CIVIL
 

Mexico's civil marriage or matrimonio civil is the only procedure that changes your marital status from 'single' to 'married' in Mexico, and in some 60 countries around the world--France, Holland, Germany, Great Britain, Poland and the U.S. included. The Matrimonio Civil is performed by the Registro Civil via their judges. The justices perform these marriages in the offices of the Registro Civil or just about anywhere a couple specifies--only the government fees vary (in office: approx $300 USD; outside the office: $550 USD, figure includes fees, taxes and judge's gratuity). A Mexican Matrimonio Civil/Civil Marriage generates an original Acta de Matrimonio/Marriage Certificate and a certified copy. The original eventually goes to Chetumal, capital of the State of Quintana Roo, where it is permanently filed; the certified copy--duly stamped and signed in ink by the judge--goes to the couple. You may request more than one copy; CCW always provides our couples with TWO certified copies of the marriage certificate as part of our Civil Marriage Package. 

COMPLETE Requirements for a CIVIL MARRIAGE: 

• Passport:  required of all visitors to Mexico including Americans and Canadians (as of January 2007)

• Birth certificate (a legible photo copy is acceptable) 

• Mexican entry/tourist visa (issued upon entering the country)

• Blood tests results (must be done in Mexico and within 14 days of the wedding date)

• Doctor's Letter (one for bride, one for groom)

• Divorce decree or death certificate (if applicable; legible photo copies are acceptable)

• Four witnesses (non-Mexican witnesses must provide passports and visas; Mexican witnesses may show a passport or their credencial de elector).  CCW can supply all four witnesses upon request.

A civil marriage/matrimonio civil in Mexico constitutes a legal act that generates public documents of record; if you fail to comply with the requisites as stated above the marriage cannot take place. 

RELIGIOUS/Spiritual CEREMONIES 

 Religious/spiritual ceremonies of whatever denomination are perfectly acceptable as long as both parties are aware the ceremony does NOT change their marital status in Mexico or anywhere else in the world. Such a ceremony would ONLY be a private celebration of the couple's commitment to each other. Should a couple choose to celebrate their commitment to each other with a spiritual ceremony in Mexico, they would want to then legalize their union in accordance with the laws of their country of origin either before coming to Mexico, or after going home. No blood tests, no paperwork and no documentation are required for a religious ceremony. The officiating minister/pastor specifies the number of witnesses needed (usually two), and either he or the wedding planner presents the couple with a certificate commemorating the event. Such a certificate is NOT proof of legal marriage in Mexico or in any other country.

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