Understanding The Legal Process For Mexican-Us Wedding Recognition

Planning a destination wedding in Mexico? Congratulations! You're in for a treat. Mexico is a beautiful country with a rich culture that extends to its weddings. From traditional Mayan ceremonies to modern beachside affairs, there's something for everyone. And yes, it is possible for your Mexican wedding to be legally recognised in the US. Here's what you need to know.

Types of Weddings in Mexico

There are three types of weddings performed in Mexico: civil, symbolic, and religious. Only civil ceremonies are legally recognised in Mexico and worldwide. Symbolic and religious ceremonies are not legally binding, but they can be a beautiful way to celebrate your marriage with friends and family. Most tourists opt for a symbolic ceremony and get legally married back home.

Legal Requirements for a Wedding in Mexico

- You must be at least 18 years old to get married in Mexico without parental consent. With parental consent, boys can be as young as 16 and girls as young as 14.

- You need four witnesses present at the legal ceremony, and they must have valid identification, such as a passport.

- Foreigners can get married in Mexico with a valid passport, tourist visa or resident permit, and other required documentation.

- If you plan to marry a Mexican resident, you may need to apply for a foreign marriage permit from the Mexican consulate.

- You must arrive at the resort a certain number of business days before the ceremony, which varies depending on the type of wedding and resort.

- Certain documents are required, such as marriage application forms, valid passports, visitor's permits, divorce decrees or death certificates if applicable, chest X-rays and blood test results done in Mexico.

- All foreign documents must be translated into Spanish and notarised by the Mexican consulate.

- Same-sex marriage is legal in Mexico, but check the requirements for your specific state, as laws vary.

Costs and Locations

The average cost of an all-inclusive wedding in Mexico ranges from $5000 to $15,000, depending on the number of guests and resort rating. There are many stunning locations and resorts to choose from, such as Sandos Playacar, AM Resorts, and Royalton Riviera Cancun.

Planning Your Wedding

Planning a destination wedding can be overwhelming, but don't worry, there are wedding planners who can help you with every detail, from paperwork to finding a clinic for your blood tests. So, if you're dreaming of a Mexican wedding, start planning today! It will be a day you and your loved ones will never forget.

Civil ceremonies are the only weddings with legal recognition in Mexico

Civil Ceremonies: The Only Legal Weddings in Mexico

Mexico is a beautiful and popular place to get married. However, there are some important things to know about getting married in another country.

In Mexico, there are three types of weddings performed: civil, symbolic, and religious. However, only civil ceremonies are legally recognised in Mexico and are valid worldwide. This means that symbolic and religious ceremonies are not legally recognised in Mexico and are more like a "full wedding" celebration.

Legal Requirements for Civil Ceremonies in Mexico

• Four witnesses with valid identification, such as a passport or government-issued ID.
• Valid passports for both parties and a copy of each passport. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the wedding.
• Birth certificates, which must be apostilled and translated into Spanish.
• Marriage application forms obtained from the local registry office.
• Blood tests and chest X-rays completed in Mexico and translated into Spanish. The blood test must be done no more than 14-15 days before the wedding date.
• Divorce or death certificates if applicable.
• Proof of Planned Parenthood lecture (for marriages in Ciudad Juarez).
• Prenuptial medical examination, including HIV, VDRL, and blood type tests, issued no more than 15 days before the wedding (for marriages in Ciudad Juarez).
• Photo ID and a copy for each applicant.
• Parental consent and presence if either party is under 18 years old.

Additional Notes

• The average cost of a wedding in Mexico is $5550, but this depends on factors such as the number of guests and add-ons.
• The blood test costs $300 per couple, and results are typically available within 24 hours.
• The marriage certificate from Mexico can take up to a month or more to be issued.
• The marriage will be recognised as legal in the US as long as the marriage certificate is apostilled and translated.
• Only civil weddings performed by Civil Registry Officials are considered legal and valid in Mexico.
• US citizens must have a valid passport and up-to-date tourist or residence permits with Mexican Immigration Authorities.
• Foreigners wishing to marry a Mexican citizen must request permission from the Mexican Immigration Institute.
• Divorced persons cannot marry in Mexico until one year after the finalisation of the divorce. This requirement varies by state.
• Men wishing to marry Mexican women must provide proof of their ability to support their wives financially.

To make your marriage legal in the US, you must get your Mexican marriage certificate legalised in Mexico

To make your marriage legal in the US, you must ensure that your marriage is recognised as legal in Mexico. In Mexico, only civil marriages are recognised as legal. Civil marriages are performed by the Registro Civil (Civil Registry).

