Marriage in Los Cabos, Mexico

The required paperwork for a Mexican marriage is similar to that required in U.S.A., with the difference being that the nearest Mexican consulate must validate all documents (the hotel or wedding coordinator can assist with this).

Here are the basic requirements:

• Current passport as proof of ID and marital status.
• Certified copy of both party’s birth certificates.
• Tourist card (received upon arrival in Mexico) or visa.
• Names, addresses, nationalities, occupations and ages of both parents.
• Health certificate and blood test (hotels will help set up the tests, which must be done in Mexico).
• Four witnesses (these can be provided by a wedding planner or the hotel locally for an extra fee). Will also need to provide their names, addresses, occupations, ages and photo ID.
• Typically, two to four days must be spent in Cabo San Lucas to complete the requirements, although less time may be required when a wedding coordinator is involved.
• In addition, previously married couples need verification that a minimum of one full year has elapsed from the date of one of the following: Divorce: Final dissolution of marriage must be verified with a certified copy of the final divorce decree. Widowed: Must be verified with a certified copy of the spouse’s death certificate.

There are two forms of weddings performed in Mexico. One is The Civil Wedding (Matrimonio Civil).  This ceremony changes your marital status from single to married.  Your proof of marriage is recognized as legal throughout the world.  The Civil ceremony is performed by a Spanish Speaking Judge.  A wedding planner can be with you to translate for you. This can be compared to a ceremony performed by the Justice of the Peace in the United States or Canada.  The Judge’s vows are set and can not be altered.

For the Civil Ceremony the following is mandatory

1. Copy of your birth certificate
2. Lab work completed in the state in which you are getting married
3. Copy of your Tourist Visas (you receive these on the plane)
4. Divorce decree if applicable.  It is necessary to be divorced one year in order to get married in Mexico.

There are no exceptions to the above for a Legal wedding that is legal throughout the world.

The other ceremony is the Religious or Non-denomination Ceremony.  This ceremony does not change your marital status here in Mexico or anywhere in the world.  If you want to perform the civil ceremony at your home either before or after your Cabo San Lucas wedding you can!  Or, you can do both the civil ceremony and the religious / Non-denominational wedding in Los Cabos. For a Non Denominational Minister ceremony, you can choose your wedding vows from some of the Minister’s favorites. You may alter or include your own scripture to these vows in any way you choose and send it back to us.  You may write your own vows or include special poems, reading, songs etc.  If you need ideas or help with any of the words you want to say to each other, your Minister will gladly assist you.

The civil ceremony can be performed in the judge’s chambers Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM or the civil ceremony can be  performed outside the judge’s chambers at a location of your choice for an additional fee.

It is possible to have both the Civil and Non-denominational Ceremony completing the legalities in the Judge’s chambers and having the Minister for your sunset wedding at a location of your choice.

If you need a list of Judges and non-deominational Ministers, please contact me!  There are many wonderful Ministers in Los Cabos.