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Family

Civil marriage

Matrimonio civil (expediente o acta matrimonial)

What it is

Before a civil wedding, the couple must complete a marriage file (at the Civil Registry) or a notarial act to check there are no legal impediments. Both partners are interviewed separately, and the procedure ends with a decision authorising or refusing the marriage.

Official wording
La celebración de un matrimonio requiere la previa tramitación de un expediente o la instrucción de un acta notarial donde se compruebe que no existen impedimentos legales para su celebración.

Official sources

Where it applies
All of Spain

Official information

Official sources

When

Before the wedding: it is a prior procedure proving that the partners have capacity to marry and that there are no legal impediments. The partners themselves apply.

Official wording
Se trata de un procedimiento previo a la celebración del matrimonio en el que debe acreditarse el cumplimiento de los requisitos de capacidad de los contrayentes y la inexistencia de impedimentos legales.

Official sources

Steps

  1. Step 1: Choose civil registry or notary

    You can open a file at the civil registry or ask a notary for the authorisation act, in either case where either partner lives.

    Official wording
    Se puede instar la tramitación de un expediente en el registro civil o bien acudir a un/a notario/a para que tramite el acta de autorización correspondiente.

    Official sources

  2. Step 2: Submit the application

    The application is submitted in person or by registered post, at the civil registry or to the notary where either partner lives.

    Official wording
    La solicitud de autorización debe presentarse, personalmente o por correo certificado, en el registro civil o ante el/la notario/a correspondiente al domicilio de cualquiera de los contrayentes.

    Official sources

  3. Step 3: Separate interviews

    The registrar or notary hears each partner separately and may request reports or carry out any steps they see fit.

    Official wording
    oirá a los contrayentes por separado y podrá solicitar los informes o practicar las diligencias que considere oportunas.

    Official sources

  4. Step 4: Decision

    It ends with a reasoned decision authorising or refusing the marriage.

    Official wording
    El procedimiento finaliza con una resolución motivada en la que se autorizará o denegará la celebración del matrimonio.

    Official sources

Documents

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🖨 Printable bilingual document card (you can show it at the counter)

FAQ

What if a health condition may affect consent?

If one partner has a health condition that clearly and substantially may prevent consent despite support measures, a medical opinion will be requested.

Official wording
se recabará dictamen médico.

Official sources

Related procedures

Terms used on this page