Getting married in Valencia as a foreigner: steps, timeline and budget

Updated 26 October 2026

Its light, its food, its fincas and its historic centre make Valencia a beautiful wedding backdrop for couples from elsewhere. But between the administrative steps, choosing a venue and welcoming guests arriving from several countries, a wedding here takes a long time to plan. Ophélia and Dimitri, founders of the Valencia-based agency ODE Events, share their advice, from the paperwork through to the big day.

In short

• A civil marriage in Spain requires that at least one of the two future spouses be domiciled in Spain: the file is lodged at the Registro Civil or with a notary of that person's place of residence.
• Without residence in Spain, the simplest option is to marry legally in your home country first, then hold the ceremony in Valencia.
• A French national marrying before the Spanish authorities must first request a certificat de capacité à mariage (certificate of capacity to marry) from the French consulate.
• Allow 12 to 18 months of preparation, and favour spring or early autumn, with a plan B in case of rain.

Can you get married civilly in Valencia as a foreigner?

Yes, under one condition. In Spain, a civil marriage first goes through a preliminary file that checks that the future spouses can marry and that there is no legal impediment. Under article 58 of the Civil Registry Law, this file is handled by the notary of the place of residence of one of the future spouses, or by the Registro Civil of the place of residence of one of them (Ley 20/2011, BOE, consulted on 26 October 2026). When both are foreigners, at least one of them must therefore be domiciled in Spain, that is, registered on the padrón of their municipality (see our guide to the empadronamiento in Valencia).

For a couple who do not live in Spain, it is often simpler to marry legally in their country of residence or origin, then hold the ceremony in Valencia. Ophélia and Dimitri specifically advise clearly separating the legal marriage from the celebration.

The steps for a Spanish civil marriage in Valencia

1. First, check your situation. The documents required depend on each person's nationality, residence and marital status. The two wedding planners recommend contacting the relevant Registro Civil, an authorised notary, and your consulate if needed.
2. Second, gather the documents. Depending on the case: a valid passport or ID, birth certificate, proof of address, certificate of singlehood or documents relating to a previous divorce, as well as official translations, with an apostille or legalisation depending on the document and country of origin. This list is not universal: the format and validity of each document should be confirmed with the relevant office.
3. Third, obtain authorisation. To marry at Valencia city hall, you need a decision from the Registro Civil of your place of residence or a notarial deed authorising the marriage (Ayuntamiento de València, consulted on 26 October 2026).
4. Fourth, book the date. Once authorisation is obtained, the booking is made online via the Ayuntamiento's Sede Electrónica (procedure PA.BO.10), according to a calendar of days and times set by the city hall.
5. Fifth, start early. Ophélia and Dimitri advise launching the administrative checks several months ahead of the planned date.

And for the French: the certificat de capacité à mariage

Before marrying before a Spanish authority, a French national must request a certificat de capacité à mariage from the French embassy or consulate responsible for the place of the marriage, and banns are published for 10 days. After the ceremony, the transcription of the marriage is requested from the same consulate: it is not compulsory, but it is recommended, since it is what makes the marriage enforceable in France (service-public.gouv.fr, consulted on 26 October 2026). For other nationalities, it is likewise the consulate that indicates the formalities to expect.

Civil, religious or symbolic marriage: what are the differences?

Ophélia and Dimitri distinguish three options:

• civil marriage, which produces the legal effects set out by law;
• religious marriage, which can produce civil effects in Spain if the legal conditions are met and it is registered;
• the symbolic ceremony, which does not on its own create a legal marital bond.

For a couple of different faiths, they recommend talking very early on with the religious leaders concerned: the possibilities for the ceremony, the conditions for belonging to a community and the documents required vary a great deal. It is also worth checking that the chosen venue allows the ceremony planned and that an officiant is authorised to conduct it.

And for LGBT+ couples?

Marriage between people of the same sex has been legal in Spain since 2005 (Ley 13/2005, BOE). But marrying in Spain does not guarantee that the union will be recognised in each spouse's country of origin: it all depends on the legislation that applies to their situation. For the general picture, see our guide to LGBTQIA+ rights in Spain.

For a destination wedding, Ophélia and Dimitri advise checking in advance the venue's welcoming policies, vendors' experience with LGBT+ couples and the level of privacy wanted. If the couple's country of origin does not recognise this type of union, it is best to consult a lawyer specialising in international family law and the relevant consulate, particularly regarding marital status, residence and family rights.

Valencia or Costa Blanca: where to marry?

