Getting Married in Colombia: The Complete Guide for Foreigners (2026)

Picture this: The sun is setting over Colombia's coffee region, painting the mountains in shades of orange and pink. Your closest friends and family are sipping tinto and admiring views that belong on a postcard. And you're about to say "I do" in one of the most beautiful countries in South America.

That's exactly how my wife and I got married—in the heart of Colombia's Eje Cafetero near Armenia, with a ceremony at sunset that our guests are still talking about years later. The scenery was breathtaking, the experience unforgettable, and honestly? The whole process of getting legally married in Colombia was easier than we expected.

But—and this is important—it was also kind of stressful. Colombian bureaucracy has its quirks, and if you're not prepared, you'll find yourself running between notaries, translators, and government offices wondering why nobody mentioned that document.

So whether you fell in love with Colombia itself, met someone special in Cartagena, or just want an epic destination wedding, here's everything you actually need to know about getting legally married in Colombia as a foreigner.

What Do Foreigners Need to Get Married in Colombia?

Quick answer: A foreigner can marry civilly before a Colombian notary with a valid passport, a recent birth certificate, proof that you are single, and two witnesses. Foreign documents must normally be apostilled (or legalized) and translated into Spanish by an official translator, and for a foreigner who is not domiciled in Colombia, the birth certificate and single-status proof must be less than three months old (resident foreigners should confirm the window with their notary) (Decreto 1556 de 1989). The notary then posts a public notice (edicto) for five business days before the ceremony. Requirements vary from notary to notary, so confirm the list with yours first (U.S. Embassy in Colombia says the same).

Why Get Married in Colombia? (Besides the Obvious)

Let's be real—Colombia is stunning. From Caribbean beaches to mountain valleys to colonial cities, you can design a wedding that looks like it came straight out of a travel magazine, often for a fraction of what you'd pay back home.

But beyond the Instagram-worthy backdrops, getting married in Colombia comes with some practical perks:

Affordability: Even a full destination wedding with 50+ guests can cost significantly less than a comparable event in North America or Europe.

Legal recognition: A Colombian civil marriage is recorded in the Colombian civil registry, and Colombia is part of the Hague Apostille system, so your marriage certificate can be apostilled by Colombia's Foreign Ministry for use abroad. Whether and how your home country recognizes it is up to that country, so check with your own authorities.

Visa pathway: If you're marrying a Colombian, the marriage visa (M-type, spouse) can be granted for up to 3 years, and spouses can apply for permanent residence (R visa) after 3 years of accumulated time as an M-spouse visa holder. It is not automatic (see Resolution 5477 of 2022, as amended and the details in the visa section below).

Flexible options: You can have a quick civil ceremony at a notary, a full religious wedding, or formalize a unión marital de hecho, Colombia's legally recognized common-law partnership, if you live together as a couple.

The Three Types of Marriage in Colombia

Colombia recognizes three ways to formalize your union, and which one you choose depends on your situation, beliefs, and how fast you want this done.

Civil Marriage (Matrimonio Civil)

This is the most straightforward option. Civil marriages are performed at notary offices throughout Colombia by trained notaries who have quasi-governmental authority. You show up with your documents, two witnesses, and in under an hour, you're legally married.

The costs (updated October 2026):

The official notarial tariff for the marriage itself is small. Under the Superintendencia de Notariado y Registro's 2026 tariff resolution (in force from February 2026), the fee is COP 64,700 for a marriage celebrated at the notary's office and COP 174,800 if celebrated outside it, before VAT and notarial paper (2026 notarial tariff resolution, Cancillería normograma; same figures reported by Asuntos Legales). What you actually pay in total depends on the notary and the extras. Here is what we experienced, which is our own estimate and not an official fee:

• At the notary office: In our experience, around $100 USD all-in (the official marriage fee plus copies, registry entries and other charges)
• At an external location (beach, mountain, your villa): We were quoted roughly another $100 USD for the notary to come to us. The official tariff for outside-the-office ceremonies is higher than for in-office ones, and notaries may add travel costs, so ask for a written quote

So, as a rough estimate based on our experience, expect about $100-200 USD for the legal wedding itself, depending on where you want it done.

