Mexico offers an exceptional destination for weddings, with stunning locations ranging from pristine white beaches with azure waters to charming colonial cities featuring unique architecture, cobblestone streets, and arched passages. Couples from Canada, the USA, and other countries are increasingly choosing Mexico for their wedding celebrations.
Legal Requirements for Marriage in Mexico
Age and Consent
- Individuals under 18 cannot marry without parental consent
- With parental consent: men can marry from age 16, women from age 14
Residency and Citizenship
- Mexican residency is not required
- Valid passport and tourist visa are sufficient for foreign couples
- Additional documents required when marrying a Mexican citizen
Medical Requirements
- Chest X-ray (fluorography) must be completed in Mexico
- Blood test must be completed in Mexico
- All medical results must be presented in Spanish
Witnesses
- 4 witnesses required for the official ceremony
- All witnesses must have valid identification
Legal Recognition
- Marriage certificates issued in Mexico are valid worldwide
- Certificate must be "legalized" in Mexico before international use
- Only civil ceremonies are legally binding (religious ceremonies are optional)
Same-Sex Marriage
- Recognized since 2015 Supreme Court ruling
- Available in several Mexican states, with others preparing to offer it
Previous Marriages
- Requirements vary by state
- Most states require 1-year waiting period after divorce
- Quintana Roo (Cancun area): 300-day waiting period for women only (exceptions for childbirth or pregnancy)
- Death certificate required if either party is widowed
Required Documents
All documents (except passport and visa) must be:
- Translated into Spanish
- Notarized at a Mexican consulate
- Include an apostille from authorized organizations in your country of residence
Document List:
- Marriage application form (obtained from local Mexican civil registry)
- Passport (original and copy, valid for at least 6 months)
- Tourist or residence visa (original and copy)
- Birth certificate (Spanish translation with apostille)
- Divorce decree or death certificate (if previously married)
- Chest X-ray (completed in Mexico)
- Blood test results (completed in Mexico)
Marriage Process
- Document preparation: Gather and properly authenticate all required documents
- Fee payment: Approximately $30 USD for marriage certificate
- Waiting period: 30 minutes to several days (varies by state)
- Ceremony: Can be held at civil registry or chosen venue
- Certificate issuance: Receive "Acta de Matrimonio" (official marriage certificate)
Venue Options
- Budget option: Ceremony at the civil registry office
- Popular choices: Beach ceremonies, colonial mansions, hotels, or other scenic locations
Marrying a Mexican Citizen
Additional requirements may apply when marrying a Mexican national:
- Special permit: "Permiso para contraer matrimonio con un nacional" may be required in some states
- Cost: Approximately $200 USD
- Processing time: 2 days to 2 weeks
- Issuing authority: Ministry of Internal Affairs of Mexico
- Important: Must be obtained in the same state where marriage will be registered
Note: This permit requirement is being phased out but still applies in some states. Check with local municipality or wedding planner.
Planning Tips
- Consider hiring a Mexican wedding planner to handle documentation and logistics
- Plan well in advance to complete all requirements
- Verify specific state requirements, as they can vary
- Most Mexican couples have both civil and religious ceremonies
- The civil ceremony is the only legally binding one
Mexico's combination of beautiful venues, straightforward legal processes, and professional wedding services makes it an ideal destination for international couples seeking a memorable and legally recognized wedding ceremony.