Tulum is one of the world’s most popular places for destination weddings. One visit there, and you’ll quickly see why. This tropical paradise has stunning white sand beaches, warm, clear waters, tropical jungles, and luxury resorts, where couples can exchange vows and then instantly start a perfect honeymoon.
But before you walk down the aisle, you have an important decision to make—will you get legally married in Tulum? While it is possible to get legally married in Tulum, it involves some extra paperwork and requirements that can make your wedding a little more complicated. Many couples instead opt to have a religious or symbolic wedding in Tulum.
In this guide, we’ll break down the different requirements between a legal and symbolic or religious wedding, and how to make the right choice for you, and break down other essentials you need to make your dream wedding a reality.
Learn more about getting married in Tulum >>
What is the Best Month to Have a Wedding in Tulum?
Before you decide whether you’ll have a legal or symbolic ceremony, you’ll need to decide when to get married in Tulum. The time of year that you choose to get married will have a big impact on the weather and the cost of your wedding.
The most popular time of year for getting married in Tulum is the dry season, which runs from November to April. This time of year sees dry, sunny weather with daytime temperatures averaging 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Rain is rare this time of year, and humidity is low.
From May to October, the risk of rain, as well as hurricanes in the late summer and early fall, is higher. However, you might be able to get a deal on your resort stay or wedding package this time of year. If you don’t mind the risk of needing to move your wedding ceremony indoors because of a rain shower, this might be a great way to plan your wedding on a budget.
During the peak season, you’ll likely pay more for your resort in exchange for the better weather. Additionally, keep in mind that wedding venues and popular resorts may book up earlier this time of year. You’ll want to book your wedding further in advance to ensure your choice of dates this season.
When deciding what time of year to schedule your wedding, weigh the benefits of good weather for keeping you and your guests comfortable against the cost savings of an off-season wedding to decide which is right for you.
What Can You Expect When Planning a Destination Wedding in Tulum?
When most people think of getting married in Tulum, Mexico, they picture walking down a sand-covered aisle and exchanging vows in front of bright turquoise water. But while beach weddings are popular in Tulum, they’re far from the only option. If you want to get married outdoors, you’ll have your choice of beach, garden, or jungle venues.
Many resorts have venues on beautiful terraces and alongside sparkling pools, or even on rooftops that are perfect for a sunset wedding. Some even offer traditional chapels, ballrooms, and convention centers.
Planning a destination wedding is very different from planning a wedding at home. In addition to these unique and beautiful venues, many destination weddings also have a smaller guest list. This makes the whole event feel more intimate and allows the couple to spend more quality time with their friends and loved ones.
A smaller wedding may mean skipping the traditional reception and instead enjoying a special dinner and simpler music. Your unique venue isn’t the only way that you can make your destination wedding special. Many couples also opt to incorporate local cultural traditions into their weddings.
Working with one of our Certified Destination Wedding Specialists can help you compare all of your different venue options to find the perfect one for you. They’ll help you find a resort and venue that fits your guest count, your vision for your wedding, and the needs of you and your guests.
In addition to our Specialists, most resorts also provide an on-site resort wedding planner who can help you plan the logistics of your wedding, including navigating the legal process of getting married in Tulum.
What You’ll Need to Get Married in Tulum
Picking a beautiful venue or a luxury resort can be a big decision, but it likely won’t be stressful. This might not be the case with navigating the logistics and legal requirements of getting married in Tulum.
To get legally married in Tulum, you must be over 18 and able to present a variety of paperwork, like a marriage application and passports. In addition to this paperwork, the couple will also need to obtain a blood test and chest x-ray. Both must be performed in the Mexican state where you’re planning to get married, within two weeks of your wedding date. Foreigners getting married in Mexico have to be married by a judge or a civil registry official, not a religious leader.
Important Documents to Consider
If you want to get legally married in Mexico, you’ll need to present the following paperwork and documents:
- Passports
- Birth certificates (Three copies translated into Spanish)
- Tourist permits
- Marriage application forms
- Foreign marriage permit (may be required in some Mexican states)
- Permit to marry in Mexico, issued by Mexican Immigration
- If you have been divorced or are widowed, a certificate of divorce or death
- Your blood test results
Each of these documents must be apostilled and translated into Spanish by an official translator. While these are the current requirements, they are always subject to change. Couples should double-check with local authorities or their wedding planner to make sure that they have the appropriate paperwork and documents.
Legal Ceremony vs. Symbolic Ceremony in Tulum
There are two options for getting married in Tulum: a legal ceremony or a symbolic ceremony.
A legal ceremony requires the above documents and is officiated by a judge or civil registry official. This makes the process more complicated, but also means that your wedding will be recognized internationally, though you may need to register in your home country.
A symbolic wedding is not legally binding. This means that you won’t need to jump through hoops for your wedding, but you will need to get legally married at home before you travel to Tulum for your wedding. While it might not be legally binding, you can hold your wedding anywhere, and also customize your ceremony. This could mean a religious ceremony, or a symbolic ceremony that incorporates Mayan or Mexican traditions.
Another option would be to get legally married in Mexico, but still incorporate a symbolic blessing or Mayan ritual at your resort for the full destination wedding experience.
Step-by-Step Guide to Legal Marriage in Tulum
Let’s take a look at the steps you’ll need to take to get legally married in Tulum:
- Collect necessary documents at home. Make sure to get these apostilled and translated by an official translator.
- Arrive in Mexico at least a few days before the wedding to complete paperwork and get your blood tests. You should schedule these with a local doctor in advance of your trip.
- Do the blood test in Mexico. Make sure that you know the required tests, and get multiple copies of these, in Spanish, from the doctor.
- Submit paperwork to the Civil Registry office.
- Schedule and attend the civil ceremony. This is usually held at the courthouse or at a venue of choice with a judge present.
- Receive the marriage certificate, which will need to be apostilled in Mexico for international recognition.
Tips for a Smooth Wedding Experience in Tulum
If you choose a legal ceremony in Tulum, there are a few things you can do to ensure your wedding goes smoothly:
- Work with an experienced wedding planner who knows the local requirements. They will help you navigate the process and make sure that you have all of the necessary paperwork ready.
- Communicate with your guests early about travel plans and legal requirements. Remind them to check their passports and apply early if they need a new passport.
- Consider having a bilingual officiant or translator if your ceremony is legal and in Spanish.
- Check with your embassy for updated requirements or restrictions for travel. Make sure your guests are aware of these. Check the most recent requirements for a marriage in Mexico as well.
- Budget for legal fees, translations, and apostille services.
This process may sound complicated. But making sure that you understand the requirements and staying patient and flexible can help the process go more smoothly.
Making Your Dream Tulum Wedding a Reality
Tulum is a truly magical place for a wedding. From the beautiful nature scenes to the luxury resorts, it’s truly paradise, and there’s no better place to start your new life and celebrate your love for your soon-to-be spouse!
Couples can choose to have a simple symbolic wedding or go through the requirements for a legal wedding. But either way, you can still create a beautiful, meaningful day that you’ll remember for a lifetime. If you’re ready to start the planning process, our Certified Destination Wedding Specialists are here to help. No matter your vision, they can help you plan the perfect destination wedding in Tulum. All you have to do to get started is fill out an online wedding planning form.
