So, you're thinking about tying the knot and you're from Argentina or Puerto Rico, or maybe you're planning a destination wedding? Awesome! Getting married involves a bit of paperwork and understanding the legalities, so let's break down what you need to know about marriage requirements for Argentinians and Puerto Ricans.

Marriage Requirements for Argentinians

If you're Argentinian and planning to get married, whether it's in Argentina, Puerto Rico, or anywhere else, there are some essential requirements you need to be aware of. Ensuring you have all your documents in order and understand the legal framework will save you a lot of headaches and make your special day go smoothly. Let’s dive into the details.

Required Documents

First off, documentation is key. You'll generally need these documents:

• Valid Passport: Make sure your passport is valid and not expiring anytime soon! Most countries require at least six months of validity remaining.
• Birth Certificate: An official copy of your birth certificate is crucial. You might need to get it translated and apostilled, depending on where you're getting married.
• National Identity Document (DNI): Your Documento Nacional de Identidad (DNI) is an important form of identification.
• Proof of Address: A utility bill or official letter with your name and address will usually do the trick.
• Divorce Decree (if applicable): If you've been divorced, you'll need to provide an official copy of the divorce decree. Again, translation and apostille might be necessary.
• Death Certificate of Previous Spouse (if applicable): If you’re a widow or widower, you’ll need to provide the death certificate of your previous spouse.
• Certificate of No Impediment (Certificado de Soltería): This document certifies that you are single and free to marry. You can usually obtain this from the civil registry in Argentina.

Legal Age

In Argentina, the legal age to get married is 18. If you're under 18, you'll need parental consent. Always double-check the specific age requirements of the location where you plan to marry, as they might differ.

Same-Sex Marriage

Argentina legalized same-sex marriage in 2010, so same-sex couples have the same legal rights and requirements as heterosexual couples when it comes to marriage.

Residency Requirements

There are no specific residency requirements to get married in Argentina if you're not a citizen. However, if you're marrying an Argentinian citizen and plan to stay in Argentina long-term, you'll need to consider residency and immigration processes.

Translation and Apostille

If you're getting married outside of Argentina, chances are you'll need to get your documents translated and apostilled. An apostille is an authentication certificate that makes your documents valid internationally under the Hague Convention. You can obtain an apostille from the relevant authorities in Argentina. Make sure to check the specific requirements of the country where you're getting married.

Important Tips for Argentinians Marrying Abroad

• Start Early: Gather your documents well in advance. The process can take longer than you expect.
• Check Local Laws: Understand the marriage laws of the country where you plan to marry. Some countries have specific requirements for foreign citizens.
• Consular Assistance: Contact the Argentinian consulate or embassy in the country where you're getting married. They can provide assistance and guidance.
• Legal Advice: Consider consulting with a lawyer who specializes in international marriage law. They can provide personalized advice based on your situation.

Marriage Requirements for Puerto Ricans

For those of you from Puerto Rico, getting married also involves a set of specific requirements. Whether you're planning a beautiful beach wedding in Puerto Rico or jetting off to another destination, knowing what's needed will ensure your marriage is legally recognized and stress-free. Let’s break it down.

Required Documents

Just like with Argentina, having the right documents is crucial. Here’s what you’ll typically need:

• Valid Photo Identification: A driver’s license, passport, or any other government-issued photo ID will work.
• Birth Certificate: You'll need an official copy of your birth certificate. Make sure it’s the certified version.
• Social Security Card: Your Social Security card is generally required for identification purposes.
• Medical Certificate: In Puerto Rico, you and your partner will need to get a medical certificate confirming you've had the necessary blood tests (such as for STIs like syphilis) and a rubella test for women of childbearing age. This certificate is usually valid for 10 days.
• Divorce Decree (if applicable): If either of you has been divorced, an official copy of the divorce decree is necessary.
• Death Certificate of Previous Spouse (if applicable): Widows or widowers must provide the death certificate of their deceased spouse.
• Affidavit of Single Status: This document verifies that you are single and eligible to marry. You can obtain this from the Demographic Registry in Puerto Rico.

