Legal wedding requirements in Merida ✍🏼💘

We share with you some facts that you should take into account, and the necessary legal wedding requirements for your destination wedding in Mexico.

You probably know that have a wedding plan involves many things, from choosing the banquet, flowers, music, trousseau, cake and an endless list of details but be honest! Have you thought about what are the requirements for a legal wedding in Merida? Although it’s an indispensable topic, many times we overlook it. 

If you’re planning a destination wedding in Yucatán and want your marriage to be legally recognized, this guide outlines the official requirements for a civil ceremony. Whether you’re a Mexican national or a foreign couple, here’s what you need to know!

 

What is a Legal (Civil) Wedding?

A civil wedding is the only legally recognized form of marriage in Mexico. Unlike symbolic or religious ceremonies, a civil marriage grants you an official marriage certificate valid both in Mexico and internationally—depending on your country’s recognition process.

 

Legal Wedding Requirements for Mexican Nationals

 

If both partners are Mexican citizens, the following documents are required:

• Completed marriage application form

• Valid official ID (INE or passport)

• Birth certificate (original)

• Divorce decree or death certificate (if applicable)

• Prenuptial medical exam and certificate

• Valid ID of three adult witnesses

• Proof of payment of government fee

You can consult the government’s official page here.

 

 

 

 

In the event that you or your partner has previously had a divorce, they must present an updated divorce certificate. In the case of widowhood, they must present the corresponding updated death certificate. 

 

Legal Wedding Requirements for Foreigners

If one or both of you are foreign nationals, the following documents are needed:

• Completed marriage application form

• Valid passport

• Birth certificate, apostilled and officially translated into Spanish

• Divorce decree or death certificate (if applicable), apostilled and translated into Spanish

• Certificate of No Impediment (also called Single Status Affidavit), translated into Spanish

• Prenuptial medical exam and certificate (must be completed in Mexico)

• Valid ID of three adult witnesses (can be Mexican nationals or foreigners with legal ID)

• Proof of payment of government fee

Note: All foreign documents must be apostilled in their country of origin and officially translated into Spanish.

 

 

 

 

Additional information on required documents

 

• All documents must be submitted to the Civil Registry Office in advance.

• At least three witnesses are required for the ceremony.

• The prenup medical tests must be done in Mexico at an authorized lab.

• The ceremony can take place at the registry office or at an approved venue like a hacienda.

 

Your Wedding Planner can do the civil wedding paperwork. Isn’t that great? It’s one of the advantages of having a wedding coordinator in Merida who has organized not just one, but several civil weddings. This way you will avoid unnecessary trips and expenses, especially while planning a destination wedding.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Merida there are several civil registry offices, you can go to any of them to request information:

• • Civil Registry Office 01 in the center of Merida
    65 street #520 x 64 and 66, Centro, Merida, Yuc.

 

• •  Civil Registry Office 02 in Colonia Itzimná
    21-A street, Itzimná, 97100 Mérida, Yuc.

 

• • Civil Registry Office 07 in Colonia Chuburná
    21 street #102 x 18 y 20, Chuburná de Hidalgo, 97205 Mérida, Yuc.

 

• • Civil Registry Office 015 in the Delio Moreno Cantón
    95 street #504 x 52 y 62A, Delio Moreno Cantón, 97268 Mérida, Yuc.

 

Need Help Navigating the Process?

Organizing a legal wedding in a foreign country can feel overwhelming—but you’re not alone. At YucataLove, we’ve helped dozens of couples from around the world navigate the process with ease and clarity.

We’re here to take care of the paperwork so you can focus on celebrating your love. 💍💖

📩 Ready to take the next step? Schedule a call with our wedding consultant and make your union in Yucatán official.

 

Now that you have all the information, start gathering your documents and make this process a simple one. The only thing missing is that you and your partner enjoy the moment that you have waited so long. Every wedding detail and every illusion will finally be fulfilled!