Will our wedding in Mexico be legally recognised and what are our ceremony options?
We receive a lot of questions about the legal requirements for getting married in Mexico. In order to iron out the details, destination wedding planner Mariluz Register has come to the rescue. Below Mariluz answers some of the most common concerns surrounding how non-nationals can get legally married in Mexcio and the different ceremony options available.
It will come as no surprise that since Mexico is such a desirable destination for weddings, the requirements to have a civil ceremony in Mexico are also easy to navigate and satisfy.
In fact, you and your significant other probably already have all the paperwork readily available. Nevertheless, it is recommended to consult your wedding planner to help with the process so no step is missed which could cause real headaches. The fees are modest and you do not want to put this stress on yourself when you should be enjoying yourself.
The legal requirements for getting married in Mexico can vary from state to state and the cost will depend on where the ceremony is held. Please note that if you are getting married to a Mexican citizen or resident additional paperwork will be required.
Essential Facts
- A civil ceremony is the only legally binding type of ceremony possible in Mexico.
- You may only have a religious ceremony after a civil ceremony has taken place, either in Mexico or in your own country.
- You must be resident in Mexico for a period of 3 days immediately prior to a civil ceremony taking place.
- Same sex civil unions are legal in Mexico.
- Weddings in Mexico are not performed on Sundays.
- If you plan to marry a Mexican resident or citizen, you may need to apply for a foreign marriage permit (please note this varies from state to state). You apply for this from Mexico’s Interior Ministry for the state where you plan to marry.
Legality of Marriage
Marriages performed in Mexico are internationally recognised and legally binding.
Residency Requirements
You are required to have been resident in Mexico for a minimum of 3 days continuously, immediately preceding the marriage.
Costs
Getting married in the civil registry office is the cheapest option. The couple must provide all the documents ahead of time, make the corresponding payment and receive the assigned appointment time.
If you want to get married somewhere else within the jurisdiction where you applied for the marriage license, the judge will come to the designated location and the cost will be higher.
Required Documentation
You require some or all of the following documentation. Specific requirements may vary depending on the area where you intend to marry. The time taken to process the application will be from 30 minutes to a couple days.
All documentation is required to be original or certified copies, translated into Spanish by the relevant authorities and endorsed with an Apostille Stamp.
Both individuals must be 18 years or older.
- Official Identification and a copy: A valid passport (with 6 months validity).
- Marriage license form: This can be downloaded and printed from the local registry office in Mexico.
- Birth Certificate: Official long form certificate, certified and translated by an approved translator.
- Proof of payment: Payment receipt of the marriage license.
- Visitor’s permit, obtained at your port of entry.
- Resident permit: if you’re resident in Mexico.
- Chest X-Rays (not required by all Mexican states – check locally).
- Blood test results: in Spanish (get blood test done in Mexico)
- Paperwork from previous marriage: If one or both of the individuals have been previously married, final certified divorce papers or annulment papers must be presented. If one of both of the individuals are widowed, certified marriage termination papers must be presented.
- Completion of pre-nuptial course: Lasting around 1 hour, this discussion will cover rights and obligations of the individuals entering the marriage contract.
Witnesses
4 witnesses are required, each must have valid identification, e.g. passport.
Top Tip: For a highly recommended wedding planner who specialises in offering unique venues and incredible planning services in central Mexico contact Mariluz Register from Champagne Events
Please keep in mind that it is intended to be a starting point and guideline only. Although much care and effort has been taken to ensure the information provided is correct please do not take it as legal advice. We strongly advise you to consult the Mexican Embassy or Consulate for first-hand information on the legal requirements for getting married in Mexico. In addition, the required documentation and the legal process may vary from nationality to nationality, this should be discussed with your wedding planner.
Note: Information on the legal requirements for weddings in Mexico subject to change, correct as of January 2020.
Find out More – Getting Married in Mexico
I hope the above information has been a helpful starting point. Mariluz Register from Champagen Events is a member of the Destination Wedding Directory. To find out more about having a wedding in Mexico please use the form below as a quick and easy way to contact them.
