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GetawayWeddings Advice Column

This Week's Question: Answered by Andrea Rotondo Hospidor

Question: "What are the legal requirements for a wedding in Mexico?"

 
Andrea Rotondo Hospidor is editorial director and co-founder of GetawayWeddings.com. She's a well-known wedding and romance travel expert. Her latest book - I'm Getting Married. Now What?! - is in stores now and available on line at Amazon.com.

Andrea's Answer: There is a great deal of information about what you need to apply for a marriage license in Mexico at About.com. Here are the most important points:

ID Requirements:
If you are not a resident of Mexico, you will be asked for a Tourist Card/Visa and a valid passport. The airlines will provide you with your tourist card if you are flying in. If you are driving, you will have to get one in Mexico.

Some of the states require a certified copy of your birth certificates,that has been translated into Spanish and confirmed by your own country.

The documents will be kept, so don't bring originals.

Ceremony:
A marriage in Mexico is legal only if it is a civil ceremony performed at a local Civil Register Office (Oficina del Registro Civil). You can have a religious ceremony later.

Residency Requirement:
None. If a foreigner wishes to marry a Mexican citizen, s/he needs to have authorization from the National Institute for Migration (Instituto Nacional de Migración).

Waiting Period:
Two to three days. Varies from state to state. Plan for getting the paperwork all arranged. It generally takes at least 3 (three) working days to have your paperwork and documents processed.

Previous Marriages:
If you have been divorced, you need to wait a year before applying for a marriage license. You will also need a certified copy of your divorce decree or certified copy of death certificate of deceased spouse.

Tests:
A blood test for RPR, and HIV and Thorax (chest) X-rays are required in Mexico. It is recommended that these tests be done in Mexico 2 days prior to your wedding.

Witnesses:
You need two witnesses over the age of 18. Your witnesses also need to provide identification.

Miscellaneous:
Weddings are not performed on Sundays.

Under 18:
Parental consent is required if either applicant is under 18.

Fees:
Approximately $200 (US Funds.)

Proxy Marriages:
Yes.

Same Sex Marriages:
No.

More Information:

Mexican Touristm Board
http://www.mexico-travel.com
Phone: 800-446-3942 or 212-755-7261

Mexico State Government Information: Realize that since every state in Mexico has its own marriage license regulations, you need to check beyond these basic requirements. If you already have a wedding coordinator within Mexico, they should also be able to easily tell you what additional requirements you should be aware of.

 

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