Civil Wedding in Puerto Vallarta: Legal Requirements

A "Civil Ceremony" is the only type of wedding that is legally recognized worldwide. If you want your Mexican marriage certificate to be valid back home, this is the path.

The Requirements

  1. Valid Passports: For both bride and groom.
  2. Tourist Cards (FMM): The paper you get when entering the country.
  3. Blood Tests: Must be done in Mexico within 14 days of the wedding. They test for HIV, Syphilis, and Blood Type.
  4. 4 Witnesses: They also need ID.
  5. Health Certificate: Issued by a local doctor after the blood test.

The Process

  • Arrive Early: You typically need to be in PV 3-4 business days before the wedding to complete the blood work and paperwork.
  • The Ceremony: Conducted by a Civil Registry Official (Judge). It is in Spanish. You will need a translator if you don't speak Spanish.
  • The Vows: The legal code includes specific (and sometimes old-fashioned) readings about the duties of spouses.

Tips

  • Do the Legal Part at Home: Many couples get legally married at their local courthouse in the US/Canada before travelling. This allows them to have a "Symbolic Ceremony" in PV, skipping the blood tests and paperwork.
  • Budget: Legal fees and blood tests can add $600-$1000 to your budget.

FAQs

Can I change the judge's script?

No, the legal text is mandatory. However, you can write your own personal vows to say after the legal portion.

How long does it take to get the certificate?

You usually get a copy immediately, but the apostilled version (for international use) can take weeks to mail.