token of appreciation!
LEGAL CEREMONY
Getting married legally in Costa is relatively easy! Some couples love the idea of their marriage being made legal in Costa Rica and opt for having an internationally recognized wedding performed by a practicing Costa Rican lawyer.
DOCUMENTATION FOR A LEGAL WEDDING
The documentation is pretty straightforward. You'll need to provide things like copies of passports, standard personal info, and 2 witnesses will need to be present. Your officiant will send you a questionnaire for you to complete and then they handle it all for you!
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET MY MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE?
The post-wedding processing that the lawyer manages for you can take anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks. If you aren't able to wait that long then it is better to take care of the legalities at home before or after your wedding in Costa Rica.
WHAT'S THE LEGAL WEDDING PROCESS LIKE?
If you are having a legal wedding then on the wedding day, you will sign a statement declaring that all information given to the lawyer is correct and that they performed a binding ceremony. After the wedding, the lawyer will have your marriage certificate translated, authenticated, registered with your country's embassy, and finally, mailed to you!
I'm sure there are a few more steps but that's the gist!
IS SYMBOLIC OR LEGAL CHEAPER?
The symbolic option will also save you money because it does not require that a lawyer perform the ceremony and manage the paperwork and legal process on your behalf.
CAN I HAVE A LEGAL WEDDING IF I'M ELOPING?
If you're eloping and it is just the two of you, often the photographer and wedding planner or someone from the venue can serve as a witness.
WHAT IF I'M DIVORCED?
If you were previously married, a copy of the divorce document must be provided. You must be divorced for at least 300 days before you are allowed to be legally married in CR.