Updated August, 2023
Dreaming of a romantic tropical wedding? Look no further than the enchanting island of Puerto Rico! With its picturesque beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history, Puerto Rico offers a stunning backdrop for your special day. But before you start planning your dream wedding or elopement, it’s essential to understand the legal requirements for getting legally married in this beautiful Caribbean paradise.
Collaborating with attorney and notary Ana María Hernandez from Wonderlandpr to ensure accuracy, we will guide you through all the essential details about the process of legally getting married in Puerto Rico.
Residency Requirements
One of the fantastic things about Puerto Rico is that it’s a popular destination for destination weddings, meaning you don’t need to be a resident to tie the knot here. Whether you’re a local or an international couple, you can get married on the island without having to establish residency.
Required Documents
To ensure a smooth process, make sure you have all the necessary documents ready. Typically, you’ll need:
-Valid photo ID (such as a driver’s license or passport)
-Certified copy of your birth certificates
-If either party was previously married, a copy of the divorce decree or death certificate of the former spouse.
Blood Tests and Medical Certificates
As of right now, all couples intending to legally wed in Puerto Rico, regardless of their residency, must fulfill certain obligations. These include submitting laboratory or blood test results, which can be conveniently conducted in the USA.
The mandatory laboratory or blood tests are to screen for the following STDs: syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV. Depending on your location, complimentary testing may be accessible through your local health department, Planned Parenthood, or LGBTQ+ center.
After you have your lab results, a doctor with a license to practice in Puerto Rico must sign a Medical Certificate confirming that you have complied with the lab tests requirement.
Marriage License and Timeline
You’ll need to obtain a Marriage License from the Demographic Registry Office. There is a certain timeline within which you need to comply with the labs and the doctor’s Medical Certification and we recommend that for this, you let your officiant give you the specific information and guide you through the process. You should have booked your officiant and have an orientation with them no later than 2 to 3 months before your wedding so that you have enough time to comply with all the requirements.
There is an online process to request your Marriage License so you do not have to be present in Puerto Rico for your Marriage License to be issued. Ask your officiant if they do the online process or not because if they don’t, then you will have to come to Puerto Rico at least 2 or 3 business days before your wedding date to go in person to the Demographic Registry to request your Marriage License.
Legal Ceremonies and Officiants
When it comes to the actual wedding ceremony, you have a few options. You can have a civil ceremony performed by a Puerto Rican judge, lawyer-notary, or minister. Religious ceremonies are also allowed, but they must be performed by an authorized religious officiant. The important thing to remember is that to be legally married in Puerto Rico, the officiant must be an official wedding officiant registered and authorized by the Demographic Registry.
Witnesses
You’ll need to have at least two witnesses present during the ceremony. They must be at least 21 years old, be able to read and write, and have a valid identification (passport or driver’s license).
Marriage Certificate
After the ceremony, your officiant will register your marriage during the next 10 days after the wedding and to receive your Marriage Certificate by mail you can request it online through different providers like Vital Check.
LGBTQ+ Marriage
Puerto Rico is LGBTQ+ friendly and has recognized LGBTQ+ marriages since 2015, following the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court ruling in the United States.
Puerto Rico offers a magical setting for couples seeking a destination wedding or elopement. By understanding the legal requirements outlined in this blog post, you can ensure that your journey to marital bliss in Puerto Rico is a smooth and joyous one. So, pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime.
The information provided in this blog post is up to date as of August, 2023. For a smooth and stress free ceremony, It’s always encouraged that you check with your officiant if any laws or legal requirements have changed.
Ana María is an attorney and notary in Puerto Rico. She is able to assist you with all the legal requirements and documents if you wish to legally marry in Puerto Rico.
You can contact her via:
Email: wonderlandpr.weddings@gmail.com
Web page:https://wonderlandpr.net/
