The complete guide to a legal marriage for couples planning their destination wedding in Mexico
Getting married in this beautiful country can be an unforgettable experience. Whether you are eloping or having a full destination wedding experience, it's essential to understand the legal requirements and procedures for foreigners getting married in Mexico. This applies to anyone who wants their destination wedding or elopement in Mexico to be an official and legally binding marriage, and not just a symbolic ceremony.
1. Choose the Right Location
Mexico has many beautiful destinations for weddings, each with its unique charm and legal requirements. Some of the most popular destinations for weddings include Oaxaca, San Miguel De Allende, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Los Cabos. However, each state in Mexico has its own regulations and procedures for marriage, so it's important to research the requirements for your specific location.
2. Can I get legally married in Mexico as a foreigner?
This is one the first questions you probably have on your mind. And it is a fundamental question: will my elopement or destination wedding in Mexico be a real wedding? Yes, you can legally get married in Mexico, even as a foreigner. Contrary to other countries, there is no residency requirement in Mexico to be able to legally marry.
Same-sex couples can also get married in Mexico with a civil union.
3. Gather the Necessary Documents
While your ceremony can be either symbolic, religious or civil, if you want the wedding to also be legally binding, you will need to provide the following documents. Another great option if you don’t wish to undertake this process, is to get married at home and get married with a symbolic ceremony in Mexico.
Requirements For Marriage In Civil Registry Office
Completed marriage application, giving exact names of applicants, just as they appear in their birth certificates
Birth Certificate and three photocopies (Mexican Citizen).
For the Foreigners: Apostilled birth certificate translated into Spanish. “FMT” form (Tourist or Residence), and a special permit to marry in Mexico issued by Mexican Immigration.
Four witnesses. Two for each applicant (over 18 yrs. of age) with original and copy of a valid photo I.D (both sides).
Prenuptial medical examination, issued by the local General Hospital, or by another public or private entity of their selection, which should include HIV, V.D.R.L. and blood type, issued no more than 15 days before the marriage takes place. Medical examinations from the U.S. are NOT acceptable.
Photo I.D. and a copy (both sides) for each of the applicants.
If applicants are divorced or widowed, they should present the corresponding divorce or death certificates and three copies.
All documents must be translated into Spanish and legalized by the Mexican consulate in your country. Make sure to bring the original and a copy of each document with you to Mexico.
The marriage process in Mexico can take up to a week, so make sure to plan ahead and allow enough time to complete all the necessary steps. You will need to arrive in Mexico at least three business days before the wedding to apply for the marriage license and have the blood tests done. Keep in mind that some states in Mexico require a longer waiting period, so check the requirements for your location.
There is additional paperwork if you wish to have a religious wedding.
Catholics weddings in Mexico, for example, are a sacrament and they need additional paperwork. If you are planning a religious wedding in Italy, you should contact your local parish or other religious person of reference, and they will provide you with more guidance. For a Catholic wedding in Mexico, for example, you need:
– Baptism and confirmation certificates
– Proof of attendance of a premarital course
4. Hire a Wedding Planner
Having a local wedding planner can make the marriage process in Mexico much easier and smoother. A wedding planner can guide you through the legal requirements, recommend the best vendors and venues, and ensure that everything runs smoothly on your wedding day.
5. Hire a Professional Mexico Wedding Photographer
Hiring a local Mexico wedding photographer who is familiar with the location and culture can make a big difference in the quality of your wedding photos. Make sure to choose a photographer who understands your vision and style and has experience shooting weddings in Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreign citizens legally get married in Mexico? Absolutely! Make sure you read about the requirements to have a destination wedding in Mexico.
How does the cost of weddings in Mexico compare to the U.S.? The cost of a wedding in Mexico varies greatly depending on the venue and vendors you choose. That said, weddings in Mexico generally cost less than they do in the U.S. Just make sure to factor in the cost of your flights and accommodations when budgeting for a destination wedding in Mexico.
How to Choose Wedding Venues in Mexico
Mexico offers some of the most beautiful wedding destinations in the world. Whether you're looking for a luxury wedding with ocean views or a romantic, intimate wedding in a charming colonial town, Mexico has it all.
If you are you looking to hire the Best Mexico Destination Wedding Photographer to capture the essence of your wedding day in Mexico, you can find us here. We would love to help you craft and document your most magical day in Mexico.