Legal Requirements for Mexico

This is news to me. I've been to Mexico a few times and met some couples who were getting married, and I don't think they underwent any tests etc.

They advise your vaccinated against various things, but I've never bothered. Unless your planning to start living with the locals!

Mexico is a fantastic place to go, I'm going for my honeymoon and can't wait!

We are planning on get married in October in Mex and I'm mexican myself, so I can answer this! You need to have blood tests done (they have to be done in Mexico the week before the wedding) - to test for HIV and other STDs. If they come out positive, then you cannot get legally married (although a symbolic ceremony can still be undertaken). There is no need for a chest x-rays.

The other requirements are:

1. you have to be in mexico at least four working days before the ceremony (weekends, day of arrival and public holidays do not count)

2. you need certified and translated copies of your birth certificate

3. If you are a divorcee- you need your official divorce decree (note you cant get married if your divorce was less than a year ago)

4. You will also need four witnesses, although if you cant provide them then the hotel will provide them for you (you just need to tell them)

5. And finally, there are fees to process all the documentation, get the marriage certificate translated into english, etc, etc.

I think that is pretty much it, but all of the big hotels in Cancun have detailed guidelines on their website (try the Ritz, the meridien, dreams, etc)

Hope this helps!

Thank you for your feedback

I have been looking at the Gran Caribe Real Resort and Spa for a venue which seem sto have everything we want as we need it to be as family friendly s possible and here the kids seem to be well catered for.

At the Gran Caribe they also have their own on site doctor who will carry out the blood test, do you know how long it takes for the results to come back?We would have to have this done a soon as we arrived in resort i am guessing.

There is nothing like that someone misguided you. Because one of my friend lives in Mexico and as i read your post i confirmed from him. He said no any rule is like that.

I ave checked today with the travel agent and there is definatly a blood test that is required if getting married in Mexico this may not be the case for local people however for tourists marrying in the country blood tests are required to test for HIV/AIDS and STD's and take around 1-2 days for results to come back.

Hi Vicki

I'm posisbly looking at getting married in mexico as well and you do have to have a blood test. This can cost anywhere from $100 to $250 dollars as far as I'm aware but is a legal requirement and is usually carried out in your resort.

It's all the stuff about what documents need to be translated that confuses me and where you get these translations carried out no-one really seems to have the answer.

Hi Cbee,

I think I have the answer to your question about the documents and their translations.

First of all, legal requirements for getting married in Mexico (and other countries) depend on your personal circumstances (e.g. f you are both single, you normally need the birth certificates only). Then, the original documents need to be legalised at the Foreign Office and their translations need to be certified by a Notary Public.

TLC UK is a company specialised in translation and legalisation services for weddings abroad, so if you still haven't done your paperwork, it might be helpful visiting www.tlcuk.biz

I hope that helps!

All the best,

Eva

Hi chelle where are you staying on honeymoon? We've booked to go to Mexico stopping in iberostar tucan and am a little nervous as Mexico will be the furthestwe have ever been?!