Overview of marriage laws in Argentina
Marriage in Argentina is governed by the Código Civil y Comercial de la Nación (CCyC, Law 26.994), the national civil code that sets out the legal conditions for a valid marriage, including who may marry, what impediments exist, and how property is handled. Argentina's official government portal publishes an official plain-language summary of these rules under the title "Ley simple: Matrimonio", which references the CCyC and covers key cases such as the declaration of a matrimonial agreement and the documentation required if a prior marriage has been dissolved. The updated text of the CCyC is also hosted on the website's normativa section and includes references to dissolution documentation and notarial registry requirements for matrimonial agreements.
For expats, the most practical starting point is the CCyC itself, combined with the specific rules of the provincial or city civil registry (Registro Civil) where the ceremony will take place. Provincial registries in Santa Fe, Mendoza, Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Salta, and Tierra del Fuego each publish their own procedural requirements, and these can differ meaningfully in terms of documents, timelines, and fees. The civil act performed before a Registro Civil official is the legally binding instrument in Argentina; couples planning additional religious ceremonies must complete the civil registration separately.
Conditions to get married in Argentina
To marry in Argentina, both parties must have legal capacity and must be free of legal impediments as defined by the CCyC. The Gobierno de Mendoza publishes an explicit list of prohibited marriages: direct-line relatives of all degrees, siblings (full or half), in-laws in direct line, anyone already in an existing marriage until the divorce is formally registered, anyone convicted of the intentional homicide of a former spouse, persons under 18 in most cases, and certain situations involving mental health that require judicial dispensation.
The minimum age rule in Mendoza's published guidance states that no one under 18 may marry without exception unless they are between 16 and 17, in which case authorization from legal representatives is required, or under 16, in which case a judicial dispensation is needed. Marriage is defined in Mendoza's official summary as "the union of two persons," and the eligibility criteria listed there make no reference to sex or gender, consistent with Argentina's national framework for same-sex marriage.
In the City of Buenos Aires (CABA), the prenuptial medical certificate is explicitly stated as optional, not mandatory, for a civil marriage before the CABA registry official. Couples should confirm the specific requirements of the registry in their chosen province, as individual jurisdictions publish their own procedural details.
In Santa Fe Province, both parties must appear in person at the registry 30 days before the chosen ceremony date to request an appointment. The number of witnesses required also varies by venue: 2 witnesses aged 18 or over for ceremonies held in registry offices, and 4 witnesses aged 18 or over for ceremonies held in private homes or event halls. All witnesses must present their national identity document (DNI) at the ceremony.
Marriage configurations in Argentina
Civil marriage before a Registro Civil official is the legally recognized form of marriage in Argentina for all couples, including those where one or both partners are foreign nationals. The civil act produces full legal effects nationwide. Same-sex couples have the same access to civil marriage as different-sex couples.
Foreign nationals, including tourists and those with temporary immigration permission, may marry in Argentina, but documentation requirements may vary by province. Tierra del Fuego's Registro Civil explicitly includes a category for "foreign tourists or those with temporary permission in the country" and lists specific documents for this group: a passport with a valid visa and/or proof of migration movement verified through the official Migraciones platform, plus a domicile certificate issued by the nearest police station.
In CABA, booking a marriage appointment requires that both parties hold a valid DNI and that at least one party has a CABA address registered on their DNI. Witnesses must also have a domicile in Argentina registered in their DNI, and 4 witnesses are required for certain ceremony types. The CABA appointment booking page allows couples to request a slot at the central registry or at communal offices.
A specific procedural case applies in Buenos Aires Province when an Argentine citizen and a foreign national who was divorced abroad wish to marry: Buenos Aires Province requires an administrative authorization process with specific documentation, including a translated and legalized divorce judgment and a formal request note addressed to the Dirección Provincial. The details of this process are published by the Provincia de Buenos Aires Registro de las Personas.
