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The wedding day is unforgettable, but beyond the celebration, the marriage must exist legally. In Colombia, the marriage certificate (Acta de Matrimonio or Registro Civil de Matrimonio) is the official document that proves the union exists under the law. It is essential for legal procedures like health insurance, property purchases, and inheritance rights.
What Is the Marriage Certificate?
The marriage certificate is the document that demonstrates the legal union of two people. It includes all data related to the registration of the marriage before Colombian law. This applies whether the ceremony was Catholic or civil, performed by a judge or notary, in Colombia or abroad, between two Colombians or a Colombian and a foreigner.
Why It Matters
This certificate means the spouses have rights and obligations that can only be enforced with this document. It proves the union legally exists. It is required for: applying for joint health insurance, buying property together, inheritance claims, visa applications for foreign spouses, and changing marital status on identification documents.
Requirements to Register a Marriage
For a civil marriage, the notary who performed the ceremony handles the registration directly. For a Catholic marriage, the church sends the marriage record to the notary within 5 days. You need valid identification (cédula) for both spouses. Some notaries may require witnesses’ IDs as well.
How to Request a Copy
In person: Visit any notary office in Colombia. Online: Use the Registraduría Nacional website. By email: Some notaries accept email requests with attached ID copies. The cost varies but is generally affordable — around COP 10,000-20,000 (approximately $2.50-$5 USD).
Same-Sex Marriage Registration
Same-sex marriages are fully recognized in Colombia. The registration process is identical to heterosexual marriages. All rights and obligations apply equally under Colombian law.
