Unexpected twists in the personal lives of celebrities often become a topic of discussion, but the story of Marta Peñate and Tony Spina goes beyond familiar narratives. Their union, registered abroad, has yet to be recognized by the Spanish authorities, raising questions not only among fans but also among family law experts. While many public figures opt for lavish ceremonies, this couple chose a different route—and encountered bureaucratic hurdles that could also affect other citizens who decide to formalize their relationships outside the country.
Marta Peñate, well known to viewers from numerous reality shows, has often surprised the public with her decisions. This time, she openly shared that she is not officially married in Spain, despite holding the ceremony in Honduras. The reason is the need to undergo a complicated marriage legalization process, which requires gathering documents and waiting a lengthy period for a decision from the Spanish registry. According to the TV host, preparing the paperwork and waiting for a response can take up to nine months, and she has been in no hurry to address the issue due to lack of time and a desire to avoid unnecessary bureaucracy.
At the same time, Marta and Toni decided to combine buying a new home with officially registering their marriage. This approach allows them to simplify the process and avoid repeated visits to the notary. Peñate emphasizes that it’s not about saving money, but about a desire to organize key life milestones rationally. She also jokes that their unique situation—being married in one country and unmarried in another—has become a running joke in their family.
Looking ahead
Moving into a new home was not only a step toward independence for the couple, but also a convenient moment to formalize their relationship. Marta shared that she and Toni agreed to sign all the necessary documents on the day they purchase the property. This will require the presence of two witnesses, which makes the process as simple and quick as possible. This approach helps them avoid extra hassle and combine two important events into one day.
Unlike many of her show business colleagues, Marta isn’t looking for a grand celebration. She emphasizes that she prefers intimate gatherings with close friends and family rather than loud parties with hundreds of guests. According to her, the idea to mark the occasion came from Toni, but even then it will just be a modest dinner or a small family event. For Peñate, it’s important to preserve personal space and not turn meaningful moments into a public spectacle.
At the same time, the couple does not rule out the possibility of celebrating the event in the future, should the right occasion arise. For now, however, their main priority is to complete all the formalities and settle calmly into their new home. This approach reflects a mature attitude to life and a desire to avoid the unnecessary stress that comes with organizing large events.
Legal nuances
The situation faced by Marta and Toni clearly illustrates the challenges encountered by couples who marry abroad. Spanish law requires certain procedures to recognize such marriages, which can become an unexpected hurdle for many. In Peñate’s case, getting married in Honduras proved to be just the first step, while the main task—collecting documents and submitting them to the Spanish registry—remained for later.
Marta admits she postponed the process for personal reasons, but now that the matter is pressing, she is ready to see it through. The couple is confident that, once all the formalities are completed, their status will be fully legalized in Spain as well. They emphasize that they are not experiencing any pressure from society or relatives, choosing instead to act solely in their own interests.
Interestingly, such situations are becoming more common, especially among public figures with active international lives. This raises questions about the need to simplify procedures and increase public awareness of potential challenges when registering a marriage abroad.
Marta Peñate is one of the most prominent figures on Spanish television in recent years. Born in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, she began her career as a journalist but quickly rose to fame through her participation in several high-profile reality shows. Her journey from contestant to host and winner of major projects has made her a recognizable name in the world of entertainment. Peñate is known for her sincerity, sense of humor, and willingness to openly discuss personal matters, which only fuels public interest in her life and choices.