One quirky thing nobody tells you: You need to book your date well in advance and submit all your documents early because Colombian rules require the notary to post a public notice (an edicto) of the planned marriage for five business days before it can be celebrated (Decreto 1556 de 1989; see also Notaría 19 de Bogotá's guide). Yep, it's like something out of a period drama, and in theory someone with a legal objection can raise it.

When our notary explained this, we looked at each other like "wait, what?" But hey, it's Colombia. Just another charming bureaucratic detail that makes for a good story later. Spoiler: Nobody objected to ours, and they probably won't object to yours either.

Religious Marriage

Religious ceremonies require additional documentation depending on your faith tradition. For example, some religious weddings may require baptismal and confirmation certificates. After the religious ceremony, you still need to register the marriage with a notary for it to be legally valid in Colombia.

One important note: Some religious institutions may have restrictions if you have a previous divorce that is not recognized by that particular faith.

Common Law Marriage (Unión Marital de Hecho)

If you and your partner live together as a couple, you can formalize a "unión marital de hecho" (common-law partnership) in Colombia. It is a legally recognized partnership, but it is not the same as a marriage and it does not change your civil status to "married."

The two-year figure you will hear about comes from Ley 54 de 1990: after two years of unión marital de hecho, a shared property regime (sociedad patrimonial) is presumed. The partnership itself can be declared by mutual consent through a public deed (escritura pública) before a notary, through a conciliation center, or by a family judge (Ley 979 de 2005, which amended Ley 54 de 1990). For immigration purposes, a Colombian partner's UMH supports the separate "M Compañero(a) permanente" visa, which needs longer to reach permanent residence than the spouse visa (see below). The paperwork the notary asks for can differ from a marriage, so ask your notary what they require.

The Document Gauntlet: What You Actually Need

Here's where it gets real. The document requirements depend on whether you're both foreigners, one Colombian and one foreigner, or planning something more complex. But let's break down the essentials.

For Colombian Citizens Marrying a Foreigner:

Basic requirements:

• Recent copy of civil birth certificate (notaries commonly ask for one issued within roughly the last month, so confirm with yours; see Notaría 19 de Bogotá)
• Valid Colombian ID card (cédula de ciudadanía)
• If previously married: proof of divorce or death certificate of former spouse

🚨 CRITICAL TIP for Colombians: When you request your birth certificate from the Registraduría, you MUST specify that you need it "válido para matrimonio" (valid for marriage). This version explicitly states that you're legally able to get married, even if you were previously married.

Most websites don't mention this detail, and I'm telling you from experience—it's a game changer. I didn't know about this requirement and had to make the trip twice to get the right document. If you're like me and live in a different city from where you were born, trust me, you do NOT want to travel twice just because nobody told you this little detail.

Pro tip: Many Registraduría offices can mail you this certificate if you can't travel. Call ahead, explain you need the marriage-specific version, and ask about their mailing options. It might save you hours of travel and frustration.

For Foreigners Getting Married in Colombia:

This is where the fun begins. You'll need:

1. Valid Passport Valid passport with entry stamp to the country, or foreigner ID card (cédula de extranjería) if applicable. Make sure you entered legally. In our experience some notaries ask for a certificate of migration movements.

2. Birth Certificate (Apostilled and Translated) Your birth certificate must be recent (under three months old for non-domiciled foreigners per Decreto 1556 de 1989), apostilled or legalized, and officially translated into Spanish.

Here's what this actually means:

• Apostille: This is an international certification that validates your document. For birth certificates issued in the United States, you'll need to obtain an apostille from your state's Secretary of State office.
• Translation: Must be done by an official translator in Colombia. In our experience, budget roughly $50-100 USD per document, but negotiate. These are our own estimates, not official rates, and prices vary wildly.

