We will not consider religious marriage in this article because it is up to the couple to decide if they want to bring their own priest or pastor, if they want to use one of the locals or if they want one of the local agencies. In any case, they will need to observe each particular religion's process to prepare a valid marriage.



Legal marriage in Mexico have to be performed by the Civil Registrar and can be performed between Americans or between one American and one Mexican, or one American and one citizen of another Country (Foreigner), or between a Mexican and a Foreigner.

Mexico has an international agreement with the USA to avoid having U.S. citizen provide the standard long list of requirements to get married. Foreigners do need to provide additional information and wait longer periods of time. Here's an example:

1. American-American.

They only need to have a tourist visa (FMT) which is granted in Immigration for $20.00 dollars, ID, a copy of their birth certificate, and pay the Civil Registrar's fee (around $150.00 dollars).

2. American-Mexican.

In this case, the requirements include, in addition to those stated before, an authorization from Immigration, which can be obtained at the local Immigration office for about $270 dollars.

3. American-Foreigner.

The American will only need the list in the first paragraph. The foreigner will need the requirements on the second paragraph, just that the authorization form Immigration has to come with a long list of documents and has to come from Mexico City , for which there is a waiting period.

4. Mexican-Foreigner.

The foreigner will need to have the same requirements as in the last paragraph.

Not all States in Mexico have approved same sex marriages, but some, like in Mexico City, have already opened to that possibility, since early last year. Puerto Penasco has not yet authorized that option.

A Mexican marriage license is even valid in USA. Therefore, if you are thinking of marrying in Mexico for fun and in USA forever, you may want think twice and consider prenuptials. Prenuptials are an option rarely offered by resorts and agencies, and an important choice to keep in mind.

If the attendant is already legally married elsewhere, that fact could generate an illegal marriage (the second marriage is null and void); and if the bride and groom are not the same that got married before, these could be legal prosecution for bigamy. In other words, regardless of your thoughts and feelings, consult an attorney before getting married in Mexico.

Author: Steve Schwab