The marriage certificate is an official document issued by the Civil Registry that certifies the celebration of the marriage, the date, the place, the names of the spouses, and other essential data. To obtain it without administrative complications, it is recommended to use the services of a specialised agency, which manages the process efficiently and remotely.

Prerequisites

• Spouses details: Full names, exact date of marriage, municipality and province where it was celebrated, as well as parents names if known.
• Applicant's identification: DNI, NIE, or passport, as applicable.
• Delivery address: For receiving the certificate by registered post.
• Authorisation: You must provide a signature on the form to authorise remote processing.
• Additional details: If you have the family book, volume/page number or previous certificates, it facilitates the process. No electronic signature or software installation is required.

If the certificate is for international use, consider the option of a Hague apostille, available through the same agency for countries adhering to the convention.

Steps to request the certificate

1. Access the agency portal: Ingrese al sitio web dedicado para iniciar el trámite en línea, disponible las 24 horas sin requerir desplazamientos -> https://www.registrocivil.es/en/application-for-marriage-certificate/
2. Complete the digital form: Enter all required marriage and applicant details. Verify the information to avoid delays. Include your signature in the designated space to authorise processing.
3. Select additional options: If you need extra copies, an apostille or maximum priority, tick the corresponding boxes during the process.
4. Make a secure payment: Pay the processing fees and any chosen supplements. Payment is made transparently and securely.
5. Confirm and await delivery: Once processed, the agency will process the request with the Civil Registry and send the certificate to your address by registered post. You will receive email updates, including a tracking code to monitor the shipment.

Costs vary depending on the selected options, but include a professional processing base fee:

• Base fee: €55.00 (VAT included), which covers processing by a registered agent.
• Additional copies: €5 for the second copy, €10 for the third.
• Hague Apostille: €25, if required for international use.
• Maximum priority: €35, to expedite the process.
• Shipping: Calculated in the final step, depending on the destination (national or international).

The total is shown before confirming payment, ensuring transparency. There are no hidden costs, and the service is managed by a private entity independent of the Ministry of Justice.

Other ways to obtain the certificate

If you decide to manage the process yourself instead of using a private agency, the Spanish Ministry of Justice offers various official channels. These procedures are free, although response times will depend on the workload of each registry and the chosen shipping method.

1. Online application (electronic headquarters)

This is the quickest option for those with digital means. It is managed through the Ministry of Justice Electronic Headquarters portal.

• With digital identification: If you use the Cl@ve system, digital certificate or electronic DNI, you can obtain the marriage certificate immediately in PDF format, provided the link is registered in a digitised civil registry.
• Without digital identification: You can complete a web form with the details of the contracting parties, the date and place of marriage. In this case, the document is not downloaded immediately, but the civil registry processes it and sends it by ordinary postal mail to the address you indicate in the application.

2. In-person application

You can go in person to the civil registry, justice of the peace court or town hall where the marriage was celebrated and registered.

• Prior appointment: In most localities, it is necessary to request a prior appointment through the official website of the autonomous community or the Ministry of Justice before going to the offices.
• Requirements: You must present your original DNI or passport. It is highly recommended to provide the family book or, failing that, to know the volume and folio of the registration so that the registry staff can locate the record more quickly.

3. Application by postal mail

It consists of sending a registered letter addressed to the civil registry where the marriage is recorded. The shipment must contain the following information:

• A signed letter with your personal details and contact address.
• Names and surnames of both contracting parties.
• Exact date and place of the marriage.
• Type of certificate you need (literal, extract or multilingual).
• Photocopy of the applicant DNI.

4. Marriages abroad (Consulates)

If the marriage was celebrated outside Spain and registered in a Spanish consulate, the application must be addressed to that consular office or to the Central Civil Registry located in Madrid. Many consulates now allow online applications to streamline procedures for citizens residing abroad.

Frequently asked questions

• Who can request a marriage certificate?
  Any person can request a marriage certificate for registrations recorded in Civil Registries, Justice of the Peace Courts, Town Halls or Spanish Consulates in Spain or abroad, from 1870 onwards. No kinship restrictions are specified, provided the necessary data is supplied (for example, from the family book or previous certificates). The applicant must identify themselves appropriately.
• How long does the process take?
  The process usually completes within a few working days, depending on the Civil Registry involved. With the maximum priority option, processing is accelerated.
• What if I do not know all the details?
  The agency offers personalised assistance to resolve queries. Contact via the portal for guidance before completing the form.
• Is the certificate valid for international procedures?
  Yes, but for countries adhering to the Hague Convention, it is recommended to add the apostille, available as an additional option in the application.
• Are there refunds if there are errors?
  The agency guarantees a professional service; in case of issues, contact us for corrections without unnecessary extra costs.