What You Need to Know Before Tying the Knot
Getting married? You’ll find the best all inclusive resorts with best Mexico Vacation Packages. Have you been dreaming of hopping a plane to sunny Mexico and marrying the love of your life on a beautiful, white sand beach? Whether you are opting for a small elopement in one of many tropical destinations, or have been dreaming of a big, luxurious wedding celebration at top resorts in Mexico, here’s what you need to know in order to get married legally in Mexico.
What to Expect
Although requirements may vary state to state, most areas are going to require medical assessments and blood tests before you tie the knot, so make sure you arrive early enough to get those clearances before your big day! Additionally, Mexico does require wedding ceremonies to be conducted in Spanish by a judge and translated into English by a wedding coordinator.
What to Prepare
For your wedding ceremony to be considered legal, you’ll need to plan ahead and make sure to bring the following:
- Both you and your soon-to-be spouse must bring valid passports.
- You must have four witnesses over the age of 18 who have their passports.
- You, your partner, and your witnesses must also bring along your tourist visa cards.
- You will need an application stating you wish to marry (this can be obtained by whatever on-site wedding coordinator you may be working with).
- If either of you have been divorced before, you must bring the divorce certificate with you.
- If either of you have been divorced, that divorce must have been finalized for at least a year before the wedding.
- You and your spouse must bring your medical clearance certificate and blood test results, both of these will be done once you arrive in Mexico no more than two weeks prior to the wedding.
- Last but not least, all of these items (minus your passports) will have to be translated into Spanish by a certified translator and notarized by the Mexican consulate.
Getting Your Marriage Legalized in the US
In order for your wedding to be legally recognized back in the US, the marriage certificate will need to be sent off to the Mexican state capital to become legalized. This process can take up to 4 months before you receive your official marriage certificate. The certificate is written in Spanish and will need to be translated into English.
Or, Have a Symbolic Ceremony Instead
Still want to exchange vows on the beach but want to keep things a little simpler? Consider taking a day off before you head to Mexico and go down to your local city clerk or courthouse. You and your partner can get legally married down at your local city hall prior to your destination wedding; then, you can have a symbolic commitment ceremony when you arrive in Mexico with all your loved ones! Not only does this keep things hassle-free, but it also opens up the opportunity to get married by a friend or family member, too!
No matter how you decide to say, “I do,” at your destination wedding, Mexico is a beautiful place to exchange vows with your best friend.
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