According to Ophélia and Dimitri, the two destinations complement each other. Valencia appeals through its balance of historic heritage, contemporary architecture, food and cultural life, and through its accessibility: you can picture a celebration in the city, a Mediterranean-style event, or a wedding in a characterful property nearby. The Costa Blanca attracts couples looking more for a seaside setting, villas and estates opening onto the sea, in a holiday atmosphere: it suits weddings where guests extend their stay.

Their advice: choose the destination based on the couple's story and the experience they want to offer their guests, rather than on a trend.

What steps should you plan after the wedding?

For international couples, the formalities afterwards matter as much as those beforehand. Ophélia and Dimitri recommend proceeding in this order:

1. First, obtain the marriage certificate or record, check that the marriage is properly registered with the relevant registry and request the necessary copies.
2. Second, check the requirements of your home country: depending on the country, a transcription, a declaration or another formality may be needed to have the marriage recognised.
3. Third, prepare the documents intended for use abroad: an apostille or legalisation and an official translation may be required.
4. Fourth, update your situation where necessary: usual name, marital status, insurance, bank, tax information.
5. Fifth, consider the consequences for residence: marriage does not automatically grant the same rights in every country, and nationality, a spouse's status and immigration rules are assessed case by case.

Timeframes vary between administrations and countries. The right contacts are the Registro Civil, the consulate and, if the situation warrants it, a lawyer specialising in international family law or immigration law.

When should you start planning your wedding?

For a wedding abroad, Ophélia and Dimitri recommend starting 12 to 18 months ahead, especially for a venue in high demand, a specific date or many international guests. The most complex weddings, blending several traditions or several ceremonies, require even more lead time.

Their order of priority:

1. First, define the vision and the budget.
2. Second, choose the venue.
3. Third, book the essential vendors.
4. Fourth, work on the staging, the programme, transport and the guest experience.

Which season should you choose?

Spring and early autumn are particularly appealing in the Valencia region, with generally pleasant temperatures. In September and October, however, episodes of heavy rain are possible: an indoor fallback or a covered marquee should be planned. Summer offers a highly sought-after Mediterranean atmosphere, but the heat and humidity make a ceremony held in the full afternoon uncomfortable.

The unexpected is part of the job. Ophélia and Dimitri say that a last-minute change of weather or a hastily reorganised ceremony sometimes produce the day's most authentic moments, provided there is a real plan B.

For guests travelling from afar, it is also worth checking flights, accommodation capacity and local events that push prices up, such as the Fallas in mid-March.

How do you choose your venue?

Each type of venue answers a different wish:

• a finca or a characterful estate for intimacy, bespoke staging and immersion in the Mediterranean landscape;
• a hotel when many guests are travelling, as it simplifies accommodation and transport;
• a seafront venue for a more relaxed, light-filled atmosphere;
• a historic venue in the city to combine heritage, food and urban life.

Beyond the aesthetics, Ophélia and Dimitri suggest checking:

• the venue's real capacity at each point in the day;
• nearby accommodation and transfers;
• the hours allowed for music;
• constraints relating to catering, technical set-up and decoration;
• accessibility for people with reduced mobility;
• the authorisations needed for the ceremony and outside vendors;
• a real fallback plan in case of rain, wind or extreme heat.

They also advise asking for a detailed quote, checking what is included in the rental, and, if possible, visiting the venue at the time planned for the ceremony. "The most beautiful venue is not necessarily the most spectacular," they point out.

What budget should you plan?

There is no universal figure: the cost depends on the number of guests, the venue, the season, the level of service, catering, drinks, decoration, music, photography, transport and accommodation.

The items to plan for:

• venue rental and exclusivity fees;
• catering, drinks and service staff;
• decoration, flowers and staging;
• photo and video;
• music, performers and sound system;
• furniture, lighting and technical equipment;
• outfits and styling;
• stationery, gifts and signage;
• transport, accommodation and welcoming guests;
• coordination and logistics;
• the ceremony, officiants and administrative fees;
• a margin for the unexpected.

The costs that are forgotten are often the ones that seem secondary at first: overtime, late transfers, extra staff, setup and teardown, generators, additional furniture, taxes, vendors' travel costs and fallback solutions in case of bad weather.

Their advice: separate from the start the budget for the celebration, the couple's personal expenses and guests' travel costs.

How do you organise a wedding remotely?

It is not always necessary to travel for every step, but Ophélia and Dimitri recommend at least one visit to the venue before deciding. The rest can go through regular video calls, shared documents, detailed budgets and written notes, so that everyone knows what has been approved, what remains to be done and who is handling it.