Good to know:
The legally binding form of marriage in Argentina is the civil ceremony conducted before a Registro Civil official. Mendoza's government describes the process as follows: the marriage is celebrated before a public official of the civil registry and recorded in an official act ("acta"). This civil act is the legal instrument that creates the marriage under Argentine law. Religious ceremonies do not produce independent civil legal effects in Argentina. Couples who wish to hold a religious ceremony in addition to a civil one must complete the civil registration as a separate step.
Prenuptial agreements in Argentina
Argentina's CCyC gives couples the right to choose their property regime at the time of marriage. This choice must be made before or at the moment of the civil ceremony. Two regimes are available: the comunidad de bienes (community of property) and the separación de bienes (separation of property). If no choice is made, the default regime is comunidad de bienes.
Santa Fe Province's official marriage procedure requires couples to declare one of three options: "Comunidad de Bienes," "Separación de Bienes" (both made by declaration), or a "Convención Matrimonial," which requires a public deed (escritura pública) to be provided at the time of registration. Tierra del Fuego's Registro Civil similarly states that the choice between the two regimes can be made in the marriage act up to the moment of the ceremony itself; later modifications after the wedding require a public deed and submission for registration in the marriage act.
The Colegio de Escribanos de Santa Fe confirms that if couples wish to choose their property regime via a formal matrimonial agreement (Convención Matrimonial), either before or after the wedding, this must be done through a notarially executed public deed. Expats planning cross-border asset arrangements should be aware that Argentine registries require the choice of property regime to be formalized through local notarial procedures.
Required documents for marriage in Argentina
Document requirements vary by province and by the personal circumstances of each applicant. The following breakdown covers the main scenarios documented by official provincial sources.
Standard documents:
- DNI (national identity document) for both parties
- Parents' data for both parties: DNI number, full name, address, and occupation
- If the couple has children in common: birth certificate(s) for those children
- Witnesses' DNI documents, presented at the ceremony (2 for registry-office ceremonies; 4 for ceremonies in private homes or event halls)
If one or both parties are divorced (Santa Fe Province): the marriage record with the marginal divorce annotation must be presented, legalized and updated, with no exceptions.
If one or both parties are widowed (Santa Fe Province): the prior marriage record plus the death record must be presented, both legalized and updated, with no exceptions.
For foreign tourists or those with temporary immigration status (Tierra del Fuego):
- Passport with valid visa and/or proof of migration movement verified via the official Migraciones platform
- A domicile certificate issued by the nearest police station
Apostille and legalization requirements: Salta's Registro Civil explicitly states that all foreign-issued records must be apostilled in the country of origin before they can be accepted. The Registro Civil Salta also requires that certain records, such as a prior marriage certificate combined with a death certificate, be no older than 6 months at the time of submission. For apostille or legalization applied to a certified public translation, Argentina's Cancillería requires that the underlying original document already carry an apostille or legalization from the issuing authority; the request is then initiated through the TAD (Trámites a Distancia) platform.
In Buenos Aires, both parties must hold a valid DNI, and at least one must have a CABA address registered on their DNI. Witnesses must also have an Argentine domicile registered in their DNI.
Role of embassies and consulates in Argentina
Argentina's Cancillería manages apostille and legalization services for documents that need international validity, including certified public translations. The process is handled through the TAD platform and requires that the underlying original document already hold an apostille or legalization from the issuing authority, whether Argentine or foreign.
For expats who need their Argentine marriage recognized in their home country, the relevant step is usually to contact their own country's embassy or consulate in Argentina to ask about the registration or transcription process. Procedures and documentation requirements vary by nationality and by the consular jurisdiction covering the expat's place of residence in Argentina. Contact the relevant consulate directly to confirm what is currently required and available.
Planning timeline for marriage in Argentina
The minimum planning window imposed by Argentine provincial rules is 30 days. In Santa Fe Province, both parties must appear in person at the Registro Civil 30 days before the chosen ceremony date to formally request the appointment. For departments in Mendoza outside the Gran Mendoza area (the Sur, Este, and Valle de Uco zones), the official guidance also references a 30-day advance visit to the local office, at which point the witness interview is scheduled.
In Gran Mendoza (covering the city of Mendoza, Luján, Guaymallén, Godoy Cruz, and Maipú), appointments can be requested online rather than in person. CABA also offers an online booking process through its official portal.
