Mexico marriage laws will vary by city and state within Mexico. A legal wedding in Mexico is legal anywhere in the world. General requirements are listed below.
1. Bride and groom will always need valid passport, a copy of your tourist card or visa and certified copies of your birth certificates.
2. Most Mexican cities require tests for STD’s (sexually transmitted diseases) and blood type, but some cities require an HIV test. Some cities require that the test be done in Mexico or at least notarized by a Mexican doctor. In some cases, a USA blood test is acceptable if taken within 15 days of your Mexico wedding date.
3. You will need up to four witnesses (some cities require the witnesses to be Mexican while in other cities U.S. witnesses are fine.) Each Civil Registry office has witnesses available for a nominal fee.
4. The wedding party must allow two to four days in Mexico prior to the wedding to complete these requirements. A Mexico wedding coordinator may be able to shorten this time period.
5. Previously married parties must be one year past termination and bring certified copies of a dissolution of marriage or a certified copy of spouse's death certificate.
6. Foreigners wishing to marry Mexican citizens must obtain authorization from the National Institute of Migration (Instituto Nacional de Migracion). This will take a bit longer and there will be more paper work to process.
Marriages are performed at the "Oficina del Registro Civil" (Civil Registers Office) for a fee (can range from $100 to $250 in resort areas). Every city and small town has an office. Most people in this office don't speak English.
