How much does it cost to get married at the registry office? Can you get married for free? Check it out!

These days, the idea of a large wedding is no longer as common, and many couples opt for a simpler civil ceremony. However, it's crucial to understand the costs involved in this type of wedding.

Understanding values is crucial for those who wish to take this significant step in life, joining in marriage and building a family.

After all, a wedding deserves a solid start. This is a truly special moment, but it also involves expenses that require proper planning according to your budget.

The costs associated with a civil wedding can vary depending on your region, but the general expenses are similar, allowing you to estimate the average costs. Continue reading this article for more information.

Read our article for more information and find out how much it costs to get married at the registry office.

How much does it cost to get married at the registry office?

The costs of getting married at a registry office can vary significantly depending on the region and the specific registry office where you intend to hold the ceremony.

Typically, expenses include registry office fees, the cost of the marriage license, and in some cases, there may be additional costs for the ceremony itself.

For a more accurate estimate of the costs involved, it's a good idea to contact the local registry office where you plan to get married. They'll be able to provide detailed information on the fees and requirements specific to your region.

Also, remember to factor in other potential expenses, such as attire, rings, bouquet, and post-ceremony celebration, if desired. Having a clear budget from the start will help you plan a civil wedding that meets your financial needs and expectations.

How much does it cost to get married at the registry office in the main capitals of Brazil?

It's important to note that wedding costs vary by city. To get an idea of the costs, see the table below with the averages for Brazilian capitals:

Note that the cost varies in each capital city. In other municipalities, the cost will vary significantly, typically following the cost of each capital city.

What do you need to get married at the registry office? Requirements

To have a wedding at the registry office, the bride and groom must meet the following requirements:

• Be over 18 years old.
• Not being prevented by law from getting married.
• Present the necessary documentation.

The mandatory documents for marriage are:

• Original birth certificate.
• Photo ID.
• CPF.
• Proof of residence.
• Declaration of marital status.
• Declaration of assets.

The marital status declaration is a document that certifies the marital status of the bride or groom. For single brides and grooms, an original birth certificate is required.

Divorced couples must present a marriage certificate with the divorce endorsement. Widowed couples must present a marriage certificate with the death endorsement of the deceased spouse.

The declaration of assets is a document that lists the bride or groom's assets. This information is crucial for defining the marital property regime. The property regime consists of a set of rules that establish how the couple's assets will be divided in the event of separation or divorce.

Marriage qualification process

The bride and groom must go to the civil registry office in the location where they wish to get married to begin the marriage registration process, which takes an average of around 30 days.

During this period, the registry office evaluates the documentation presented and verifies that the legal requirements are being met.

The civil marriage ceremony takes place at the civil registry office itself. It may be conducted by a justice of the peace or a notary. The ceremony is generally simple and quick.

After the wedding ceremony, the registry office registers the marriage in the civil registry book, which is essential for the marriage to be legally valid.

The main tips for getting married at the registry office are:

• Start the marriage license process early.
• Make sure you know the documents required by the registry office.
• Choose a notary office that offers hours and prices that meet your needs.
• Prepare in advance for the ceremony.

How to save money by getting married at the registry office?

Choosing a registry office wedding is an excellent option for those looking to save money on their wedding ceremony. The total cost of a civil wedding can vary considerably depending on the couple's decisions, including fees, additional services, and decorations.

Here are some valuable tips to save money when having a wedding at the registry office:

• Choose the Day and Time Carefully: Getting married during the week or during business hours is generally more economical, as many registry offices offer lower fees under these circumstances.
• Registry Office Search: Before making a decision, research prices at different notary offices to find more affordable options.
• Simple Ceremony Venue: Choose a simple ceremony location, such as the registry office itself, or an outdoor setting, such as a park or garden.
• Avoid Extra Services: Eliminate additional services like decorations or catering, and consider doing the decorating yourself or hiring a professional to do more basic work.
• Price Negotiation: Don't hesitate to ask for discounts from suppliers involved in the wedding process.

In addition to these procedures, you should anticipate the steps of the Civil Marriage to get more discounts.

In the marriage registration process, consider the following steps:

• Start Early: Start the marriage license process early to allow more time to save.
• Documentation Verification: Make sure you understand which documents are strictly necessary to avoid extra fees for superfluous documents.

Regarding the wedding ceremony, you can save money in the following ways:

• Choose a Convenient Notary Office: Choose a notary's office with hours and prices that fit your budget, as some offer more affordable hours.
• Simplicity in the Ceremony: Opt for a simple ceremony, either at the registry office or in a relaxed location, such as a park or garden.
• Eliminate Superfluous Services: Avoid hiring extra services, such as decoration or catering, and consider doing the decoration yourself or hiring a professional for basic work.

In addition to these guidelines, don't hesitate to ask the registry office for discounts on your marriage registration.

By following these guidelines, you will be well prepared to have a cost-effective and meaningful civil wedding at the registry office.

Is it possible to get married for free in a civil ceremony?

Yes. It is possible to get married at the registry office for free!

According to article 1,512 of the Brazilian Civil Code, it is possible to obtain an exemption from wedding fees for couples who prove that they do not have the financial means to cover the costs of a civil marriage.

This legal provision aims to ensure that marriage is accessible to all citizens.

To be exempt from wedding fees, the bride and groom must meet certain requirements and follow certain procedures:

• Proof of Financial Need: The bride and groom must demonstrate that they cannot afford to pay the wedding fees. This proof is essential to qualify for the exemption.
• Declaration of Insufficiency: To formally prove financial hardship, the bride and groom must sign a declaration called a "Declaration of Insufficiency." This declaration is created at the registry office where the necessary documents for the marriage will be presented. It is important to emphasize that all information provided in the Declaration of Insufficiency must be truthful, as false statements can result in legal consequences.

The purpose of this law is to promote equality and accessibility to civil marriage. It ensures that couples facing financial hardship are not prevented from formalizing their union for purely economic reasons. The exemption from fees allows marriage to be a viable option for all citizens, regardless of their financial situation.

Important Notes:

• The fee exemption should not be confused with the free civil marriage. The exemption applies to certain specific weddings, such as those held on Free Marriage Day, where registry offices offer the ceremony free of charge, regardless of the couple's financial situation.
• It is crucial that engaged couples are aware of the legal requirements and procedures in their specific jurisdiction, as the application and interpretation of the law may vary from location to location.

Thus, Article 1,512 of the Brazilian Civil Code establishes an important legal provision that allows the exemption of wedding fees for couples who demonstrate financial need, ensuring that civil marriage is accessible to all citizens, regardless of their economic situation.

This is an important measure to promote equality and inclusion in access to marriage.

Frequently Asked Questions

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