Legal Age

The legal age to get married in Puerto Rico is 18. If you’re 16 or 17, you can get married with parental consent. Always verify the age requirements, as they can change.

Same-Sex Marriage

Same-sex marriage is legal in Puerto Rico since the Supreme Court's decision in 2015, so same-sex couples have the same rights and requirements as heterosexual couples.

Residency Requirements

There are no specific residency requirements to get married in Puerto Rico. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, you can get married on the island as long as you meet the documentation requirements.

Blood Tests and Medical Certificate

One of the unique requirements in Puerto Rico is the need for blood tests and a medical certificate. Both you and your partner will need to get tested for certain diseases, and women of childbearing age will need a rubella test. The medical certificate confirms that you’ve met these requirements and is valid for a limited time, so plan accordingly.

Important Tips for Puerto Ricans Marrying Abroad

• Start Early: Collect all necessary documents well in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
• Check Destination Requirements: If you’re getting married outside of Puerto Rico, make sure to check the specific marriage laws and requirements of that country or state.
• Apostille: If you need to use your Puerto Rican documents in another country, you might need to get them apostilled. Contact the Puerto Rico Department of State for information on how to do this.
• Legal Consultation: Consider consulting with a lawyer who specializes in international marriage law to ensure all your bases are covered.

Marrying Between an Argentinian and a Puerto Rican

So, what happens if an Argentinian and a Puerto Rican decide to get married? Well, it adds another layer of coordination, but it's totally doable! Here’s what you need to consider:

Where to Marry

You have a few options:

• Argentina: If you choose to marry in Argentina, the Puerto Rican partner will need to meet the requirements for foreign citizens getting married in Argentina. This includes providing a valid passport, birth certificate, and possibly a certificate of no impediment.
• Puerto Rico: If you choose to marry in Puerto Rico, the Argentinian partner will need to meet the requirements for foreign citizens getting married in Puerto Rico. This includes providing a valid passport, birth certificate, and possibly an affidavit of single status.
• Another Country: You can also choose to get married in a third country. In this case, you’ll both need to meet the marriage requirements of that country. This might be a simpler option if the requirements are less stringent.

Documentation

Regardless of where you choose to marry, both partners will need to gather the necessary documents. This includes:

• Valid Passports: Both partners need valid passports.
• Birth Certificates: Both partners need official copies of their birth certificates.
• Proof of Single Status: Both partners need to prove they are single and eligible to marry. This might involve obtaining a certificate of no impediment or an affidavit of single status.
• Divorce or Death Certificates (if applicable): If either partner has been previously married, they’ll need to provide divorce or death certificates.

Translation and Apostille

Depending on where you get married, you might need to get your documents translated and apostilled. For example, if you’re getting married in Argentina and the Puerto Rican partner’s documents are in English, you’ll need to get them translated into Spanish and apostilled.

Legal Considerations

It’s always a good idea to consult with a lawyer who specializes in international marriage law. They can help you navigate the legal complexities and ensure that your marriage is recognized in both Argentina and Puerto Rico. Getting professional advice can save you a lot of headaches down the road.

Tips for a Smooth Process

• Plan Ahead: Start planning well in advance. Gathering documents and navigating legal requirements can take time.
• Communicate: Stay in close communication with each other and with any relevant authorities, such as consulates or embassies.
• Be Organized: Keep all your documents organized and easily accessible.
• Seek Help: Don’t be afraid to seek help from professionals, such as lawyers or translators.

Conclusion

Getting married is an exciting time, and understanding the marriage requirements for Argentinians and Puerto Ricans is crucial for a smooth process. Whether you're both from the same place or coming from different backgrounds, being prepared with the right documents and knowledge will make your special day even more memorable. So, take a deep breath, gather your documents, and get ready to say "I do!"