3. Certificate of Single Status (Certificado de Soltería)

Colombian notaries require proof that you are free to marry, or the equivalent. If it comes from your home country, expect to need an apostille and a Spanish translation, just like your birth certificate.

For Americans, this is tricky because no such document exists in many U.S. jurisdictions (U.S. Embassy in Colombia). Your options:

• Prepare an Affidavit of Single Status and sign it at the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá (by appointment). The embassy notarizes your signature, but it does not certify that the contents are true, and it charges a per-seal fee (listed at $50 per seal when we checked in October 2026). See the embassy notarial services page for current details. Ask your notary whether they accept this and whether they also want it apostilled or translated
• Some notaries accept signed, notarized letters from friends or family swearing that you are unmarried. If prepared in the United States, these need a Spanish translation and an apostille

🔥 THIS IS WHERE FINDING THE RIGHT NOTARY BECOMES CRITICAL 🔥

You need to ask the notary upfront and make absolutely sure they'll accept your proof of single status. Anything in English needs to be translated into Spanish and carry the stamp of an official translator in Colombia.

Some notaries are really picky, and man, it hurts my brain how some are more strict than others.

Real Story (Learn From Our Pain):

For example, we got rejected by one notary just because our translated documents—the official translator didn't stamp our documents with a special stamp, even though the person who translated the documents was an official translator. We got rejected and had to find another notary.

⏰ TIMELINE WARNING:

That's why it's important to have plenty of time to schedule the date of the legal ceremony—at least 3 to 4 months. Make sure your visa is valid throughout this process. If you need to extend it, find out how to do it in this blog.

4. If You Have Children from Previous Relationships

If either or both parties getting married already have children, there may be additional requirements to protect the children's future rights and inheritance.

Important: Requirements can vary by notary and situation. Ask your specific notary for the full list of required documentation if children from previous relationships are involved. In our experience this can add a couple of weeks to the process, so factor this into your timeline and make sure your visa stays valid.

5. Two Witnesses

You'll need two people with valid IDs to witness your ceremony. We had our siblings as witnesses for our legal ceremony—it made it even more special having family there for that moment.

6. Official Interpreter (If Needed)

If either of you doesn't speak Spanish fluently, you'll need to hire an official interpreter for the ceremony. This isn't optional—the notary requires someone certified to ensure both parties understand what they're agreeing to.

Interpreters typically charge by the hour. Try to negotiate yourself a fair rate—in our experience prices range from $30-150 USD depending on how long the process takes (an estimate, not an official rate). Don't be afraid to shop around and ask for quotes from multiple interpreters.

The Apostille Process (Your New Nemesis)

Let's talk about apostilles, because this trips up everyone.

An apostille is basically an international stamp that says "yes, this document is legit." If your country doesn't recognize The Hague Convention, documents must come authenticated by the Colombian consul and verified by the Colombian Foreign Ministry.

The process:

1. Get your birth certificate from your home state/country
2. Have it apostilled by your state's Secretary of State (or equivalent)
3. Bring it to Colombia
4. Have it officially translated by a certified translator
5. Submit to the notary

Timeline: In our experience, plan for 4-8 weeks minimum if you're starting from scratch. Apostille turnaround depends on your state or country, so check with the issuing office.

Pro tip: Start this process before you book your wedding venue. We learned this the hard way.

The Step-by-Step Process (From Experience)

Okay, here's how it actually goes down, with a clear timeline:

Step 1: Choose Your Notary (Do This First - Months Before)

Before you even start gathering documents, research and choose your notary. Marriage requirements sometimes vary from notary to notary, so once you select one, find out what they specifically request. In big cities like Medellín, Bogotá, and Cartagena, some notaries specialize in foreign marriages. Ask around in expat groups.

Since my wife and I had been living in the Armenia area for about 3 years, we were pretty familiar with the region and did the legwork ourselves to find a notary. We called several, compared their requirements and prices, and picked the one that worked best for our situation.

