GETTING MARRIED IN MEXICO

In Mexico only civil marriages are recognized as legal. A civil marriage in Mexico is fully valid for legal purposes worldwide.

Foreign wishing to get married in Mexico must present the following documents before the Officer of the Civil Registry office of the city or town where the marriage is to take place

1. A completed application form obtained in Mexico at the Registry Office. This includes a statement as to whether the couple will maintain separate property and assets or have joint property. This statement may not be valid for future purposes, under the legislation of your country of origin.

2. Valid passport and Migratory Form obtained at the airport/Residence Card to prove legal status in Mexico.

3.Certified copy of their Birth Certificate, officially translated into Spanish and carrying the Apostille stamp (see Consular Services/Legalizations). Further legalization by the Mexican Embassy in your country of origin may be optional.

4. If either party has been married before, they must present either a certified copy of the Divorce decree, or; a certified copy of a Death Certificate duly translated and legalized as described above.

5. A physician’s certificate stating that according to the blood tests and x-rays taken in Mexico, neither applicant suffers from any contagious disease. Additional fees may apply.

6. Two legally qualified witnesses (over 18 years of age), who must be present at the ceremony.

7. Payment of fee established by the Civil Registry Office.

These are only general requirements. Resorts and hotels may be able to provide information about local requirements, which may vary.

Marriages are performed at the offices of the Civil Registry, but may be performed elsewhere for an additional fee (marriage fees vary throughout Mexico). Persons staying at a hotel can obtain addresses and fees from hotel management.

Religious Marriages, which have no legal implications in Mexico, require additional information for the ceremony. Requirements must be obtained from local Church Officials.

People under 18 years of age cannot marry without the consent of their parents or legal guardians. Under no circumstances can males under the age of sixteen, or females under the age of fourteen, be married in Mexico.

IMPORTANT: It is the responsibility of the person getting married in Mexico to contact the Civil Registry of the State where the ceremony will take place. The Civil Registry will set the requirements for the ceremony. Each State may have somewhat different regulations.