MARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR AN ELOPEMENT TO CANCUN

Cancun, located in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, does require more planning and paperwork than some of the other areas of Mexico, but there are many benefits to making the extra effort. The proximity to the Caribbean Sea, the beauty of the historic landscape, and the fact that the state of Quintana Roo allows legal same-sex marriages are often the only encouragement a couple needs to select Cancun for their elopement location. While most independent and hotel-staff event planners can handle most of the legal paperwork for you, read on for the requirements specific to marriage in Cancun so you're in the know (or plan to organize your elopement on your own).

 

Basic Marriage Requirements for Cancun

• The marriage license must be obtained in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo

• Blood tests must be completed in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo at least three business days before the ceremony

• Four witnesses with identification must be present

• A judge must perform the ceremony

• The bride and groom must be 18 years or older to marry without parental consent

• One year must have lapsed between final divorce decree(s) or death(s) of previous spouse(s) if applicable

 

The judge who performs your ceremony is limited to the wording established by the state, and the service will be conducted in Spanish (although you have the option of securing a translator). We recommend that you schedule an appointment with a judge as soon as you've selected Cancun as your elopement destination to ensure his availability on your preferred wedding date.

 

Getting a Marriage License in Cancun

You will apply for your marriage license at a Civil Registry in Cancun. Many of the documents required to get a marriage license for your elopement in Mexico are the same as those required in America. The main difference is that all of your U.S. documents – listed below – will need to be translated by an authorized translator and apostilled in advance of departing the states.

 

Required U.S. Documents

• Original or certified copies of birth certificates plus one photocopy of each

• Valid passports for the bride, groom, and witnesses (if they are not residents of Mexico)

• Decree Absolute(s)/Annulment Decree(s) in the case of dissolution of previous marriage(s) by the bride (no paperwork is required for the groom)

• Death certificate(s) in the case of widow- or widowerhood

• Affidavits of Single Marital Status that have been notarized

• Affidavit of Name Change for the bride if her surname does not match that which appears on her birth certificate

• Apostilles and authorized translations for all of the above

 

Required Documents Specific to Cancun

• Tourist cards (completed at the port of entry) or visas

• Blood test results

• Health certificate

• Marriage Request Form

 

Blood tests – which must be taken in Mexico – can usually be arranged at your hotel or resort, and your health certificate will follow once the tests results have been received. Local walk-in medical clinics can also perform blood tests if necessary.

 

You will complete the Marriage Request Form when you apply for your marriage license.

 

Learn more about the incredible beauty of Cancun or check out some of our other favorite elopement-friendly locations in Mexico!​​​​​​​​​