Planning a destination wedding is all about love, adventure, and unforgettable memories—but when it comes to how to get married in Mexico, there are a few important things to know before you jet off to paradise.

Hi! I’m Dana, the destination wedding and travel expert behind DWD Travel & Destination Weddings. I help couples say “I do” in the most stunning locations around the world, and I’m here to make your Mexico wedding experience simple, stress-free, and absolutely magical.

Whether you’re imagining a barefoot ceremony on the beach, an intimate jungle elopement, or a luxurious resort wedding with all your favorite people—I’ve got you. Let’s explore everything you need to know about how to get married in Mexico (including some little-known tips to make it easy-peasy).

Want a closer look at my work? Explore my portfolio to see real destination weddings and love stories.

Feel like we’d be a great match? Reach out here and let’s start planning your perfect day together.

Legal vs. Symbolic Ceremonies: What’s the Difference?

The first big decision in planning how to get married in Mexico? Choosing between a legal or symbolic ceremony.

Legal Ceremonies in Mexico

When you have a legal ceremony in Mexico, your marriage becomes officially recognized both in Mexico and back home. It requires more paperwork, planning, and in some cases, even medical tests (yes, really!).

Each Mexican state may have slightly different requirements, so it’s super important to double-check the specifics for your destination—whether it’s Cancun, Cabo, Tulum, or Puerto Vallarta.

And yep—this type of wedding is legally binding. If you want your marriage to be official from the moment you say “I do,” this is the route to take.

Symbolic Ceremonies in Mexico

Symbolic ceremonies, on the other hand, are not legally binding. You’ll celebrate with a beautiful, meaningful ceremony that looks and feels like a real wedding—while handling the legal paperwork at home, before or after your trip.

There’s no stress, no extra documentation, and no worries about translations or government offices. You can just show up, celebrate, and soak in every moment.

A symbolic ceremony is exactly the same in every way—except for the legal part. Most couples don’t even tell their guests that it isn’t official on the day!

Not sure what to wear to a destination wedding? From beachy vibes to dress code tips, this guide has you covered! Check out my blog for stylish ideas and packing advice.

Why So Many Couples Choose Symbolic Ceremonies Instead

So, what’s the best option when you’re figuring out how to get married in Mexico? While both are totally valid, most of my couples opt for a symbolic ceremony—and here’s why:

Less Paperwork, More Peace of Mind

With a symbolic ceremony, you don’t have to worry about gathering official documents, translating them, or dealing with foreign bureaucracy. You can legally marry at home with a quick visit to your local courthouse, and then focus on the fun part—your dream wedding day in paradise.

Flexibility in Location and Officiants

A judge or government official must perform legal ceremonies in Mexico, and they often limit them to weekdays and set hours. Symbolic ceremonies? You can have them anywhere—on the beach at sunset, in the jungle under a canopy of trees, or on a resort rooftop with panoramic views.

You also get to choose who performs the ceremony—whether that’s a loved one, a spiritual guide, or a destination wedding officiant who gets to know your story.

Save Time and Stress

Destination weddings are all about celebrating, not stressing! Symbolic ceremonies let you skip the red tape and keep things simple. Trade hours in a government office for poolside cocktails and pre-wedding pampering with your bridal party.

No matter which route you choose—legal or symbolic—I’m here to guide you every step of the way. From navigating paperwork to crafting a ceremony that’s perfectly you, I’ll make sure your destination wedding is seamless, stress-free, and unforgettable.

Required Documents, Translations & Timelines (For Legal Ceremonies)

Still set on doing the legal route? I’ve walked countless couples through the legal process of getting married in Mexico—start to finish. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to prepare.

Core Documents:

• Valid passports (with at least 6 months remaining)
• Tourist cards (given at the airport on arrival)
• Birth certificates (translated into Spanish, apostilled)
• Divorce decree or death certificate (if previously married)
• Blood tests (performed in Mexico within a few days of the ceremony)
• Marriage application forms (provided by the local civil registry office)
• Four witnesses with photo ID and tourist cards

Timelines:

Plan to arrive at least 3–5 business days before your wedding date to take care of paperwork and testing. Each Mexican state has its own regulations, so timelines can vary. For example, in Quintana Roo (home to Cancun and Tulum), you’ll need to plan extra time for translations and legal processing.

This is where having a destination wedding travel expert (like me!) is a huge help—I’ll clarify what you need, map out your timeline, and streamline the entire process from start to finish.

How a Destination Wedding Travel Agent Can Simplify the Process

Whether you’re leaning toward a legal or symbolic wedding, working with a destination wedding travel specialist takes so much pressure off your shoulders.

Here’s how I help couples just like you navigate how to get married in Mexico—without the overwhelm:

1. Personalized Guidance

From the moment you say “let’s do this,” I’ll walk you through every decision—resort selection, wedding packages, legal vs. symbolic requirements, travel logistics, and so much more.

2. Paperwork Made Easy

I’ll make sure you have the exact list of documents needed for your chosen destination, and I’ll help you manage deadlines, translations, and appointments so nothing falls through the cracks.

3. VIP Travel Support

From booking group travel to coordinating airport transfers and special perks, I make sure your whole crew gets the VIP treatment. Your guests will rave about how seamless the trip was—and you’ll get all the credit (I’ll do the work behind the scenes!).

4. On-Site Vendor Coordination

Need help booking a trusted photographer, florist, or DJ in Mexico? I partner with trusted resorts and venues across Mexico to give you the best options for your big day. I’ll connect you with the best vendors who fit your vibe and your budget.

Thinking about hiring a destination wedding planner and travel agent? (I’d love to be considered!) Don’t miss these must-ask questions to find the right fit.

How to Get Married in Mexico: Final Thoughts

Getting married in Mexico means saying “yes” to sunshine, turquoise waves, and unforgettable memories. It also means making key decisions about how you want your wedding day to look and feel.

Whether you choose a legal ceremony with all the paperwork in place or a symbolic celebration that lets you focus purely on the moment, your destination wedding in Mexico can be everything you’ve dreamed of—and more.

Let’s simplify the process together, so you can focus on the fun stuff (like signature cocktails, barefoot photos, and dancing under the stars).

Ready to start planning your wedding in Mexico? I’d love to help you bring your vision to life! I can help you choose the perfect destination and resort while expertly managing every logistical detail with care.

Looking for inspiration? Browse my portfolio to explore real destination weddings, and follow along on Instagram for travel tips, planning advice, and behind-the-scenes moments. When you’re ready to bring your vision to life, get in touch—I’d love to hear your love story.

Let’s turn your dream Mexico wedding into your best adventure yet!