Friday, February 16, 2007

Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico

The following is a summary of civil marriage requirements between foreigners in Puerto Vallarta.

  • Completed marriage application form.
  • Bride, groom and witnesses should be in Mexico at least 3-5 business days before the wedding.
  • Two witnesses for bride and groom (total of 4 witnesses). Witnesses must be over the age of 18.
  • Birth certificates for bride and groom (original and Apostilled* copies).
  • Valid passports for bride, groom, and witnesses.
  • Tourist cards for bride, groom, and witnesses (original and copies). Tourist cards are issued at the airport upon arrival.
  • Blood test (STDs, blood type, Rh factor) and medical certification for bride and groom. Blood tests must be done in Mexico (results are valid for 15 days).
  • Mandatory Prenuptial Video Briefing and Certificate of Attendance.
  • If divorced, the final Divorce Decree must be presented (original and Apostilled* copy). Check with your wedding coordinator for further details.
  • If widowed, the Death Certificate must be presented (original and Apostilled* copy). Check with your wedding coordinator for further details.
  • All documents need to be translated by an authorized translator of the Superior Tribunal of Justice of the State of Jalisco in Puerto Vallarta.
  • Weddings must be performed in Spanish (although they can be translated into English).
  • Symbolic and religious ceremonies do not require bride and groom to have official documentation or blood tests.
  • Civil ceremonies are not performed on Sundays or Mexican holidays.

*Note: Americans need to have their documents Apostilled. Canadians need to have their documents stamped and signed by the Mexican consulate officer in Canada.

Useful Links for Americans

Useful Links for CanadiansThe above information is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. For complete details, talk to your wedding coordinator, the Registro Civil, the Mexican Embassy, or the Mexican Consulate in your area.

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