The demand for official translations of documents to get married in Spain continues growing. British citizens who own a property in Spain may want to get married in the sunshine. Equally, a British citizen and a Spanish citizen may meet in the UK but decide to get married in Spain.
The future spouses must always check with the Spanish authorities, either the Spanish Consulate in London or the relevant registry in Spain, what documents are required.
In most cases, the following English documents will be needed:
- The birth certificate of the spouse(s);
- A certificate of no impediment to marriage. The relevant registry in the UK will issue this certificate which confirms that there are no objections to the proposed marriage;
- A letter issued by the council which confirms the address of the British national(s). A Notary Public may have to prepare a notarial certificate which will enclose the letter or a copy;
- If any of the future spouses is divorced, the decree absolute will be needed;
- If any of the spouses is widowed, the death certificate will be needed.
The documents above must be affixed with the apostille. These documents together with their official translations into Spanish will be submitted to the relevant Spanish authorities.
An apostille is an official form attached to documents to be used in countries which are signatories of the Hague Convention
An official translation into English of the marriage certificate issued in Spain will be needed to prove to the British Authorities that the marriage has taken place.
Only official translators are authorised to certify official translations. In Spain official translators are appointed by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation. An official translation certified by an official translator, appointed by the Spanish Ministry, does not need to bear the apostille.