Mexico is a stunning wedding destination choice, with its colourful culture, amazing beaches and glorious weather it’s no wonder it’s a popular choice for UK couples.

Guide to a Mexico Wedding

Whether you have your heart set on Mexico or dipping your toes in the idea of a destination wedding we have collated a guide featuring the necessary steps and requirements when getting married here, with expert advice from Angelina Cardenas, a destination wedding planner based in Mexico.

When to get Married in Mexico

There are several regions in Mexico ideal for a stunning destination wedding; Tulum, Holbox, Isla Mujeres & Merida Yucatan. With a flight time from the UK at just over 10 hours Mexico has a lot to offer when it comes to destination weddings including all inclusive packages in divine dream like resorts.

Tulum is home to the most stunning beaches in Mexico including Paradise Beach, get the timing right and you could see sea turtles wondering on land to lay their eggs! Laid back, un-spoilt and dreamy just about sums up Holbox. You may spot flamingos, pelicans or even whale sharks here.

Isla Mujeres is a Mexican island only about 8 miles off the coast of Cancun, offering stunning resorts and beautiful coral reefs ideal for snorkeling and diving. For City lovers Merida Yucatan is perfect, filled with heritage and the 16th century mansion Casa de Montejo.

Angelina explains to us the best times to get married in these locations;

  • Tulum: Feb – May and November to Dec 20th. Summer time is pretty hot and after Dec 20th holiday season.
  • Holbox: January – May. Summer is hot and fall is windy
  • Isla Mujeres: Feb – May and November to Dec 20th. Summer time is pretty hot and after Dec 20th holiday season.
  • Merida Yucatan: January – April and Nov to Dec 20th.

 

Can I legally marry in Mexico?

Angelina said “Yes you can, however there are some legal requirements you would need to follow.”

As with any destination wedding you have to acknowledge marriage process’ differ from that of the UK’s. Civil ceremonies taken place in Mexico will legally stand in the UK if the correct procedures have been taken, religious ceremonies are more complex to arrange here and are not legally binding.

Civil ceremonies can take place outside of the registry office, if you imagine yourself walking through white sand up the aisle this can be arranged in Mexico.

You will need to have:

  • Completed marriage application forms
  • Passport (valid for 6 months)
  • Birth certificate
  • Travel visa
  • Blood test certificate & possibly a chest x-ray

All states in Mexico require you to have a local blood test to determine blood type, HIV and STD. The legal marriage process is made a lot simpler by hiring a professional wedding planner used to the requirements.

Angelina said “You would need to fill out a form, a blood test and health certificate would need to be done in the area and you will need 4 witnesses. The documents need to be in Spanish completed within a time frame of no longer than 15 days prior the wedding day. Clients need to arrive 5 days prior the wedding day to do the blood test and health certificate.”

Do I need to visit prior to the wedding?

Angelina said “No this is not necessary. We can do plan everything online. If you feel nervous, then my suggestion would be to visit the area prior to booking the venue and do a reception dinner food tasting – probably a 1 year or 8 months beforehand.”

How long before and after the ceremony do they need to be in the country?

Angelina said. “For a Legal Ceremony, the bride and groom would need to arrive 5 days prior the wedding day.
For a symbolic Ceremony, the bride and groom can arrive 2 days prior the wedding day.

If you are apprehensive arrive 7 days prior to your wedding day to review all of the finer details. Extra time to enjoy beautiful Mexico!

Where to get married in Mexico

There are many stunning venues across Mexico perfect for your destination wedding, here are just a few.

Tulum Venues

Holbox Venues

Isla Mujeres Venues

Yucatan Venues

Mexico Wedding Planners

Angelina Cardenas has a bachelor of Arts in Public Relations, bilingual, with more than 12 years of experience in hotel management in the area of sales, groups, events organisation and client relations.

“I like to hear my clients requests, I envision weekend celebrations and always provide the best advice according to what clients are looking for by preparing budgets and generally making things happen for them. My aim is to create and produce big celebration weddings for an experience to never forget.”

You can find out more about Angelina Cardenas and how she can help plan your wedding in Mexico via her website at angelinacardenas.com.