Weddings Abroad in Costa Rica

Costa Rica requires a valid passport for foreigners who want to marry. Social Security nor drivers license of any country is considered proper identification for marriage purposes.

A Visa is a migratory requisite. For marriage purposes, this is not required. For most visitors to Costa Rica Visas are not required.

A Birth Certificate is not required since a sworn statement attesting to your date and place of birth covers that requirement.

No certifications or authentications are necessary, since the sworn statement covers items that need to be authenticated or notarized.

Requistes' data is best sent the earlier the better. If data is complete, accurate and sent along with passport scans, 10 days before the ceremony date is recommended and normally sufficient. (for required information, see below)

Two (2) people are required to bear witness. They cannot be family up to the third degree. This means that those who are not allowed to bear witness are (relation to the bride and groom): mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, uncle, aunt, sister, half sister, brother, half brother, cousin, nephew, niece, all in-laws, etc. Best for witness duties are friends.

No required stay (permanence) in Costa Rica exists for a valid marriage.

For further legal requirements visit: http://www.worldheadquarters.com/cr/weddings/