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Home » Central and South America » What is needed to get married in Costa Rica?

What is needed to get married in Costa Rica?

December 14, 2021 by Bo Lang

Getting married in Costa Rica is simple and straightforward. You’ll have to provide some basic information, including a copy of each passport, your dates of birth, your occupations, your current addresses, and the names and addresses of your parents. Two witnesses are required to be present at the ceremony.

Contents

Can foreigners marry in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica welcomes international visitors, including Americans, to get married in the country. All you need to do is follow the same laws Costa Ricans must follow to get married in the country. Your marriage will be legal in Costa Rica and will be internationally recognized.

How can a foreigner get married in Costa Rica?

There are no residency or blood test requirements for foreigners to marry in Costa Rica, and for individuals not of the Catholic faith, lawyers are able to conduct civil ceremonies. The most tedious part of planning a destination wedding is ensuring that the proper paperwork is completed.

Is a Costa Rican marriage valid in the US?

Civil marriages legally conducted in Costa Rica are valid worldwide.To be legally recognized in the United States, your Costa Rican marriage certificate must be: Translated into English by an official translator. Authenticated by the Costa Rican Ministry of Foreign Relations.

How long do you have to be in Costa Rica to get married?

All you really need to get married is your passport that is valid for six months. Since you can’t even get into the country without one, you should be covered. Note that you cannot use driver’s licenses or social security numbers for ID. As a foreigner in Costa Rica, a passport is the only valid form.

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How much does it cost to get married in Costa Rica?

Standard Costa Rica Wedding Cost
Average cost for the ceremony: $5,000 USD. Average cost for the reception: $200 to $400 USD per person. Marriage License cost: $1,500 to $2,000 USD. Average cost of a destination wedding in Costa Rica for 50 people: $17,550 to $27,550 USD.

Where should I get married in Costa Rica?

Here are the top ten places to get married in Costa Rica!

  • Villa Caletas. Location: Punta Leona, Puntarenas.
  • Arenal Nayara. Location: Arenal.
  • Villa Buena Onda. Location: Playas del Coco, Guanacaste.
  • Copa de Árbol. Location: Osa Peninsula.
  • La Casona del Cafetal.
  • The Springs Resort and Spa.
  • Si Como No.
  • Capitan Suizo.

How much does it cost to elope in Costa Rica?

What’s the cost of elopement? It starts from $1700 – $3500 depending on services you’ll choose. Let’s say you’re convinced you want to elope in Costa Rica while on vacation!

Can you elope in Costa Rica?

Technically, yes. It is possible, though there are quite a few more hoops to jump through to make this happen. My first recommendation for couples who want to elope in Costa Rica is that they consider getting legally married back home, while still sharing their vows in a ceremony at their chosen location.

Is a marriage in Costa Rica legal in Canada?

To be legally recognized in Canada, your Costa Rican marriage certificate must be: A passport valid for at least six months. A Costa Rican identity card (Cedula de Identidad) A Certificate of Single Status (Certificado de Solteria) issued by the Civil Registry.

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How do I get divorced in Costa Rica?

Many are surprised to learn that in Costa Rica you cannot petition for divorce by mutual consent unless you have been married for at least 3 years. If a couple has been married for at least 3 years then they may petition for divorce under the mutual consent provisions of the law.

How can I get married in Mexico?

Citizens must have a valid Passport and their Tourist or Residence permits up to date with Mexican Immigration Authorities; you must also request from Mexican Immigration a marriage permit. Upon fulfillment of the above requirements, the marriage can be performed at the Civil Registry Office.

Where is Costa Rica?

Central America
Costa Rica is located in Central America, connecting North and South America. It borders Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. Because of its location, warm weather predominates, but many different microclimates are found throughout the country.

Do I need to register my marriage in the US if I get married abroad?

The United States has no national registration of marriages, foreign or domestic. U.S. states recognize marriages performed in other states and in other countries. If your marriage was legally performed in the country or state where you got married, then the marriage is recognized in the United States.

How do you plan a wedding in Costa Rica?

Tips for Planning for a Costa Rica Destination Wedding

  1. Book your villa/venue 12-18 months in advance.
  2. Notify guests well in advance so they can make arrangements.
  3. Hire a wedding planner/vendors who will travel or secure local and trusted vendors.
  4. Consult with concierge to arrange travel to and from airport/villa.
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Is Costa Rica a good place for a destination wedding?

There is no denying it. Costa Rica is an amazing location for destination weddings! Costa Rica not only offers a spectacular beach and jungle setting, but it also makes for an amazing trip for you and your guests.

What are weddings like in Costa Rica?

The Costa Rican wedding reception is full of merrymaking, with music, dance, and feasting marking the highlights of the event. The bride and groom have a chance to mingle with friends and family and have unlimited fun.

Where is the cheapest place to have a destination wedding?

Best Cheap Destination Wedding Locations

  • Martinique.
  • Dominica.
  • Jamaica.
  • Costa Rica.
  • Tulum.
  • Cozumel.
  • Curacao.
  • Puerto Vallarta.

How safe is Costa Rica?

In Central America and The Caribbean overall, Costa Rica is ranked the number one most peaceful country in the region out of 12. However, the homicide rate increased from 11.9 homicides per 100,000 people to 12.3 in the last year, and crime is still a significant threat to travelers in Costa Rica.

How much is a small wedding in Costa Rica?

Every individual Costa Rica wedding cost will be different. Simple elopements or small ceremonies for less than 20 people can be done for around $5,000 USD. A few more guests and family members may see that price go up to $8,000 – $12,000.

Can you get married in two countries to the same person?

Yes, you can do that. As you are already married the second “wedding” is a legal nullity, but your family need not be told about it.

Filed Under: Central and South America

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About Bo Lang

Bo Lang loves exploring the world. A self-proclaimed "adventurer," Bo has spent his life traveling to new and exciting places. He's climbed mountains, explored jungles, and sailed across the ocean. He's even eaten the beating heart of a king cobra!

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