OVERVIEW

Marriage in Mexico is regulated at the local level by the states. However, the requirements generally do not vary significantly across different regions. The process is straightforward but requires careful preparation to ensure all legal aspects are addressed.

1. Obtain a Tourist Visa

• U.S. and Canadian citizens receive a tourist visa (Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM) upon entry into Mexico. Ensure your visa is valid at the time of your wedding.

2. Choose a Civil Ceremony

• Only civil marriages are legally recognized in Mexico. Religious or symbolic ceremonies alone are not legally binding, so you must have a civil ceremony to be legally married. The religious ceremony can be organized after the civil ceremony if desired.

3. Gather the Required Documents

You’ll need:

• Valid passports for both parties.

• Tourist visas (FMM cards).

• Legalized and translated birth certificates (long-form) into Spanish by an official translator.

• Medical certificates endorsed by a Mexican doctor.

• Completed application forms indicating whether the marriage will be under separate or joint property.

• If previously married, you must provide your divorce decree or death certificate of the former spouse (if applicable). The applicant must have been divorced for at least one year before the new ceremony.

Note: All foreign documents must be legalized by the corresponding Mexican consulate or apostilled by the authority of the issuing country.

4. Get Blood Tests in Mexico

• Mexican law requires blood tests for HIV and certain STDs, which must be done locally within Mexico. They’re usually valid for 15 days before the wedding. Check with the Civil Registry for specific details.

5. Apply for a Marriage License

• Visit the local Civil Registry office in the area where you want to get married. Submit your documents and blood test results. Some regions may require certified translations of documents.

• Submit your application forms and documents at least four weeks before the wedding to avoid delays.

6. Witnesses

• You’ll need 2-4 witnesses for the ceremony. Witnesses must bring identification (usually a passport or ID) and may need to provide proof of their legal status in Mexico.

7. Pay the Fees

• Fees for the marriage license can vary by state. Confirm the exact amount and payment methods with the Civil Registry. The Civil Registry is not required to charge a fee for the ceremony itself, but some locations may request a fee based on the venue.

8. Choosing a Location for the Civil Ceremony

• In the Civil Registry Office: Most civil ceremonies take place at the local Civil Registry office.

• Off-site Ceremonies (Beach or Other Locations): Many Civil Registry offices offer the option to conduct the civil ceremony in a location of your choice, such as a beach, hotel, or private venue. If you want the ceremony in a location outside the office:

  • Request this service in advance.

  • There may be additional fees for off-site ceremonies, varying depending on the location and the judge’s availability.

  • Confirm with the Civil Registry if your desired location can be accommodated, as not all registries have the capacity for off-site ceremonies.

9. Attend the Civil Ceremony

• The civil ceremony will be performed by a judge or officiant at the Civil Registry office or your chosen off-site location. After the ceremony, you will receive your official Mexican marriage certificate (Acta de Matrimonio).

10. Apostille Your Marriage Certificate

• To make your marriage certificate valid in the U.S. or Canada, it must be apostilled by the Mexican government. You can do this through the state's Secretary of Foreign Affairs (Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores).

11. Translate the Marriage Certificate (if necessary)

• Some U.S. or Canadian states or provinces may require an official translation of the marriage certificate into English or French.

12. Register Your Marriage at Your Consulate (Optional)

• Although not required, some couples choose to register their marriage with their country’s consulate in Mexico to keep an additional record of the marriage.

13. Special Considerations

• Minors: Individuals under 18 must present proof from parents or guardians. If parents are not present, a notarized power of attorney must be granted to a third party attending the ceremony. Males under 16 and females under 14 are not allowed to marry under any circumstances.

• Additional Documents: For previously married individuals, a divorce decree or death certificate must be presented.

• Delivery of Marriage Certificate: After the civil ceremony, a marriage certificate will be issued. If you wish to have it certified for use abroad, you can legalize and certify the document for international validity.