Mexico is one of the most popular spots for destination weddings, and it’s not hard to see why. The country is home to stunning scenery and all inclusive resorts, making it easy to find a gorgeous location for your special day. But if you’re not a citizen of Mexico, there are a few things you’ll need to know to make sure your marriage is valid back at home.
This guide includes all the basic information you’ll need to get started planning for your legal destination wedding in Mexico. But if you’re still left wondering how to get married in Mexico, one of our Certified Destination Wedding Specialists is here to help you through the entire process, every step of the way.
How Can I Get Married in Mexico? Understanding Your Options
There are a few options for couples traveling to Mexico to exchange vows. It’s important to note that not all of these are legally binding. The good news is that there are ways to celebrate in the destination wedding venue of your choice and still be married by law.
Civil Weddings in Mexico: The Only Legally Recognized Option
If you want to be married legally according to Mexican law, you will have to have a civil ceremony. This will ensure that your marriage is recognized internationally. But if you aren’t a native of Mexico, you will have to fill out specific paperwork beforehand to make sure you’re adhering to the law.
If you choose this option, you will need to be married by a certified officiant or Justice of the Peace. You’ll also need to have at least two witnesses who are willing to sign paperwork on your behalf.
Symbolic and Religious Ceremonies in Mexico
Most couples who have a destination wedding in Mexico choose to have a symbolic ceremony. That means that it isn’t legally binding, just a sentimental exchange of vows and celebration.
Symbolic ceremonies don’t require any kind of legal paperwork, which means that they are much simpler to plan. If you want to be legally married as well, you can have a civil ceremony in your home country before or after your destination wedding.
This is the most popular option for couples traveling to Mexico to get married. Most all inclusive resorts are prepared for symbolic ceremonies, and some may even offer the services of an officiant. If you’re looking for a stress-free and streamlined wedding day, this could be the perfect choice for you.
Some couples also choose to have a religious ceremony. This option requires a bit more planning, and it’s important to note that religious weddings aren’t legally binding unless you also have a civil ceremony. You’ll need to plan ahead to book a venue and contact a religious officiant such as a priest or rabbi. Some all inclusive resorts also offer religious ceremony packages with on-site religious venues such as chapels so this saves you the hassle of looking for officiants ahead of time.
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What Do I Need to Get Married in Mexico? Required Documents & Preparation
So what do you need to prepare if you want to have a legally binding wedding in Mexico? Here’s a rundown of the required documents
Before You Leave: Essential Documents & Permits
In order to legally marry in Mexico, you will need to make sure you have a few key documents. These include:
- Passports
- Birth certificates (three copies, translated into Spanish and apostilled)
- Tourist permits
- Marriage application forms
- Foreign marriage permit (required by some Mexican states)
- Permit to marry in Mexico as issued by Mexican Immigration
- If divorced or widowed: certificate of divorce or death in triplicate
Health Tests & Residency Requirements
Most states in Mexico require a health check before you receive your marriage license. In some places, this might just be a simple blood test. In others, it may include a chest X-ray and other tests. Make sure to check the local requirements of the state where you will be celebrating your wedding. You can find most of the information you need on the U.S. Embassy in Mexico’s website.
How long do you have to be in Mexico before you can get married? These tests usually take a few days to undergo and have certified. The general rule of thumb is to arrive two to four days before your wedding to make sure you get all the requirements together.
The Process of Legally Getting Married in Mexico
If you’re planning to marry legally in Mexico, you will need to arrive several days before your wedding date.
Step 1: Application and Paperwork
First, you will need to get a marriage application and other paperwork from a local registry office. Local officials or wedding planners can help make sure you have all the documents submitted properly and in a timely manner.
Step 2: Medical Tests
Most states in Mexico require medical tests before the wedding takes place. Be sure to check the specifics of the state where you will be celebrating. These tests usually cost between $200 and $300 per person and have a turnaround time of 24 hours.
Unfortunately, any health tests prior to marriage must be conducted in Mexico to be accepted.
Step 3: The Civil Ceremony & Marriage Certificate
You will need to schedule your marriage appointment at least 24 hours beforehand. In some states, you may need to schedule an off-site ceremony up to two weeks beforehand, so be sure to check local requirements!
A civil officiant will conduct the ceremony. You will need four witnesses, each with a valid form of ID. The cost of a marriage license varies significantly depending on where you are. If you plan to marry in the registry office, expect to pay about 520 Mexican pesos; an off-site ceremony will cost approximately 1,299 Mexican pesos.
Step 4: Registering Your Marriage at Home
Your marriage certificate will most likely be issued in Spanish. In order for it to be valid in your home country, you may need to have it translated and apostilled. After doing so bring it to your local government office to be recorded.
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Legal vs. Symbolic Weddings: Which One is Right for You?
So how do you choose which option is right for you and your spouse? There are pros and cons to both types of weddings.
Civil weddings are legally binding, but they are often more expensive and require a lot of preparation and paperwork.
Symbolic weddings, on the other hand, offer more flexibility and are often much easier to plan. However, bear in mind that you will need to get married legally in your home country either before or after your symbolic ceremony.
Whichever option you choose, our Certified Destination Wedding Specialists are here to streamline the planning and help you craft the wedding of your dreams! They’ll walk you through the process of obtaining paperwork, understanding local legal requirements, and much more.
Costs of Getting Married in Mexico: What to Expect
So how much should you budget if you are planning on getting married in Mexico? A Mexico destination wedding might sound like a huge expense, but they are often more affordable than traditional weddings!
Destination weddings in Mexico cost an average of $9,850 for the entire celebration. For many couples, that includes the price of the honeymoon! A rough breakdown of costs:
- Approximately $1,000 for airfare
- Approximately $2,284 for accommodations
- Approximately $3,417 for the wedding package
Alternatively, traditional weddings cost an average of $35,000. It is easy to see why so many couples are choosing to break with tradition and go abroad for their big day.
If you are planning on a civil ceremony in Mexico, make sure to budget for extra fees. The costs of marriage applications, medical tests, and the ceremony itself can add a significant amount, so bear this in mind as you decide which option is best for your needs.
Make Your Destination Wedding in Mexico a Dream Come True!
With endless white beaches and all inclusive resorts, Mexico remains one of the most popular spots for destination weddings. If you’re planning on exchanging vows there, you’ll need to choose whether you want a legal or a symbolic ceremony.
Regardless of what you choose, our Certified Destination Wedding Specialists are ready to help you plan your celebration without stress or anxiety. Simply fill out our wedding planning form to get started and leave the rest to us!