To get married in Mexico, you must:

• Be physically present in Mexico.
• Present the documents required by the jurisdiction where the marriage will take place.
• Have a valid passport and tourist or residence permits up to date with Mexican Immigration Authorities.
• Request a marriage permit from Mexican Immigration.
• Complete a marriage application, giving the exact names of applicants, as they appear on their birth certificates.
• Present birth certificates.
• Present a prenuptial medical examination certificate, issued by the local General Hospital or another public or private entity, which should include HIV, VDRL and blood type, issued no more than 15 days before the marriage takes place.
• Present photo ID and a copy of both sides for each applicant.
• Present a divorce or death certificate if applicable.
• If either applicant is under the age of 18, the parents of the minor(s) must present photo ID and give their consent.

After the marriage has been performed, you must obtain a certified copy of the marriage certificate (Acta de Matrimonio) from the Civil Registry.

To make your marriage certificate legal in the US, you must get it legalised in Mexico. The process is known as an Apostille. You should ask the local registry office or a wedding planner for details about how to do this.

You will need to arrive in Mexico several days before the wedding

Planning a wedding in Mexico involves a lot of paperwork, so it's a good idea to arrive a few days early to ensure that you have everything in order. Here are some important things to keep in mind:

• Passports and Tourist Cards: Ensure that you have valid passports for both you and your partner. Additionally, obtain tourist visa cards, which will be provided upon your arrival at the airport in Mexico.
• Witnesses: You will need four legally qualified witnesses over the age of 18, with their passports and tourist visas. Some resorts can provide witnesses for a fee if needed.
• Application for Marriage: Obtain and complete the application form for marriage, which can be obtained from the local registry office or your wedding coordinator.
• Divorce Certificate: If applicable, bring a divorce certificate. In most states, you must be divorced for at least one year before remarrying.
• Medical Certificate and Blood Test Results: These must be done in Mexico and completed no more than 14 to 15 days before the wedding date.
• Translation and Notarization: Have all documents, except your passports, translated into Spanish by a certified translator and notarized by the Mexican consulate.
• Chest X-Rays: In some destinations, chest X-rays may be required a few days before the wedding.
• Birth Certificates: Bring birth certificates, translated into Spanish and certified, if you want the names of your parents on the wedding certificate.
• Death Certificate: If widowed, a death certificate will be required.
• Other Documents: Depending on your specific situation, you may need additional documents. For example, if one member of the couple is adopted, you will need to provide adoption papers. If you are marrying a Mexican resident, you may need to apply for a foreign marriage permit from the local Mexican consulate.

You must be 18 or older to get married in Mexico without parental consent

If you're planning a wedding in Mexico, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, only civil ceremonies are considered legally binding. This means that if you want your wedding to be official, it must be performed by an officiant from the civil registry of the local municipality of Mexico.

Now, when it comes to the legal age of marriage in Mexico, the requirements are as follows: you must be 18 years of age or older to get married without parental consent. If you are under the age of 18, parental consent is required, and you will need to have a parent present at your wedding. It's important to note that there are different age requirements for males and females in some states in Mexico. In these states, males can marry at 17 with parental consent, while females can marry at 15 with the same consent.

Additionally, there may be a residency requirement for minors who wish to marry in Mexico. This means that the couple intending to marry must be living in Mexico for a specified period before the marriage, typically around 30 days.

It's also important to be aware of the legal consequences of marrying without meeting the age requirements. If an individual under the age of 18 marries without parental consent or a court order, their marriage may not be valid, and they may face legal repercussions such as being charged with statutory rape.

So, if you're planning a wedding in Mexico, make sure you comply with the legal age requirements to ensure that your special day goes smoothly and is recognised as legal.

You will need to provide various documents, including valid passports, birth certificates, and divorce or death certificates

If you're planning to get married in Mexico, you'll need to provide a range of documents to ensure that your marriage is legally recognised. Here's a detailed breakdown of the paperwork you'll need to gather:

Passports and Birth Certificates

Firstly, you'll need to bring your valid passports, and it's recommended that these are valid for at least six months after the wedding. You'll also need to provide a copy of each passport. In addition, both birth certificates must be apostilled and translated into Spanish. If you're a US citizen, you can contact the Secretary of State where you were born to request an apostille.

Divorce or Death Certificates

If you're divorced, you'll need to present a copy of the final divorce decree. In most Mexican states, you must be divorced for at least a year before remarrying. However, in Quintana Roo, women cannot remarry for 300 days unless they have given birth during that time. If you're widowed, you'll need to provide a copy of the death certificate of your deceased spouse.

Frequently asked questions