Documents that are in English will usually need to have a sworn translation attached. In some cases they may need to bear the Hague Apostle as well, which is available from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London.

Marriage customs in Spain
Weddings in Spain are big business and taken very seriously. We interviewed several couples who had recently been married and discovered the following:

In Andalucia weddings bear a special religious meaning and are very traditional, especially in the Seville area and there are many unique traditions. It is usual for a couple to be engaged beforehand and this is symbolised by the giving of a necklace or a ring to the bride-to-be. The engagement can last several years and during this time the couple will purchase a home. Although attitudes are changing, it is not normal for the couple to live together. At the point of engagement, the man will ask his girlfriend's father for permission to marry his daughter. He may present her father with a watch.

The wedding is likely to be a very large event with hundreds of guests. It is likely to cost a huge amount of money, with no expense spared. It is unlucky for the bride to see the groom the night before the wedding. The bride will travel to the church with her father who gives her away. A traditional white dress may be worn or sometimes a genuine flamenco dress. She will have several flower girls and boys, dressed to match. The ceremony will last anywhere up to an hour and communion is often taken at the same time. During the ceremony, rings will be exchanged, often identical. These will be worn on the right hand.

The bride and groom will often exchange a pouch of 13 gold coins during the ceremony, (pic below). This is a symbol of sharing everything with each other. Sometimes these coins will have been in the family for many, many years. Nowadays though it is common to purchase a cheap set of imitation gold coins. The bride will also carry a bouquet which is tossed into the air after the wedding. The girl that catches it is said to be the next to marry. The bride may also have a basket of pins. The pins often resemble lilies or orchids. These pins are given to all the ladies at the reception. They will wear them upside down whilst dancing. If the pin falls out, the girl will marry.

After the church ceremony the bride and groom may be taken away to have their photographs taken. From here they will go to the reception which will be a party of massive proportions and go on all night. A honeymoon is normal.

Spanish culture and marriage
Although the trend is changing, it is traditional in Spain for a young couple intending to marry, to purchase a home together before the wedding but not to live together until after the wedding. the couple may also furnish the home and even rent it out until after the wedding. This rental income helps to pay the mortgage.