Getting Married In Puerto Rico

Some couples are content to tie the knot at the courthouse down the road. But for those who are more adventurous, a destination wedding -- and an international marriage -- are a must. The Huffington Post's guide to international marriages will tell you everything you need to know to get legally married in Puerto Rico. Read on to ensure all of your paperwork is in order before booking your ticket. --Joan Bahr

Residency Requirement And Waiting Period

Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the United States. U.S. citizens can travel easily to Puerto Rico and do not have to be residents to marry there. There is no waiting period; however, a VDRL (venereal disease research laboratory) blood test is required from a physician in Puerto Rico, and the accompanying medical certificate expires 14 days from its issue date.

Intent To Marry

The official tourism website for Puerto Rico welcomes "those wishing to get married in paradise." U.S. citizens do not have to post their intent to marry.

The Ceremony

Judicial centers in Puerto Rico hold free weekly marriage ceremonies, and U.S. citizens can participate in these. Many hotels, resorts and travel agencies offer wedding packages as well, and there are no specific regulations on who may perform the ceremony.

The Marriage Certificate

Marriage licenses are issued by the Demographic Registry Office of the Puerto Rico Department of Health. The bride and groom must appear together at a city court office to purchase the license. U.S. citizens who are between 16 and 18 years old must have the consent of their parents or legal guardians.

Legal Documentation

U.S. citizens wishing to marry in Puerto Rico must have proof of identification and age, such as a passport or birth certificate. If either party has been previously married, a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate must be presented. A medical certificate from a Puerto Rico physician confirming the VDRL blood test is also required.

Same-Sex Marriage

Puerto Rico does not allow same-sex marriage. However, a formal constitutional ban against gay marriage, known as Resolution 99, failed in 2008, leaving open the possibility for civil unions or other marital rights for same-sex couples.

Additional Information

Puerto Rico is a popular wedding venue for U.S. citizens, and most travel agencies and resorts offer help to couples wishing to marry. Many resorts include information on their websites for the prospective bride and groom, and offer transportation and assistance with the paperwork.

View the full set of laws and regulations regarding marriage in Puerto Rico.

Learn more about getting married abroad here.

Comments

[wmcw]

01:35 PM on 02/10/2012

First of all, aside from STATE regulations, getting married in Puerto Rico is no different to any American living in, say, Iowa, as getting married in Maine, California or Oregon (to say a few). Puerto Rico is NOT an International location. It is part of the United States. The same FEDERAL laws that apply to these States apply to Puerto Rico, including the same rights to its residents as we all have here on the Mainland. Also, the same marriage portability laws that apply to any American that marry in one of the States, apply to any American that gets married in Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico is NOT a Commonwealth of the United States. It is an unincorporated territory. Same as Hawaii was right up until the day they became a State. Yes, it is a VERY nice place to get married. Calling it an International location takes away from how easy and practical it is to get married there. Last, you emphasize what US Citizens can do to get married. To be clear, ALL Puerto Ricans ARE US Citizens. There are no exceptions!

[puertoricoistheplace]

10:57 PM on 02/09/2012

Puerto Rico is a wonderful location to get married. To know more about Puerto Rico: http://www.puertoricoistheplace.com/