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 celebration, Mexico provides the perfect backdrop for your dream wedding. As wedding planners in Los Cabos, we guide you through every step so your vision becomes a seamless reality.
Keep reading our guide on how to get married in Mexico and learn how you can get legally married in Mexico.
Civil Marriage in Mexico: Legal Requirements
A civil marriage is the only type of ceremony that is legally recognized in Mexico and internationally. Even if you choose to have a Catholic or symbolic ceremony, the civil process must still be completed through the Civil Registry for your marriage to be legally valid.
Civil Marriage Fees in Baja California Sur
• Civil marriage at the Civil Registry office during business hours: $1,409 MXN.
• Civil marriage outside the Civil Registry office during business hours: $4,233 MXN.
• Off-site civil ceremony at a hotel, private villa, or venue. Fees vary depending on the day, time, and distance to the location. Estimated range: $5,000 – $8,000 MXN.
If you want to learn more about how the cost of a destination wedding in Los Cabos is calculated, read our guide How Much Does a Cabo Wedding Cost?
General Requirements to Get Married in Mexico
• Valid passports for both partners.
• Proof of legal stay in Mexico for the foreign partner, such as the FMM tourist permit or a valid visa.
• Apostilled birth certificates for both partners, officially translated into Spanish by a certified translator.
• Certificate of Single Status or No Impediment to Marriage issued by the Civil Registry of Baja California Sur in La Paz after submitting the documentation locally.
• Completed civil marriage application provided by the Civil Registry.
• Selection of marital property regime, either community property or separation of assets.
• Payment of Civil Registry fees.
• Pre-nuptial medical or blood tests may be required in Mexico within a specific timeframe. Couples must arrive at least three days before the wedding date.
• Four witnesses over 18 years old with a valid ID.
• Both partners must be at least 18 years old.
Documents and Apostilles
• All documents issued outside Mexico must be apostilled in the country of origin and officially translated into Spanish, including birth certificates, divorce decrees, and death certificates.
• Without apostilles and certified translations, the Civil Registry will not process the application.
Specific Cases
1.- When a Foreigner Marries a Mexican Citizen:
- The foreign partner must comply with the same civil requirements listed above.
- The Certificate of Single Status is issued locally by the Civil Registry in La Paz after documentation is submitted and is not obtained abroad.
2.- Divorced Partners:
- A final divorce decree must be apostilled and translated.
3.- Widowed Partners:
- The death certificate of the former spouse and the previous marriage certificate must be apostilled and translated if issued outside Mexico.
Important Note: Legal requirements in Mexico are subject to change. As your wedding planners, we stay updated with the Civil Registry in Baja California Sur to ensure the process remains smooth and properly guided.
Catholic Wedding 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.
READ: Courtney & Erik: A Catholic Destination Wedding in Los Cabos
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 elopement, 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.
Every couple is different, and so is every ceremony. Whether you prefer something classic and elegant, modern and minimalist, or vibrant and creative, as professional wedding planners, we ensure that your ceremony feels uniquely yours.
READ: How to Personalize Your Symbolic Wedding Ceremony in a Meaningful Way
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.
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 that you also get the apostille of your marriage certificate for procedures that you want to carry out outside of Mexico.
From Legalities to the Last Dance: We Take Care of the Whole Wedding Planning Process
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should we start the civil marriage process?
Ideally, begin the documentation process at least 10–12 weeks before your wedding date. Apostilles and certified translations often take longer than expected.
Can we complete the civil paperwork before arriving in Mexico?
No. The civil marriage process must be completed in person in Mexico. Medical tests, signatures, and final authorization are handled locally.
Are witnesses required and can they be foreigners?
Yes. Four witnesses over 18 years old with valid identification are required. They may be foreigners.
Can civil ceremonies be in English?
No. Civil ceremonies in Mexico are conducted in Spanish. A professional translator can be arranged at an additional cost.
Are Catholic ceremonies in Spanish or English?
Catholic ceremonies may be celebrated in English if a bilingual priest is available and arranged in advance.
Is a Catholic ceremony legally valid in Mexico?
No. A Catholic ceremony is religious only. A civil ceremony is required for legal recognition.
Can Catholic weddings be held outside a church?
No. Catholic weddings must take place inside a consecrated church.
Can we personalize our symbolic ceremony?
Yes. Symbolic ceremonies are fully customizable, including vows, rituals, structure, and tone.
What happens after the wedding with our marriage certificate?
After the civil ceremony, we assist you in obtaining certified copies of your marriage certificate and recommend requesting an apostille for international use.
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!
