Puerto Vallarta is a popular choice for destination weddings. Located on Mexico’s Pacific coast, the resort town is known for its beautiful beaches, delicious local food, friendly people, and vibrant culture.
While many people choose Puerto Vallarta for their destination wedding, many of those couples don’t opt to get legally married there. That’s because getting married as a foreigner is challenging in most countries, including Mexico. However, while the legal requirements for getting married in Puerto Vallarta can be confusing, it’s still very possible.
Whether you’re planning a symbolic or religious ceremony or a legal wedding, Puerto Vallarta offers the perfect romantic, scenic backdrop for your nuptials. Keep reading as we explore what you’ll need to know to plan your Puerto Vallarta wedding.
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Can Foreigners Get Married in Puerto Vallarta?
Yes, foreigners can get married in Puerto Vallarta. Both legal and symbolic weddings are possible in this idyllic destination. However, if you have your heart set on a legal ceremony, you’ll need to complete some additional paperwork and requirements and do a bit more planning than you would need to for a symbolic or religious wedding ceremony.
Hiring a wedding planner or working with a local resort that offers destination weddings can make this process much simpler. Either option will be able to offer guidance to help you navigate the requirements for a legal wedding ceremony in Puerto Vallarta.
Marriage Requirements
To get legally married in Mexico, you’ll need to meet a few requirements. Much like in the U.S., you’ll need to be at least 18 years of age to get married without parental consent. Both the bride and groom and the required witnesses will need to have valid permits as well as tourist permits, also known as the Mexican FMM (Forma Migratoria Multiple). This isn’t a visa, but is instead a permit that can be obtained online before your arrival.
Perhaps the most unique requirement is that both the bride and groom will need to obtain blood tests and X-rays in Mexico, and have a doctor in Mexico sign off that they do not have any contagious diseases.
Finally, you’ll need to have four witnesses present. If they are not Mexican citizens, they’ll need to have valid passports, or else they will need to present valid IDs.
Required Documents
Besides getting blood tests and permits, the couple will need to present a few different types of documents to apply to get legally married in Puerto Vallarta, including:
- Completed marriage application form, obtained in Mexico at a Registry Office
- Valid passports
- Tourist cards (FMM)
- Birth certificates
- Divorce or death certificates if previously married
Most of these documents, including your birth certificates and divorce or death certificates, need to be translated into Spanish and legalized or apostilled. While these documents are generally what is required to get married in Mexico, it’s a good idea to check with local authorities or experienced local wedding planners to make sure that you know the most up-to-date rules on what is required.
Once You Arrive in Puerto Vallarta
If you plan to get legally married in Puerto Vallarta, you’ll need to arrive in Mexico at least a few days ahead of your planned ceremony to have time to complete the requirements. Generally, 3 to 5 days early is recommended in case you experience any issues. Upon arrival, you’ll need to:
- Complete your medical exams and blood tests (These should be scheduled well in advance of your travel dates)
- Present and submit your documents to the Civil Registry office
- Confirm the details of your ceremony with your resort or other venue
Working with a local wedding planner can help you better prepare for what to expect when you arrive in Mexico.
Are Weddings in Puerto Vallarta Legal in the US?
Yes, legal marriages performed in Mexico are recognized in both the U.S. and Canada. While in Mexico, you’ll want to request an apostilled marriage certificate. This will be easier to present in your home country when you go to have your marriage recognized.
If you are a U.S. citizen, you won’t need to register your marriage if it was legally performed in Mexico. However, you will need to present a translated copy of your Mexican marriage certificate to certain entities, such as the DMV, when it comes time to change your name.
Legal vs. Symbolic Ceremony
Having a legal ceremony in Mexico does come with some extra challenges. But once you have your ceremony, you’ll be legally wed not only in Mexico, but in your home country of the U.S. or Canada as well. Legal marriages are recognized worldwide and include civil paperwork to make your marriage official.
However, if you don’t want to jump through these hoops, you could choose a symbolic ceremony instead. These have no legal status, which means that they are more flexible. You won’t need to complete paperwork or present blood tests. But you also won’t be legally wed after the ceremony. Many tourists choose to get legally wed in a civil ceremony in their home country, and then hold a symbolic ceremony in Puerto Vallarta.
Get Ready to Have the Wedding of a Lifetime in Puerto Vallarta!
Puerto Vallarta offers a beautiful backdrop for all kinds of weddings. If you’re dreaming of holding your true, legal ceremony there, you’ll need to follow some specific steps. While these can seem complicated, with proper planning, they are very manageable. For your efforts, you’ll get to enjoy a truly magical, emotional ceremony to celebrate the start of your new life together.
If you’re dreaming of getting married in Puerto Vallarta, our Certified Destination Wedding Specialists are here to help. All you have to do to get started is fill out an online wedding planning form. Fill out your form today and start planning your dream wedding!