Pro tip: If you speak Spanish or have a Colombian partner who can handle the communication, you'll save money by doing this yourself rather than paying someone else to coordinate.

Step 2: Gather and Translate Documents (4-8 Weeks Total)

This is the longest part. Get everything apostilled in your home country, then arrange for official translations in Colombia. You can't use Google Translate or your bilingual friend—it must be a certified translator.

Where to find official translators:

• Colombia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs recognizes official translators and interpreters, so ask your notary or check the Ministry's directory
• Ask your notary for recommendations
• Expat Facebook groups always know someone

Cost: In our experience, budget $50-100 USD per document for translation (our estimate, not an official rate), but negotiate. We found our translator through recommendations and negotiated directly with them for a fair price.

Important tip on negotiating: Sadly, Colombia sometimes tries to overcharge when you're a foreigner. Try to get yourself a fair price. If you don't speak Spanish well, bring a friend or someone who can help you negotiate. Being quoted the "foreigner price" is real, so having a local with you or handling it in Spanish yourself can save significant money.

Step 3: Submit Your Marriage Application (Within 90 Days of Document Issue)

CRITICAL TIMING: If you are not domiciled in Colombia, your birth certificate and single-status proof must be less than three months old (Decreto 1556 de 1989), so treat 90 days from the issue date as your working limit for submitting your marriage application to the notary. Your Colombian partner's documents may have a shorter window (see above), and your notary has the final say.

Once your file is complete, the notary posts an edicto for five business days before the marriage can be celebrated. They post your intention to marry publicly to make sure nobody has a legal objection (dramatic, but okay). If one of you has not lived in the notary's circuit for six months, the same decree calls for additional notice in the other place, which can add time.

Timeline breakdown:

• Day 0: Birth certificates issued
• Days 1-90 at most: Get documents apostilled, translated, and submitted to notary
• Day of submission (ideally by day 60-70): The notary reviews your file and posts the edicto
• Five business days after posting: The wedding date can be scheduled

Pro tip: Don't wait until day 85 to submit your documents. Give yourself buffer time in case the notary rejects something or asks for additional paperwork. Aim to submit around day 60-70 to stay safe.

Step 4: The Ceremony (The Easy Part!)

On the wedding day, both parties and two witnesses must be present with original identification documents. The notary will read the public marriage deed, ask for your consent, and after signing, the marriage will be recorded in the civil registry.

The civil ceremony itself takes 20-30 minutes. It's formal but not stuffy. Since I'm Colombian and handled most of the communication throughout the process, the ceremony was entirely in Spanish. If you need an interpreter, make sure they're there for the full ceremony.

Step 5: Get Your Marriage Certificate (Registro Civil de Matrimonio)

This is critical: Many couples leave on their honeymoon without getting their Registro Civil de Matrimonio, then months later realize they need it for visa applications.

After the ceremony, make sure you:

• Get multiple certified copies of your marriage certificate
• Keep them somewhere safe (not just your phone)
• You'll need these for visas, name changes, and legal matters

The Hidden Costs Nobody Mentions

Let's talk money, because the notary fee is just the beginning. The only official figures in this list are the notary tariffs covered above. Everything else below is our own experience and estimates, so treat it as a planning range and get quotes.

Rough budget breakdown (our estimates):

• Notary fees (all-in, as we experienced them): $100-200 USD
• Document apostilles (in your home country): $50-150 USD
• Official translations: $100-300 USD (depending on number of documents and how well you negotiate)
• Legal assistance (optional): $300-800 USD
• Interpreter for ceremony (if needed): $30-150 USD (negotiate by the hour)
• Marriage certificate copies: roughly $10-20 USD each (rough estimate; fees vary)

Total estimated cost: roughly $500-1,500 USD for the legal process alone, not including your actual wedding celebration. This is our estimate, not an official price.

Money-saving tip: If you or your partner speaks Spanish and can handle the bureaucracy, you can save hundreds by doing the legwork yourself instead of hiring coordinators or fixers. We handled everything ourselves and saved significantly.

