CIVIL/LEGAL CEREMONY
Only a civil ceremony is legally recognized. A religious or symbolic ceremony has no legal bearing and does not replace in any way the binding legal civil marriage.
A marriage in Mexico is only legal if it is performed by a judge of the “Oficina del Registro Civil”. The ceremony can be performed in the office of the “Registro Civil” or a location of the couple´s choice.
Required Documentation, Procedures and frequently asked questions:
What are the requirements to legally get married in Mexico:
• Valid passport (valid for the bride, groom and the 4 witnesses)
• 4 Witnesses (at least 18 years of age)
• Tourist Cards (which you will receive while entering the country)
(valid for the bride, groom and the 4 witnesses)
• Apostille certified birth certificates for Bride & Groom (see below)
• If applicable, final Record of Divorce
• If applicable, Death Certificate
• Health certificate and blood test provided by a Mexican Official (this will be performed at your destination)*
How many days do we need to arrive prior to the ceremony?
• If it is a legal ceremony, Mexico requires that the couple and 4 witnesses be in the country at least 3 business days prior to the wedding.
What is the latest time that we can arrive at the resort for it to count toward the “business day” requirement (for legal ceremonies only)?
• Arrival day does not count, nor do weekends or Public Holidays. You and your witnesses must arrive 3 full business days prior to the ceremony.
Do we need to send any documentation prior to arrival?
• The wedding coordinator will forward you forms that need to be filled out prior to your arrival and returned back to the wedding coordinator for further processing. Please be sure to bring all important documents listed under “Wedding Requirements” above.
What is an Apostille document, why do I need it and where do I get it?
• Apostille is a French word which means ¨a certification¨. It is commonly used in English to refer to the legalization of a document for international use under the terms of the 1961 Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents. Documents which have been notarized by a notary public, and certain other documents, and then certified with a conformant apostille are accepted for legal use in all the nations that have signed the Hague Convention. (courtesy of Wikipedia, ). All the documents needed for the legal ceremony require to be translated into Spanish and each must have the stamp (Apostille). Translations must be either done in Mexico or by a certified translator at a Mexican Embassy of the couple´s country.
Being divorced less then one year ago. Can a civil ceremony take place?
• Unfortunately no. If you have been divorced you will need to wait at least one year before remarrying, and you must bring a copy of your final divorce papers.
In the case the bride is divorced:
If the bride is divorced, and her passport is under her ex-husbands last name, she will be required additional documentation. Her birth certificate must be translated into Spanish and have an Apostille seal.
The bride and groom must have a blood test performed at least two (2) days prior to the legal ceremony. Please find below some additional specifics.
Details on the mandatory blood test:
• The test must be taken in Mexico and should not be taken more than 14 days prior to the ceremony. The blood is tested for HIV, RPR (sexually transmitted diseases) and blood type. Results are ready within 24 hours together with a certificate of the blood test. Upon arrival, your wedding coordinator sets the appointment for the next morning at (APPROXIMATELY) 8:00am, you must have an empty stomach, and the doctor will take the blood test in your hotel room.
If my name is different from the passport and birth certificate will this present problem?
• Yes, in order for the documents to be finalized and legal in Mexico, there must be proof for different names in order to get married (i.e. divorce, birth certificates, etc).
Will the judge perform the ceremony if all of our documents are not in order? Are there any exceptions?
• No, there are no exceptions. All documents must be presented, and they must be in order for the ceremony to take place.
In what language will the ceremony be held at:
• The ceremony will be held in Spanish. If required a translator can be organized at an additional cost (prices are dictated by the translator). Some judges do speak English but we are unable to guarantee.
How do I obtain my legal marriage certificate and what needs to be done once I get back home:• The marriage certificate is only valid in Mexico. It takes from 2 to 4 months to receive the marriage license. Once received, the wedding manager will send it to you. You will have to register your wedding in Mexico in your home country in order to make is legal.
*Requirements are subject to change at any time.
|