To choose vendors, they advise checking their experience, looking at full past events rather than a few selected photos, asking for references and comparing quotes covering the same scope.

Warning signs before paying a deposit:

• no contract;
• unclear cancellation terms;
• a deposit requested without a detailed quote;
• professional identity that is hard to verify;
• pressure for immediate payment.

How do you welcome guests coming from abroad?

The guest experience begins well before the wedding day. Practical information needs to reach them early: access, transfers, accommodation, timings, programme and useful contacts. For those who do not speak Spanish, clear signage and a programme translated into guests' languages make a difference. For the dress code, our guide to what to wear to a Spanish wedding will help them avoid any missteps.

In a multicultural wedding, food and music can become bridges: a menu or a playlist blending several influences, while respecting each tradition's place. In Valencia, Ophélia and Dimitri also like introducing guests to the destination: a welcome reception, a taste of local food, or a relaxed get-together the day after the wedding.

What Valencian specifics should you know?

Valencian cuisine naturally finds its place at a wedding, with rice dishes, seafood, citrus fruit and the region's wines. The settings range from a finca surrounded by greenery to a historic venue, from a contemporary reception in the city to a celebration facing the sea. The one real constraint: the climate, which guides the choice of timings, set-up and any outdoor ceremony.

What mistakes should you avoid?

According to Ophélia and Dimitri, three mistakes come up often:

1. First, starting with the visual details (flowers, colours, inspiration found online) before fixing the budget, the guest count, the venue and the day's running order.
2. Second, underestimating the logistics of an international wedding: transfers, timings, languages, each person's needs, traditions to respect.
3. Third, using too many vendors without clear coordination: even with excellent professionals, the lack of an overall vision creates difficulties on the day.

Their advice for getting off to a good start: ask yourselves what truly matters, what experience to offer your guests and which priorities to never compromise on. To discover their story, read our portrait of Ophélia and Dimitri.

Practical information

• Valencia city hall (Ayuntamiento de València): Plaça de l'Ajuntament, 1, 46002 València (Google Maps). Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 2pm. Phone: 963 52 54 78.
• Marriage authorisation: Registro Civil of the place of residence of one of the future spouses, or a notary of the place of residence of either of them.
• Booking the date at the city hall: the Ayuntamiento's Sede Electrónica, procedure PA.BO.10, once authorisation is obtained. Fees to be checked at the same place.
• French nationals: certificat de capacité à mariage, then transcription, with the relevant French embassy or consulate.
• Official sources (consulted on 26 October 2026): Ley 20/2011 on the Civil Registry, article 58; Ley 13/2005; Ayuntamiento de València, civil marriage requirements; service-public.gouv.fr, marriage of a French national abroad.

Frequently asked questions

Can you get married civilly in Valencia without living in Spain?

The civil marriage file is handled by the Registro Civil or a notary of the place of residence of one of the future spouses. When both are foreigners, at least one of them must therefore be domiciled in Spain. Non-resident couples can marry legally in their own country, then hold a ceremony in Valencia.

Does a symbolic marriage have legal value?

No. A symbolic ceremony does not on its own create a legal marital bond. It complements a civil marriage held elsewhere.

Does a French national need a certificat de capacité à mariage to marry in Spain?

Yes, for a marriage performed by a Spanish authority. It is requested from the relevant French embassy or consulate, before the marriage. The transcription, after the marriage, is recommended so the marriage is enforceable in France.

How far in advance should you plan a wedding in Valencia?

Ophélia and Dimitri recommend starting 12 to 18 months ahead for a wedding abroad, and even earlier for more complex weddings.

What is the best season to get married in Valencia?

Spring and early autumn, with a fallback plan in case of heavy rain in September and October. In summer, it is best to avoid a ceremony in the full afternoon.

Is marriage between people of the same sex possible in Valencia?

Yes, it has been legal in Spain since 2005. Its recognition in each spouse's country of origin, however, depends on that country's legislation.

What documents should you plan for marrying in Spain?

Generally: passport or ID, birth certificate, proof of address, proof of marital status, official translations and an apostille or legalisation depending on the country. The exact list should be confirmed with the Registro Civil, a notary or the consulate.

About ODE Events

Ophélia and Dimitri founded ODE Events, a wedding and events agency headquartered in Valencia. Originally from Biarritz, Ophélia began in event hospitality in Barcelona and Tenerife, before working in New York and then for a Parisian agency. Originally from Saint-Barthélemy, Dimitri spent ten years in events and luxury hospitality in France, the United States and the Middle East. They work in French, English and Spanish. Instagram: @o.d.e_events.