When Things Get Complicated

Both Partners Are Foreigners

Colombian rules do contemplate foreigners who are not domiciled in Colombia marrying civilly before a notary, as long as they present a birth certificate and proof of single status (or equivalents) under three months old (Decreto 1556 de 1989). In practice, though, notaries differ, and a person who hasn't lived in the notary's circuit for six months triggers extra notice requirements. Some notaries are stricter with visitors, and some couples choose to marry at their own country's consulate instead.

Translation: Don't assume you can just fly in, get married, and fly out in a few days. Ask your notary in writing what they require for non-resident foreigners, and allow time for the edicto.

Prenuptial Agreements (Capitulaciones Matrimoniales)

Colombian law defaults to a community property regime called "sociedad conyugal". If you want to keep assets separate, you need a prenuptial agreement.

Critical timing: Under the Civil Code (art. 1771), capitulaciones are agreements made before the marriage, and they are formalized by public deed (escritura pública) at a notary. Sort this out before the ceremony.

Important for foreigners: If you're a foreigner considering a prenuptial agreement, ask your notary for full detailed information about requirements and costs. This is especially important if you're entering the marriage with significant assets or own businesses. Factor this into your timeline to make sure you still have a valid visa or legal stay in Colombia while completing the process.

Cost: Our estimate is $500-1,500 USD for a lawyer to draft this properly (not an official fee), but shop around and negotiate.

The Marriage Visa: Your Path to Staying

Got married? Congrats! Now you might want to actually stay in Colombia.

The marriage visa (the "M Cónyuge" category) can be granted for up to 3 years and gives an open work permit (Cancillería: Visa M Cónyuge; Resolución 5477 de 2022, art. 67). Time on this visa counts toward the permanent resident (R) visa: the minimum is 3 years as an M-spouse visa holder, with continuity counted when each new visa is granted before the previous one expires. Meeting that time is not automatic approval (art. 90, as amended by Resolución 10434 de 2023). Note that Cancillería's own M Cónyuge page still mentions a 5-year minimum, so confirm the current rule with Cancillería or an immigration lawyer before you plan around it. Partners in a unión marital de hecho (M Compañero permanente) need 5 years.

What you need for the visa:

• Authentic copy of the Colombian Civil Registry of Marriage, issued within the 90 days before you apply
• Letter of application signed by the Colombian spouse stating that you live together, with their contact details and a copy of their citizenship card
• Special power of attorney, with recognition of content and signature before a notary or Colombian consul
• Certificate of migratory movements of both the foreigner and Colombian spouse, issued by Migración Colombia

Cancillería may ask for additional proof that the relationship is genuine or call you to an interview. Photos together, joint bills and similar records are the kind of evidence people commonly keep on hand (that part is our suggestion, not a listed requirement).

Timeline: Processing times change. We've heard of about 30 days, but check Cancillería's current estimate when you apply.

The catch: An M visa ends automatically if you are out of the country for more than 180 consecutive days within each 365-day period (Resolución 5477, art. 65). Don't plan long stretches abroad without checking the rule.

Planning to stay for the long haul? Our roundup of the best places in Colombia for digital nomads can help you pick a home base. For more details on long-term visa options, check out our guides on the Digital Nomad Visa and Student Visa.

Real Talk: The Stressful Parts

Let me be honest about what made this process stressful for us:

The uncertainty: Because Colombian marriage laws leave room for interpretation, marriage requirements sometimes vary from notary to notary. What one notary says is mandatory, another says is optional.

The language barrier: If you don't speak Spanish, everything becomes more complicated and expensive. Having a Colombian partner who can handle the communication is a huge advantage.

The timeline stress: Between apostilles, translations, waiting periods, and notary schedules, plan for several months from start to finish (we'd say at least 3 to 4, as above). We thought we could do it in 4 weeks. We were very wrong.

The "what if"s: What if they reject a document? What if the translation isn't accepted? What if, what if, what if. Colombian bureaucracy can be unpredictable.

