Weddings in Mexico

Mexico is an exciting, vibrant country that offers you stunning beaches, beautiful scenery, ancient culture and fine food. Its east coast boasts perhaps one of the most wonderful beach resorts on earth; Cancun.

Stunning turqoise waters of Cancun, Mexico

Cancun is a beach lover’s paradise and every year couples choose to tie the knot on the golden sands of this Caribbean resort. In terms of high quality hotels you really will be spoilt for choice. High quality four and five star hotels line the fifteen kilometres of beach front. Many of these hotels are operated by well known hoteliers including Riu, Barcelo, Sandals and Secrets.

A short distance from Cancun is the more laid back resort of Riviera Maya. This dream resort boasts stretches of prime white sands, lapped by tropical blue waters meaning your wedding and honeymoon will take place in a dream paradise destination.

The Riviera Maya is a dream location for a beach wedding

Mexico can be reached from the UK within eleven hours and direct flights operate from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester International Airport.

Getting Married in Mexico

You have a choice of wedding type in Mexico; civil or religious. However, it is very important to note that the civil ceremony is the only one legally recognised under Mexican law.  Currently there are no minimum residency requirements but it is advised that you arrive in resort at least three days before you intend to marry.

Civil Ceremony

Your civil ceremony would normally take place at the closest Register Office to your hotel. If you would prefer to have your civil wedding on a beach then you will required to pay higher fees. At least four witnesses are required, and each will need to have their passports and identification with them on the day of the wedding. They should all be over the age of 18.

The civil ceremony is conducted in Spanish, but you should be provided with an interpreter who will translate throughout the service into English.

Religious wedding ceremony

Those wanting a religious ceremony should be advised that the marriage will not be recognised under Mexican law unless they also conduct a separate civil ceremony. This will add extra cost on to your wedding package. For a religious ceremony to take place please note that at least one person in the couple must have been baptised as a Christian. A local priest in resort must also be advised at least 30 days before you intend to marry. If your wedding is part of a tour operator package you must make sure that they arrange this for you.

Two witnesses are required for a religious wedding. Both need to be aged 18 or over and must present their full identification. The priest will conduct the wedding in Spanish and you will be offered a translator.

Please note that any foreigner marrying in Mexico is required to have a blood test. This test will need to be certified by a doctor before your wedding.

Marriage Certificate and Documentation

Once married, you will be presented with your marriage certificate. This document will be in Spanish and will need to be translated when you arrive back in the UK. It is vital that you get this certificate apostilled whilst still in resort so your marriage is legally recognised.

The documentation you will require for your Mexican wedding is as follows:

Birth certificate for both the bride and groom

Valid UK passports for both the bride and groom

Valid Mexican tourist visa for both the bride and groom

Authorised affidavit from notary or solicitor declaring that both the bride and groom are eligible for marriage

If either or both the bride and groom are divorced a Decree of Absolute and an affidavit declaring eligibility to re-marry

If either or both the bride and groom are widowed, the spouses Death Certificate and affidavit declaring eligibility to re-marry

Written consent from parents if either or both the bride or groom are under 18 years old.