The 30-day local appointment window does not account for the time needed to apostille, legalize, or translate foreign documents. Foreign nationals who need to obtain apostilles from their country of origin and then have translations certified and legalized through Argentina's Cancillería via the TAD platform should allow additional weeks in their timeline before the 30-day registry window opens. The exact time needed depends on the issuing country and the type of document.
Good to know: In Córdoba city, the Municipalidad de Córdoba allows couples to initiate the marriage appointment request either in person at the Registro Civil Central or at CPCs (neighborhood centers), or digitally through the provincial registry system if they hold a CiDi Nivel 2 (digital identity) credential.
Marriage procedures in Argentina
The civil marriage procedure in Argentina follows the same broad sequence across provinces, though the specific steps, booking methods, and venue options differ by jurisdiction.
Step 1: Book the appointment. Couples must contact or visit the Registro Civil in their chosen province or city and request a turno (appointment).
Step 2: Choose the venue. In Santa Fe Province, marriages can be celebrated either in Registro Civil offices or in private homes and event halls under the provisions of Ley 12.229. Home ceremonies are limited to specified days and hours, and the civil registry official's travel costs are paid by the couple. Registry-office ceremonies are the standard option.
Step 3: Declare the property regime. At or before the ceremony, the couple must declare their chosen property regime: comunidad de bienes, separación de bienes, or a formal matrimonial agreement via public deed. If no declaration is made, the default is comunidad de bienes.
Step 4: The ceremony. The marriage is celebrated before a Registro Civil official, who records it in an official act (acta). Witnesses must be present and must present their DNI at the ceremony.
Step 5: Obtain the marriage testimony. After the ceremony, the couple receives the first testimony of the marriage (primer testimonio del matrimonio). In Mendoza, for standard office ceremonies, this document is issued free of charge.
Costs and fees for marriage in Argentina
Civil marriage fees in Argentina are set at the provincial level and vary significantly depending on the venue and time of the ceremony. The following figures are published by Santa Fe Province on its official portal:
- Ceremonies in registry offices or public spaces: ARS 2,000 (approximately USD 1.42)
- Registry-office ceremonies after 13:00 on business days: ARS 45,000 (approximately USD 32.03)
- Home ceremonies under Ley 12.229: ARS 250,000 (approximately USD 177.94)
In Mendoza, the standard office ceremony and the issuance of the first marriage testimony are described as entirely free ("totalmente gratuitas"). If the couple chooses to marry at a registry office outside the jurisdiction corresponding to their domicile, additional witnesses and payment of two fee codes (Código N° 239) are required; the exact amount for these codes is not stated in Mendoza's published guidance.
Fees are set by each province and can change. Always confirm the current fee schedule directly with the Registro Civil where you plan to marry before the ceremony date.
Wedding traditions and customs in Argentina
Argentine weddings typically combine the civil ceremony with a separate celebration, often held in the evening. The civil act at the Registro Civil is the legally binding step; social and family celebrations are organized independently. Receptions tend to run late into the night, and it is common for guests to arrive well after the stated start time. Formal attire is standard for evening receptions, though expectations vary by region and family. The civil ceremony itself is typically a brief, formal proceeding conducted in the registry office or at the chosen venue, with witnesses present as required by law.
After the wedding in Argentina
Once the civil ceremony is complete, the marriage is recorded in an official act (acta) by the Registro Civil. The couple receives the first testimony of the marriage, which serves as the primary proof of the civil union. In Mendoza, the first testimony issued following a standard office ceremony is free of charge.
Expats who need their Argentine marriage recognized in another country should contact the consulate or embassy of their home country in Argentina to confirm the process for transcription or registration. Each country's requirements differ, and the competent consular jurisdiction will determine the applicable procedure and documentation. Contact your country's embassy or consulate directly to confirm what is currently available and what documents are needed.
Frequently asked questions about marriage in Argentina
Do we need to be residents of Argentina to get married, or can tourists marry?
