Don’t Forget the Legal Documents

For civil/legal ceremonies, some official documents are necessary. You’ll have to get an official translator to translate some of these documents into Spanish. This must be done prior to your arrival at the hotel.

Also, some documents must have an Apostille Certificate, which is necessary for legal documents to be recognized in a foreign country. To find out how to obtain an Apostille Certificate, see www.state.gov/documents/organization/84450.pdf.

• Birth Certificates: Birth certificate originals for the bride and groom are required, and they will not be returned to the couple. If you have never been married before, then your birth certificate in English will suffice. If you have been divorced in the past, your birth certificate must be translated into Spanish by an official translator and have an Apostille Certificate.
• Nationality Requirements: If the nationality of the bride & groom is not American, British or Canadian, extra paperwork is required.  Please contact your wedding coordinator for further information.
• Divorce Documents:  Under Mexican law, those previously married must be divorced for one full year before marrying again.  A copy of the divorce decree will be required, translated into Spanish by an official translator and accompanied by an Apostille Certificate. If the divorced bride’s passport is under her maiden name, no additional documentation is needed. If the bride’s passport is under her ex-husband’s last name, she must provide a birth certificate translated into Spanish with an Apostille Certificate.
• Deceased Former Spouse: If the bride or groom’s former spouse is deceased, then a copy of the death certificate is required. It must be translated into Spanish by an official translator and have an Apostille Certificate.
• Legalized Wedding Certificate: You’ll need a Legalized Wedding Certificate to submit to your local City Hall. Your Mexican wedding certificate must be translated and carry the Apostille Certificate for international legal authenticity. This will take 30 to 45 working days, and cost $250.   
• Civil Registration Form: You will need to fill out the civil registration form in advance of travel, please complete, print and fax or email to your wedding coordinator.