Destination Wedding Inspiration Mexico | Requirements for Getting Married in Mexico
Photo Courtesy of FrankPanaroPhotography
Our south of the border friends in Mexico know how to do it right, providing the perfect locations for a perfect destination wedding. Whether your guest list is long, or it’s just the two of you, there is plenty to do – or not to do – if you get married in Mexico.
Rumor has long had it that getting married in Mexico is a complicated, long process. But if you know what is expected in advance, it doesn’t have to be.
It is recommended you take care of these legal requirements about one month prior to your wedding date. Please also keep in mind that each state in Mexico has its own requirements, so you should verify what is needed in the particular state in which you will be getting married before so you are absolutely sure. Looking for your ideal Mexico wedding location? Click here for some of the world’s best.
We recommend getting all legal aspects of your wedding out of the way about a month before your wedding date.
Congratulations and enjoy!
Identification Requirements:
Non residents of Mexico will need to provide a Tourist Card/Visa and a valid passport (generally provided by the airline if you are flying). If you arriving by car, you will have to pick up one personally in Mexico. You also may be required (depending on the state) to provide a certified copy of your birth certificate that has been translated into Spanish and confirmed your own country. Please remember that you should not bring originals, as these copies will be kept by Mexican authorities.
Ceremony:
Only civil ceremonies are legal in Mexico and must be performed at a local Civil Register Office (Oficina del Registro Civil). If having a religious ceremony is important to you, you can do so at a later time.
Waiting Period in Mexico:
Plan extra time for getting your paperwork in order – there is a required waiting period of about 2-3 days (it varies from state to state).
Previous Marriages:
If you have been married before, it’s not a problem – but you have to wait one year before even applying for a marriage license in Mexico. You will need a certified copy of your divorce decree and if you are widow or widower, a copy of the death certificate of the deceased spouse.
Tests:
Certain tests must be done and are required: A blood test for RPR, and HIV and Thorax (chest) X-rays are required in Mexico. It is recommended that these tests be done in Mexico two days prior to your wedding. Cost of the tests average $125 per person.
Witnesses:
All witnesses need to be over the age of 18 and provide ID. Some states require that your witnesses be from your home country. Inquire before arriving.
Other Helpful Information:
Weddings are not performed on Sundays.
You must get permission from parents if either of you is under 18.
Fees in Mexico:
There will be a fee to get married in Mexico – check before you go. It is estimated that is is approximately $200 (US) currently. It will cost you approximately $200 (US Funds) to get maried.
Same Sex Marriages:
While it is not wide-spread yet, there are two areas (state of Coahuuila and Mexico City) allow “civil union laws” that give same-sex copules many of the same benefits as heterosexual marriage.
For more information, call the Mexican Tourism Board
Phone: 800-446-3942 or 212-755-7261
Dream Destination Wedding Dresses | Inspired by Vows on the Beach
Some of our favorite beach wedding dresses are the most simple (and easy to pack). We’re feeling particularly inspired by romantic beach weddings where the dress flows in the trade winds and the only wedding slippers are perfectly pampered toes feeling the warm sand. From short and sassy to elegant with a long train, anything goes at the beach.
Destination Wedding Inspiration | Spotlight on Destination Mexico Weddings
As a neighboring country to the United States of America, Mexico affords a convenient escape to paradise without the heavier price tags associated with other distant wedding locations. And Mexico hospitality is bursting with welcome and wedding professionals just waiting to make your destination Mexico wedding experience one to remember for both you and your guests.
What type of wedding can you have in Mexico? Any: elegant, casual, large or small. The wedding locations in Mexico offer all kinds of options: from beach weddings, resort weddings , private hacienda (estate) weddings to historical site weddings (Mayan temples and so much more). The destination Mexico wedding allows you to dress any way you want: from saying your vows in a simple strappy sundress with toes in the sand or wear a formal gown and overlook a stunning vista or beach view from a resort. The choice is yours. No matter what your choice, using the already-existing stunning backdrops and local cuisine is a must. Treating yourself and your guests to a destination wedding experience means using many of the elements already in place built in for you – otherwise, why would you choose an exotic location?
So, where in Mexico do you start to search for your ideal Mexico wedding location? Some of the most popular areas include Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, Cozumel and Riviera Maya and we have a tool to help you quickly find your ideal location and put you in touch immediately with a wedding professional to assist with your every need. Once you’ve selected your Mexico wedding location, the rest is easy: let the professionals at your property take it from there.
Curious about some of the leading top tips/suggestions for getting married in Mexico? Check out our hot list:
Best time of year: October through May
Activities: parasailing, spa days, snorkeling, diving, fishing, golfing, site seeing, relaxing on the beach, sunset cruises and so much more.
Suggested Favors for Guests: Check with your planner: use local resources: send your guests home with a flavor of their visit (that will also pass customs on the way home).
Destination Wedding Etiquette: make sure you give your guests plenty of notice by sending Save the Date notifications with as much notice as possible. Asking your guests to incur charges of significant travel, hotel and incidentals may require many to save up and plan accordingly.
Obtaining a marriage license:
Note: You must be in Mexico 3 days prior to wedding date.
Completed Civil Ceremony Form
Original blood test. Tests must be taken at the resort and results are ready within 24 hours
Valid passports
Birth certificates (original or certified copy of each one.)
If either party is widowed, an original or certified copy of former spouse’s death certificate
Legal documentation of adoption or name change (if applicable.)
If either party is divorced, a copy of the divorce decree. If the divorce took place outside of Mexico, it must be authenticated and translated. Divorced parties can remarry in Mexico after one year after the termination of their previous marriage.
Name, age, nationality, home address and occupation of 4 witnesses. Witnesses must arrive 3 business days prior to the wedding in order to complete the documentation process and must be 18 years of age or older at the time of the ceremony. Witnesses can also be provided by the resort for a fee.
Tourist ID card (provided by customs upon your arrival at Cancun International Airport.)
Marriage license fee. Fee varies, but is generally around $200.
