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Marriage in a foreign country is performed usually by authorities of that country, in conjunction with its existing laws. In Colombia, it's a complicated, document-intensive process. So, careful advance planning is a must.
Marriages in Colombia can be performed in a civil or religious ceremony. Civil weddings are performed by a Colombian official known as a notary (called a notario in Spanish). Notary offices are located throughout Colombia and are plentiful in large cities. So, first step should be to contact a notary to discuss required documents and other procedures. Many notaries have websites with helpful information. Alternatively, you or your fiancé(e) can call or visit one in person. Once you select a notary, it is important to find out what he or she demands. You can use any notary, and if your's makes unrealistic demands, you can contact other ones.
In all cases, the notary requires certified copies of both spouses' birth certificates. For birth certificates issued in the United States, you will need to obtain a Spanish-language translation of the document.
Both spouses will also be asked to present proof that they are eligible to marry - in other words, that they are not currently married. Some notaries may allow you to present signed, notarized letters from friends or family, swearing that you are unmarried.
Religious weddings in Colombia are handled by individual religious officials and involve similar documentary procedures, along with additional religious requirements. After a religious wedding, the marriage must be registered at a notary's office.
Once you are married, there is no legal requirement that you notify the Embassy of your marriage, except in the course of requesting a foreign spouse's immigrant visa.
