Getting married in Mexico: everything you need to know
Mexico is one of the world's most popular wedding destinations. With same-sex marriage legal nationwide since 2022, inclusive venues and stunning cultural and scenic richness, it's the perfect setting to celebrate love in all its forms.
Why get married in Mexico
Every year over 35,000 foreign couples choose Mexico for their wedding, in addition to thousands of local couples. The reasons are clear:
- Unique settings: From Caribbean beaches to Mayan cenotes, colonial haciendas, Baja California deserts or pre-Hispanic pyramids.
- Affordable prices: An 80-guest wedding in Mexico costs 40-60% less than the same in the US or Europe.
- Tourism infrastructure: Resorts with professional wedding programs, wedding planners specialized in foreign couples and international air connectivity.
- Full inclusion: Same-sex marriage legal in all 32 states since 2022. Mexico is recognized for its openness to LGBTIQ+ couples.
- Honeymoon included: The wedding location is often the perfect honeymoon destination with no additional travel costs.
Legal requirements to marry in Mexico
For a legal civil wedding in Mexico, all states require approximately the same documents. The process takes 3-7 business days and is manageable with help from a local wedding planner.
📄 Required documents
- • Valid passports (copy and original)
- • Birth certificates apostilled and translated to Spanish by certified translator
- • Blood tests done in Mexico at authorized lab (max 15 days before)
- • Four witnesses with official ID
- • If divorced: apostilled divorce certificate
⏱️ Process timing
Arrive in Mexico minimum 4 days before the wedding. Day 1: blood tests. Day 2: documents submitted to Civil Registry. Days 3-4: review. Day 5+: ceremony. Many couples choose a symbolic wedding in Mexico and the civil wedding in their home country to simplify.
💒 Religious wedding
In Mexico, religious weddings (Catholic or otherwise) are separate from civil. You must do both if you want that sentimental value. Only the civil wedding has legal validity.
Budget and wedding costs
Prices vary enormously by destination and wedding type. These are general 2026 ranges for a 50-80 guest wedding:
| Wedding type | Range (MXN) | Range (USD) | What's included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intimate / budget | $50,000 - $180,000 | $2,900 - $10,500 | 20-40 guests, simple venue, basic catering, basic photo |
| Mid-range | $180,000 - $400,000 | $10,500 - $23,000 | 50-80 guests, resort or hacienda, full catering, band, photo + video, decor |
| Luxury | $400,000 - $1,500,000 | $23,000 - $87,000 | 80-150 guests, premium venue, celebrity chef, fireworks, exclusive buyouts |
| Ultra-luxury | $1,500,000+ | $87,000+ | No limit. Resort buyout, floral art, international entertainment. |
Tip: resort all-inclusive packages usually save 30-40% vs hiring vendors separately. Include venue, food, drinks, coordinator and basic decor.
Best months to get married in Mexico
🟢 Ideal
November, December (before 15), January, February, March, April. Dry weather, no hurricanes, not too hot. High prices but worth it.
🟡 Shoulder
May, June, last week of November. Hot but manageable weather. Prices 30-40% lower than peak season.
🔴 Avoid
July, August, September, first half of October. Hurricane season in the Caribbean, extreme heat (40°C+) in Baja California and Yucatan.
Planning checklist
A destination wedding takes more planning than a local one. Recommended timeline:
Choose destination and date. Book venue and group lodging.
Hire local wedding planner (highly recommended). Preliminary guest list and save-the-date invites.
Start legal process. Book photo, video, band/DJ. Menu and decor selection.
Formal invitations. Dress fitting. Ring purchase. Chef tasting.
Confirm RSVPs. Finalize contracts. Virtual rehearsal with planner. Apostille documents.
Travel to destination 4+ days early. Blood tests. In-person rehearsal. Welcome party.