Getting Married in Puerto Rico: Legal Requirements and Timeline

If you’ve been dreaming of getting married in Puerto Rico, with its stunning beaches, lush mountains, vibrant culture, and so much more… I’m so excited for you! Planning a destination wedding in Puerto Rico can feel overwhelming at first, especially when you’re navigating legal requirements in a new place. But I promise, getting married in Puerto Rico is more straightforward than you might think.

Can US Citizens Get Married in Puerto Rico?

Absolutely. Since Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, the process for getting married in Puerto Rico is accessible for U.S. citizens, and your marriage will be legally recognized throughout the United States. 

Whether you’re planning an intimate beach ceremony in San Juan or a celebration surrounded by family in the mountains, understanding the requirements to get married in Puerto Rico ahead of time will help you feel confident and prepared.

Getting Married in Puerto Rico Requirements: What You Need to Know

Let me go over the essentials so you can plan your timeline easily. Understanding what you need to get married in Puerto Rico will help you gather everything before your trip.

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

Before you can obtain your marriage license, you’ll need to collect a few important documents. Here’s what you need to get married in Puerto Rico:

Identification

• A valid government-issued ID (passport, state identification, or driver’s license)

Birth Certificate

• An original birth certificate or high-quality photocopy for each partner

Affidavit of Intention (if you’re not a Puerto Rico resident)

• A signed affidavit stating your intention to marry in Puerto Rico and return home
• This must be dated within 10 days of your wedding

IRS Stamp

• You’ll need an IRS stamp from a government office, which costs $30

Step 2: Medical Requirements to Get Married in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico requires proof that both partners are healthy to marry. This is one area where the requirements vary slightly depending on your residency status.

If at least one partner is a Puerto Rico resident:

• You’ll need blood tests conducted on the island

If neither partner is a Puerto Rico resident:

• You can provide a medical certificate that complies with the health requirements in your place of residence
• Bring a letter from your doctor stating that you’re healthy and medically approved to marry according to your state or country’s requirements
• If your state doesn’t require blood tests, make sure your medical certificate states this clearly
• If you don’t have this certificate, you’ll need to complete blood tests in Puerto Rico

Important timing note: Medical letters must be dated within 10 days of your wedding.

Step 3: Obtaining Your Marriage License in Puerto Rico

Once you have all your documents ready, it’s time to visit the Demographic Registry office to get your marriage license.

Most convenient location: CW6W+VJ4, Avenida Mayaguez despues, PR-25, San Juan, 00917, Puerto Rico

Office hours: Monday to Friday: 8am-3pm

The limited hours can make it harder to fit this into your travel schedule, so be sure to plan accordingly.

Step 4: Finding Your Officiant

Your officiant must be registered to perform weddings in Puerto Rico. Whether you choose a priest, minister, or judge, make sure they’re familiar with the local requirements.

After your ceremony, your officiant has an important responsibility: they must sign your paperwork and deliver the certificate, marriage license, and all other documents to the Demographic Registry of the municipality where your ceremony took place within 10 days of your wedding.

A note about signing your documents: You and your partner will need to review and sign all sections of the marriage certificate using permanent black or blue ink or a typewriter. Ball point pens won’t be accepted, so plan accordingly.

If either partner is under 21: A parent must accompany anyone under the age of 21 to obtain the marriage license and get married in Puerto Rico.

Step 5: Getting Your Marriage Certificate

Three weeks after your wedding, you can order a copy of your official marriage certificate online. If you need it sooner or prefer to handle it in person, you can also visit any Puerto Rico Demographic Registry office to request your copy.

How to Plan a Destination Wedding in Puerto Rico: Your Timeline

Here’s a helpful timeline to keep everything organized when planning a destination wedding in Puerto Rico:

18 months-2 years before your wedding: 

• Book your vendors! Some vendors can be booked 2 years in advance, so this should be your first step to getting married in Puerto Rico.

1 year before your wedding:

• Send out save the dates. This gives guests plenty of time to book travel.

9-12 months before your wedding: 

• Book travel. This is when you want flights and hotels secured. Pro-tip: Plan to have an extra 3-5 days on island before the big day for any last minute wedding prep.

10 days before your wedding:

• Obtain your affidavit of intention (if applicable)
• Get your medical certificate or letter from your doctor
• These documents must be dated within this 10-day window

During your trip:

• Visit the Demographic Registry office in San Juan to obtain your marriage license
• Bring all required documents and the $20 for your IRS stamp

Your wedding day:

• Exchange your vows with your registered officiant
• Sign your marriage certificate with permanent ink (not ball point)

Within 10 days after your wedding:

• Your officiant delivers all documents to the local Demographic Registry

Three weeks after your wedding:

• Order your official marriage certificate

Getting Married in San Juan Puerto Rico and Beyond

I know legal requirements can feel technical and impersonal, but each of these steps is simply creating the foundation for your marriage to be honored and recognized. As you move through this process, remember that this is just one small part of the incredible story you’re creating together.

Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony with just the two of you or gathering your loved ones to celebrate, Puerto Rico offers such a beautiful backdrop for your beginning. The warmth of the culture and the beauty of the landscape will fill your day with meaning.

Let’s Document Your Wedding in Puerto Rico

If you’re looking for someone to document your Puerto Rico wedding with the same care and intention you’re bringing to your planning, I’d be honored to hear your story. I photograph weddings throughout the island, and I approach every celebration with deep respect for your traditions and your love,

Congratulations on this beautiful chapter. Whether you’re getting married in Puerto Rico or still in the dreaming stage, inquire today and let’s document your wedding in Puerto Rico.

Con amor y cariño.

Angélica B. Rodríguez