Residency is not a universal requirement for marriage in Argentina, but documentation requirements for tourists and those with temporary immigration status are province-specific. Tierra del Fuego's Registro Civil explicitly includes a category for foreign tourists and those with temporary permission, requiring a passport with a valid visa and/or proof of migration movement via the official Migraciones platform, plus a domicile certificate from the nearest police station. Check the Registro Civil in the province where you plan to marry for the specific rules that apply to your situation.
How far in advance do we need to book an appointment to get married?
In Santa Fe Province, both partners must appear in person at the registry 30 days before the chosen ceremony date to request the appointment. Mendoza's official guidance references the same 30-day advance period for departments outside Gran Mendoza. In Gran Mendoza and CABA, bookings can be made online. Always confirm the lead time with the local Registro Civil, as procedures can differ across jurisdictions.
How many witnesses do we need, and do they need Argentine ID?
In Santa Fe Province, 2 witnesses aged 18 or over are required for ceremonies held in registry offices, and 4 witnesses aged 18 or over are required for ceremonies in private homes or event halls; all witnesses must present their DNI at the ceremony. In CABA, witnesses must have a domicile in Argentina registered in their DNI, and 4 witnesses are required for certain ceremony types. Requirements vary by jurisdiction, so confirm the witness rules with the Registro Civil where you plan to marry.
What documents are required if one or both partners are divorced or widowed?
Santa Fe Province's official procedure requires divorced applicants to present the prior marriage record with the marginal divorce annotation, legalized and updated, with no exceptions. Widowed applicants must present the prior marriage record plus the death record, both legalized and updated, also with no exceptions. Buenos Aires Province has a specific administrative authorization process for cases where an Argentine citizen is marrying a foreign national who was divorced abroad, which involves submitting a translated and legalized divorce judgment. Requirements vary by province, so confirm the exact documents needed with your local Registro Civil.
Can we choose separation of property when we marry?
Yes. Santa Fe Province's official marriage procedure requires couples to declare a choice between "Comunidad de Bienes," "Separación de Bienes," or a formal "Convención Matrimonial" backed by a public deed. Tierra del Fuego states the choice can be made in the marriage act up to the moment of the ceremony, with later modifications requiring a public deed. If no choice is made, the default under the CCyC is comunidad de bienes.
How much does a civil marriage cost in Argentina?
Fees are set provincially and vary by venue and time. Santa Fe Province publishes the following: ARS 2,000 for ceremonies in registry offices or public spaces; ARS 45,000 for registry-office ceremonies after 13:00 on business days; and ARS 250,000 for home ceremonies under Ley 12.229. In Mendoza, the standard office ceremony and first testimony are free. Fees can change, so confirm the current schedule with the local Registro Civil before your ceremony date.
Do we need apostilles and certified translations for foreign documents?
Yes, in several provinces. Salta's Registro Civil explicitly states that all foreign-issued records must be apostilled in the country of origin. Argentina's Cancillería explains that when an apostille or legalization is applied to a certified public translation, the underlying original must already carry an apostille or legalization from the issuing authority, and the process is initiated through the TAD platform. Confirm the specific document formatting and apostille requirements with the Registro Civil in your chosen province.
Can we get married outside the civil registry office?
Yes, in some provinces. Santa Fe Province allows ceremonies in private homes or event halls under Ley 12.229, subject to specified days and hours, with the couple paying the travel costs of the civil registry official. The fee for a home ceremony in Santa Fe is ARS 250,000 (approximately USD 177.94). A higher witness requirement of 4 people also applies for these venues. Check the rules and fees for your specific province or city before making arrangements.
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Useful links:
Argentina.gob.ar: Ley simple: Matrimonio
Cancillería Argentina: Apostilla / Legalización con validez internacional (TAD)
Buenos Aires Ciudad: Solicitud de turno para matrimonios en sede central o comunales
Provincia de Buenos Aires: Matrimonio de ciudadanos argentinos y extranjeros divorciados en el exterior
Registro Civil Salta: Matrimonios en el organismo
Provincia de Santa Fe: Matrimonio: Celebración e inscripción en Registro Civil (PDF)
Gobierno de Tierra del Fuego: Matrimonio
