Mexico offers an enchanting array of locations for couples who wish to celebrate their love in an unforgettable setting. Whether you envision a legally binding civil ceremony, a sacred Catholic wedding, or a fully customized symbolic ceremony, Mexico provides the perfect backdrop for your dream wedding.
At Momentos Planning Team, we take pride in guiding our couples through every step, ensuring their vision comes to life seamlessly and beautifully. Read about how to get married in Mexico, explore the different types of ceremonies you can celebrate in Mexico, and learn how we can help you get married in Mexico and make your special day extraordinary.
How to Get Legally Married in Mexico
If you are planning a legal marriage in Mexico, there are certain formalities to follow. Civil ceremonies are the only legally recognized type of marriage in Mexico. Even if you choose to have a Catholic or symbolic celebration, you will still need to complete a civil ceremony for your marriage to be legally binding. Let’s look at the process of legally getting married in Mexico.
Requirements for Legal Marriage in Mexico
Birth Certificates
Must be apostilled by a legal authority from your country or Mexico.
Important: Documents must also be translated by a Certified Translator in Mexico.
Legal Translations
- All documents, including birth certificates and divorce certificates (if applicable), must be translated by a Certified Translator.
Application at the Civil Registry Office
- We handle this process for you. We’ll provide the necessary forms, ensure they are completed correctly, and coordinate with the judge. The entire legal process takes at least two months, so planning is essential.
Certificate of Single Status
- Required by the local City Hall in La Paz once the judge has your marriage request, birth certificates, and IDs. This document is validated by La Paz City Hall.
Divorce Certificate (if applicable)
- If either of you has been previously married, a certified divorce certificate is required.
- The divorce certificate must be apostilled and translated by a Certified Translator.
Blood Test
- It must be conducted in Mexico by a government-approved clinic within three days before your wedding. The test must be in Spanish, and confirm that neither partner has any conditions preventing marriage.
Identification
- Both partners must present valid FMT Tourist Cards and passports (valid for at least six months), along with copies of their birth certificates.
Visa
- You will need a tourist visa, usually provided upon arrival in Mexico.
Four Witnesses
- Each of you must have two witnesses present during the legal ceremony. They will need to provide valid IDs (passport or other official identification).
Important Note: The requirements for a legal marriage in Mexico are subject to changes made by the government. It is essential to confirm the most current requirements through the Civil Registry Office. As your wedding planners, we ensure to stay updated and present you with the latest requirements to guarantee a smooth process.
Catholic Ceremonies in Mexico
For couples who desire a Catholic wedding, Mexico offers some of the most beautiful consecrated churches, filled with tradition, elegance, and spiritual significance.
Requirements for Catholic Weddings in Mexico
Marriage Preparation Lessons
- Begin your marriage preparation lessons at your local parish or church.
- Obtain a certificate from your church confirming you have completed the preparation process.
Church Approval and Documentation
- Your church will provide a letter verifying that you have completed the process.
- This letter is essential for booking your ceremony date at churches in Mexico.
Document Transfer Process
- Documents must be sent from your parish to the Diocese office in La Paz, Baja California Sur.
- From La Paz, the documents are forwarded to the chosen church in Los Cabos.
Timing Requirements
- All documents must arrive in Los Cabos at least two months before your wedding date.
Ceremony Location
- Catholic ceremonies must be held in a consecrated church to be considered valid under Catholic law.
- Priests in Mexico do not perform ceremonies outside of church grounds or in non-consecrated spaces.
Symbolic Ceremonies in Mexico
Symbolic ceremonies are the most popular type of celebration we create because they offer unlimited freedom and personalization. Whether you are planning an intimate elopement, a charming microwedding, a grand destination wedding, or a vow renewal, a symbolic ceremony allows you to bring your unique vision to life.
Why Choose a Symbolic Ceremony?
A symbolic ceremony is not a standalone event; it is an integral part of your overall celebration. Whether you are exchanging vows just the two of you in a breathtaking elopement or surrounded by family and friends in a beautifully designed wedding, the ceremony can be crafted to reflect your love story, beliefs, and personalities.
- Complete Personalization: Every detail is tailored to you. From writing your own vows to including special rituals or elements that have deep personal meaning, your ceremony will be crafted with the utmost care and intention.
- Seamless Integration: Symbolic ceremonies can be part of any type of celebration —from intimate elopements to larger weddings or vow renewals. We ensure that the ceremony complements the entire experience you are envisioning.
- Tailored to Your Vision: We collaborate with experienced officiants in Los Cabos who understand the importance of creating a ceremony that feels personal, meaningful, and perfectly aligned with your wishes.
- No Restrictions: You are free to incorporate any elements or rituals that feel right for you, without being bound by legal or religious protocols.
READ: Guide: The 20 Best Wedding Venues in Los Cabos for 2025
Creating Your Perfect Symbolic Ceremony
Every couple is different, and so is every ceremony. Whether you prefer something classic and elegant, modern and minimalist, or vibrant and creative, we ensure that your ceremony feels uniquely yours.
Some couples choose to include elements like:
- Pouring sands together to represent the blending of your lives.
- Lighting candles as a symbol of unity.
- Planting a tree to signify growth and commitment.
- Sharing wine to celebrate a partnership.
- Writing and sharing personal vows make the ceremony even more meaningful.
But more importantly, your ceremony can be anything you wish. We take the time to understand your vision, your personalities, and your desires, crafting an experience that feels personal, memorable, and true to who you are.
Is same-sex marriage legal in Mexico?
Yes. Since October 2022, same-sex marriage has been legal throughout Mexico. This way, you can fulfill your wish of getting married in Mexico everywhere in our country.
READ: Celebrate Your LGBTQ Destination Wedding in Los Cabos!
Extra Tips on How To Get Married In Mexico
- For matters related to the certification and legalization of the documents required for the marriage and questions about marriage in Mexico, contact your nearest Mexican consulate.
- If you plan to marry a Mexican citizen in Mexico, you may need to apply for a permit and process a document of non-existent marriage.
- After the marriage, your wedding planner will help you get a certified copy of the marriage certificate from the Civil Registry office. We recommend you also get the apostille of your marriage certificate for procedures that you want to carry out outside of Mexico. Check this directory of Mexican Consulates Abroad.
Why Work With Momentos’ Planning Team?
Planning a wedding or special celebration in a foreign country can feel overwhelming. We provide you with expertise, dedication, and a truly personalized experience from start to finish.
Whether it’s navigating the legal requirements of a civil ceremony, ensuring your Catholic wedding meets all the necessary guidelines, or creating a completely bespoke symbolic ceremony, we are here to support you every step of the way.
Schedule a complimentary consultation with us today, and let’s bring your vision to life.
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