When planning a destination wedding in Mexico, one of the first decisions you will need to make is whether to have a legal (civil) or symbolic ceremony. While both options offer unique benefits, symbolic ceremonies are by far the most popular choice for couples tying the knot in Mexico. Why? They’re simpler, more flexible, and often better suited to the relaxed vibe of a destination wedding. Below, we’ll break down everything you need to know about getting married in Mexico and help you determine which ceremony is the right fit for your big day.
The Three Types of Wedding Ceremonies
Civil Ceremony
A legal or civil ceremony is a legally binding wedding ceremony with a marriage certificate. It will be legally recognized by the Mexican government and is legally recognized around the world- after a few important steps are taken.
Symbolic Ceremony
A symbolic ceremony is not legally binding, which means you’ll need to be legally married in the USA on another date. One of the benefits of a symbolic ceremony is you can customize it any way you’d like.
Religious Ceremony
This is equivalent to a symbolic ceremony and is popular amongst couples where religion is important. Many religious wedding ceremonies are not recognized in Mexico with the exception of Catholic ceremonies.
Legal Wedding Requirements For Getting Married in Mexico
There are a number of requirements and criteria that must be met if you are planning on getting married in Mexico legally. To get legally married in Mexico, you will need:
- Valid Passports (This is essential, otherwise the wedding cannot be performed).
- Copy of your Tourist Visa Card (this is given at the airport upon arrival to Cancun)
- Blood tests. The blood tests are taken in Mexico; they are not valid if taken elsewhere. To be considered valid the test should not be taken more than 14 days prior to the ceremony. The blood will be tested for HIV, RPR (sexually transmitted diseases), and blood type. The results will be ready in 24 hours together with a certificate of the blood test and the charge will be $300 USD+ tax per couple.
- If widowed, a Death Certificate will be required.
- If divorced, the final divorce decree will be required and you must be divorced for over 1 year.
- Four Witnesses are required, they need to present along with a valid passport and tourist visa card. If you don’t have 4 witnesses, most resorts can provide them for a fee.
- Legal form completed with the names, addresses, nationalities, ages, occupations, and relationships, of bride, and groom. Your wedding coordinator will send you the legal form for completion prior to your wedding.
- The Marriage Certificate is only valid in Mexico. In order to make it legal internationally, the wedding coordinator will send a copy of your License to the Validation Process. The process may take up to 2-3 months. Once the document is apostilled and translated into English the hotel will send all documentation to your home address.
Along with the above requirements, the ceremony must be performed in Spanish by a Mexican officiant. In this case, I recommend you hire a translator through your resort. Most resorts will also require you to arrive 4-5 business days prior to your ceremony.
On average, you can expect the above legal requirements to cost $1500 USD.
Symbolic Wedding Ceremony
Due to the numerous requirements for a legal ceremony, most of my couples opt for a symbolic ceremony. This is the ideal choice for couples dreaming of a destination wedding but without the headaches leading up to the day.
If you are planning a symbolic ceremony there are a few important things to consider. Since this type of ceremony is not legally binding, you will need to get legally married in the USA. In addition, some resorts actually require you to be legally married BEFORE your wedding in Mexico, so make sure you understand their rules and requirements before getting on a plane.
With a symbolic ceremony, like in many states in the USA, you can have a friend or family member officiate. They do not need to be legally ordained. This also allows you more freedom to personalize your wedding with your vows and incorporate your own traditions like sand ceremonies, knot ceremonies, or readings. For symbolic ceremonies, you will typically need to arrive at the resort 2-3 business days prior to your ceremony.
Religious Weddings in Mexico
Another popular option when getting married in Mexico is a religious wedding ceremony. In many cases, religious ceremonies are equal to symbolic ceremonies as not all religious ceremonies are recognized in Mexico. However, as Catholicism is the predominant religion in Mexico, Catholic wedding ceremonies come with special exceptions.
A catholic wedding ceremony is still considered a symbolic ceremony, but there are additional requirements in order for your union to be recognized by the church.
Catholic Wedding Requirements For Your Destination Wedding In Mexico
- The couple must inform their local church of their plans to marry in a different location and gain their approval.
- The couple must complete their Pre-Cana course and obtain their certificate.
- The couple must have scanned copies of their baptism, communion, and/or confirmation within the Catholic Church.
The Catholic ceremony must take place in a recognized chapel and is not performed on Sundays. Lucky for you, many resorts have on-site chapels, so you won’t even need to leave the resort!
Let’s Get You Married!
Getting married in Mexico provides couples with a unique opportunity to celebrate their union in a stunning location while enjoying a memorable experience with their friends and family. Whether you choose a legal civil ceremony, a symbolic exchange of vows, or a meaningful religious ceremony, understanding the rules and requirements is key! By understanding the process and working with an experienced destination wedding planner and destination wedding travel agent (like me!), you can create a wedding that perfectly reflects you and your fiancé while embracing the beauty and charm of your destination. To find out more about how I can help you plan your dream destination wedding in Mexico- book your FREE consultation call today!
add a comment