Getting Married in Akumal

Looking for a wedding coordinator? Contact Jen Smith at Turtle Bay Cafe and Bakery, info@turtlebaycafe.com or www.turtlebaycafe.com.

Following is a complete list of the current requirements for civil marriage within Mexico. We encourage you to double check requirements prior to departure in case of any changes.

• Completed marriage application (obtain application from your wedding coordinator, or the offices of Registro Civil.
• Certified Copy of Birth Certificate for both bride and groom
• Original and copy of valid passport
• Original and copy of tourist card (which you will receive upon entry into Mexico)
• Complete blood tests and chest x-rays, along with physicians written certificate of health. Blood tests and x-rays should be performed in Mexico.
• 4 Witness over the age of 18 with passport and tourist card. Must be present at ceremony.
• Receipt of payment of fees to Registro Civil
• Divorce or death certificate if applicable to earlier marriages. These must include Apostile certification.

A few important notes:

Be sure and and let us know you are planning a wedding. Many properties have event fees or limitations on use. We can help you find the right accommodations or setting for your event and ensure the staff will not be surprised when your guests arrive.

All documents must be submitted to the Registro Civil, or Offices of Civil Registry. For more information please feel free to contact us or your onsite wedding coordinator. These requirements apply to civil marriage. Civil marriages in Mexico are recognized as legal in the U.S. Anyone wishing for a religious ceremony may do so, but such ceremonies are not considered a legal form of union. According to international law, a marriage performed in Mexico is valid across all borders, unless the parties are deliberately evading restrictions imposed by their own national laws. Therefore, a Mexican marriage will be valid in the US provided there are no  US impediments.

Only an officer of the Registro Civil (the Mexican equivalent of the Registrar General's Office) can legally perform a marriage ceremony.

A religious wedding may be performed after presenting proof of a civil marriage (an authenticated or legalized certificate of the civil marriage must be presented as proof).

Non-Mexicans are not subject to a residence requirement, but will have to identify themselves with their passport and tourist card and/or visa (the document that shows their entry to Mexico).

Marriages are performed for a fee at the Oficina del Registro Civil, but they may be performed elsewhere for an additional fee, which will be determined by the Registro Civil. The current fee is approximately $500.00 US for non-nationals.

If a foreigner intends to marry a Mexican citizen, the Mexican National Migration Institute (Instituto Nacional de Migración) must grant a permit; processing of this permit takes approximately two weeks and the application must be submitted by the couple intending to marry or by the Mexican citizen.

In some Mexican states, a divorced person may not marry in Mexico within one year of divorce order, issued by a judge, unless otherwise indicated in the divorce decree.

Persons under 18 years of age cannot marry without the consent of their parents or legal guardians.

After the Wedding

Once the civil ceremony is over you will need a certified copy of your marriage certificate (Acta de Matrimonio). We encourage you to order additional copies. You will need this document for all name changes and any other certifications that may be required within your home country. This will ensure that your marriage certificate is valid within the U.S. The Registro Civil (registry office) in Mexico can tell you where this can be done.

We are here to help! If you have any questions please just send us an email, info@akumaldirect.com.

Looking for a Wedding Photographer?

Val Tucker Photography
Offers casual, candid and artistic wedding photography in the Akumal area.   Unobtrusive and artistic.  Many packages are available.  

We work with local vendors and wedding coordinators to facilitate your full-service destination wedding experience.We offer canvas gallery wrap prints, leather bound wedding albums, casual soft-cover albums, thank you cards, and on-line proofing within 3 days of your wedding day.   All products shipped directly to your home.

www.valtuckerphotography.com