Igault

I am Spanish and had to go through this process for my husband (non EEA national). What they need from you is a copy of your marriage certificate dated within the last three months. It does not matter when you married, but the marriage certificate needs to be no more than 3 months old.

The only option you have now is either requesting one from the US embassy/consulate wherever you live in Spain (I am not sure if they can provide you with one) or get someone from your family to get a new marriage certificate, legalise it and then send it to you. This requirement is a "must" as they need prove that you are married around the time of making the application (they want to avoid applications from people that have divorced, for example).

I know how frustrating it feels to get misinformed by the Spanish consulate as they should have given you these details. Once in Spain the process is slow and the Spanish Immigration authorities are not too helpful, but be patient and everything will turn out the way you want. It will take a bit longer than expected, that's all.

 

I found the same issue when dealing with the French Consulate - any certificate, whether it be marriage, birth, etc. - has to be dated within the last three months otherwise it will not be accepted. I think this rule can be applied to most countries in Europe at least to avoid bureaucratic hassle.