The foreigner upcharge: Be prepared to negotiate everything. The first price quoted to foreigners is rarely the fair price. Don't be afraid to push back or get help from a local friend.

Pro Tips From Someone Who's Been There

1. Do the legwork yourself if you can If you or your partner speaks Spanish, handle the notary hunting, translator negotiations, and document submissions yourself. You'll save hundreds of dollars and have more control over the process.

2. Start the document process immediately Don't wait until "closer to the date." Start getting apostilles and translations the moment you decide to get married in Colombia.

3. Get multiple copies of everything Birth certificates, apostilles, translations, marriage certificates—get extras. You'll need them for visas, banks, and who knows what else.

4. Budget more time and money than you think you need If you think it'll take 6 weeks, budget for 10. If you think it'll cost $800, budget for $1,200. (These are our rules of thumb, not official numbers.)

5. Join expat Facebook groups Groups like "Foreigners Living in Colombia" and "Expats in Medellín" have people who've done this recently. Their recommendations for notaries and translators are gold.

6. Negotiate everything Translator fees, interpreter rates, even some notary services—don't accept the first price. Especially if you're obviously a foreigner, you're likely being quoted the "gringo price." Negotiate fairly but firmly.

7. Have a local friend help if you don't speak Spanish This single tip can save you hundreds of dollars. Having someone local negotiate on your behalf or just be present during quotes can dramatically reduce the "foreigner tax."

8. Ask your specific notary for detailed info on complex situations If you have children from previous relationships, want a prenuptial agreement, or have any other complicating factors, get detailed information directly from your chosen notary. Requirements vary, and you want to know exactly what YOUR notary needs.

9. Factor in visa validity Keep track of your visa or tourist permit expiration dates throughout this process. The last thing you want is to become illegal while trying to get married. Check out our guide on extending your tourist visa if you need more time.

Is It Worth It?

Absolutely.

Yes, the paperwork was tedious. Yes, there were moments of "why didn't we just get married at home?" But standing there at sunset in the coffee region near Armenia, surrounded by mountains and the people we love, with Colombian music playing and our guests tearing up at how beautiful it all was—worth every stressful document chase.

Planning to give your guests something to do around the wedding? A day trip like Guatapé and El Peñol from Medellín is an easy add-on, and if you're timing a visit around local festivals, see our Feria de las Flores 2026 guide.

Colombia gives you the chance to have a wedding that's not just legal, but genuinely memorable. Whether you're doing a tiny civil ceremony in Bogotá or a full destination wedding with 100 guests in Cartagena, you're creating something special.

Just start early, stay organized, negotiate fairly, and don't be afraid to do the work yourself if you can.

Your Next Steps

If you're serious about getting married in Colombia:

1. Choose your city - Each has different notaries and translator availability
2. Pick your notary - Call 2-3 options and compare their requirements and prices
3. Order your documents - Get apostilles started immediately
4. Find a translator - Get quotes from multiple translators and negotiate
5. Budget realistically - Plan for roughly $500-1,500 for the legal process by our estimate (more if you hire help, less if you handle it yourself)
6. Build in extra time - Nothing in Colombia happens as fast as you think
7. Keep your visa valid - Check expiration dates and extend if needed

And if you need to extend your stay while you're getting everything sorted? Check out our guide on extending your tourist visa in Colombia.

Final Thought: Getting married in Colombia was easy-ish but stressful—kind of like Colombia itself. Beautiful, worth it, occasionally confusing, but ultimately one of the best decisions we made. Having lived there for 3 years before getting married definitely helped us navigate the system, but even if you're new to Colombia, you can absolutely do this with proper planning and realistic expectations.

Just remember: bring patience, negotiate when needed, and enjoy the process. You're not just getting a marriage certificate—you're getting a story you'll tell for years.

Want to read more about living and traveling in Colombia? Check out our other articles on visas, travel tips, and remote work opportunities. Have a specific question or want us to cover a particular topic? Send us an email at [email protected] with your blog requests—we'd love to hear from you!