Same-sex marriage in Andorra

Evolution of partnership laws

The journey toward equal marriage began with the introduction of stable unions in March 2005. These partnerships offered some social security and employment rights but excluded adoption for same-sex pairs. In December 2014, the government enacted civil unions, which granted joint adoption rights and brought most marital benefits to same-sex couples. However, LGBT groups criticized this law as discriminatory because it maintained a separate category from marriage. All existing civil unions were automatically converted into marriages when the new law took effect in early 2023.

Legislative path to equality

Early attempts to legalize same-sex marriage failed in 2014 due to political opposition. A second proposal emerged in 2020 as part of a broader family code reform. After extensive public consultation, the General Council approved the measure in July 2022 with eighteen votes in favor. The legislation initially distinguished between civil and canonical marriages, but the Constitutional Court ruled this distinction unconstitutional in December 2022. Parliament subsequently removed the religious terminology, establishing a single, unified concept of matrimony for all citizens.

Legal rights and procedures

Marriage officers cannot refuse to officiate a ceremony unless they have previously registered their objection with the civil registry. If an officer declines, another official must perform the rite. The law guarantees identical rights for all spouses, including access to assisted reproduction technologies for lesbian couples. There are no restrictions based on gender or sexual orientation. The legal framework ensures that same-sex marriages carry the same weight regarding inheritance, taxation, and parental responsibilities as traditional unions.

How Same-sex marriage in Andorra is kept

Couples apply for marriage through the civil registry. They must meet standard residency and age requirements. The ceremony is conducted by a state-appointed officer. No religious affiliation is required. The process concludes with the signing of the register, granting full legal status immediately.

When and where

Available year-round once the couple meets legal criteria. The law has been active since February 2023.

Primarily in Andorra la Vella and other municipalities within the Principality of Andorra.

What Same-sex marriage in Andorra means

The practice symbolizes the complete legal and social integration of LGBTQ+ individuals. It represents a shift from segregated partnership models to universal equality under the law.

Who takes part

• Marriage officers: Solemnize the union and manage the civil registry
• The General Council: Votes on and passes the marriage legislation
• Constitutional Court: Reviews the constitutionality of marriage definitions

Then and now

Civil unions are no longer an option. All couples must choose marriage, which is the sole recognized legal union. The distinction between religious and civil terminology has been abolished to ensure uniformity.

Questions people ask about Same-sex marriage in Andorra

See also

NikahThe Islamic marriage contract that establishes a binding union between two people.Nikah halalaA second marriage required for a woman to remarry her first husband after triple talaq.Inter-caste marriage in NepalMarriage across caste lines in a society where such unions were once illegal and remain socially contested.Polygamy in South AfricaThe practice of men marrying more than one wife under customary and Islamic law in South Africa.

Good reading and sources

• Same-sex marriage in Andorra on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Wedding customs differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-05.