Complete Guide: How To Elope In Mexico

Whether you’re dreaming of a beach elopement or imagining a sunset ceremony surrounded by vineyards, Mexico has a little something to offer everyone. It is especially beautiful if you are looking to elope in Mexico.

While ditching the large wedding and opting for an intimate destination wedding may be the more appealing route, legally eloping in Mexico might be a bit more difficult than it sounds. 

Retrieving a marriage license here requires quite a bit of steps and paperwork. No need to worry; we will help you discover the option that best fits you and walk you through all you need to know to elope in Mexico. 

Best Places To Elope In Mexico

Before we jump into the logistics, let’s dream a little bit. Imagine yourself overlooking the Caribbean or hiking up to the Mayan Ruins. Yup, these views could be your backdrop as you start your new journey with the love of your life. 

With all the excitement Mexico has to offer, there is an array of locations to choose from. Below are some of the best places to elope in Mexico. 

1. Isla Mujeres

This Mexican island in the Caribbean sea is a peaceful paradise that will make any elopement a dream come true. 

This will be a great place for history buffs and nature lovers alike. On this island, you will be able to visit the remains of a historic Mayan temple.

Afterward, go check out a sea turtle sanctuary. With an array of aquatic activities, it is a perfect place to stay after the ceremony and enjoy your honeymoon. 

If white sandy beaches seem to be your thing, this will be the perfect place for you and your partner to elope in Mexico. 

Two great locations to tie the knot are:

• Playa Norte Beach
• Garrafon Park- Punta Sur

2. Tulum

Tulum is a tropical paradise on the Caribbean coastline. With its beautiful sandy beaches, extensive history, and developed town, it’s no wonder it continues to increase in popularity. 

This is another perfect destination if you’re looking to catch a glimpse of the Mayan ruins. Tulum is an ancient port city with well-preserved architecture.

One of the most popular ruins is the El Castillo, which translates to the castle. This building is perched on a rocky cliff above the crystal blue waters. 

The adventure doesn’t end there; snorkeling through Dos Ojos’s cenote in Tulum is a must. 

While you’ll generally see resorts and fine dining restaurants along the hotel zone of Tulum, you can take a short walk or cab ride into the town for more local and casual dining. 

Tulum is a great place to elope in Mexico if you want a mix of relaxation and thrilling experiences.  You can learn more about the best time to visit Tulum before.

Check out some of the below destinations:

• Soliman Bay 
• Tulum Lake 
• Saasil Kantenah Beach
• 16 Tulum 
• Nativus Tulum Glamping 
• Espacio Chechen

4. Red Dunes Of Pacula

Whether you have your ceremony here or make a pit stop on your honeymoon, this natural treasure is not to be missed. 

Scattered with limestones and bright red sand it looks like a clip from a space movie. If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime type of ceremony, this is the place for you. 

While this is a popular attraction, it may be challenging to find a secluded space; however, a designated wedding planner may help to make this happen.

5. Cancun

This well-known city on the coast of the Caribbean has come to fame for being a popular spring break destination. 

With a vast number of resorts, nightclubs, shops, and restaurants, it’s an excellent destination for couples who want to be in the middle of the action. It’s also a short boat ride away from Isla Mujeres. 

It’s easy to find an excursion or just relax lazily by the beach. 

When eloping in Cancun, most couples go for a resort wedding. Some of the best locations include:

• Diving Lodge Puerto Morelos 
• Banyan Tree Mayakoba
• Belmond Melroma Resort and Spa
• El Dorado Maroma

6. Valle De Guadalupe

Need a break from the beaches? Valle de Guadalupe is known for its lush wineries and popular culinary scene. 

Enjoy an intimate sunset ceremony immersed in flourishing vineyards and finish the night off with Baja Med cuisine. 

Check out some of our favorite locations: 

• Bruma 
• Rancho L-86
• Sierra Vita Winery 
• Finca Koochaege

How To Elope In Mexico

Now that you know a bit more of what Mexico has to offer, let’s get down to the details. 

Getting legally married in Mexico will be a bit of a process. Nevertheless, it is still a possibility. 

Before you can say I do, you are going to do the following: 

• Marriage license 
• Four witnesses 
• Civil Registry Official to officiate the wedding 

How To Apply For A Marriage License

Getting a marriage license in Mexico can be tricky, and you will have to follow these steps to ensure you have the proper documentation. 

A full list of requirements to receive a civil marriage in Mexico include the following:

• Apostille birth certificate translated into Spanish
• Completed marriage application
• Two witnesses for each applicant 
• Proof that both you and your partner attended a planned parenthood lecture given at the “Consejo Estatal de Población”
• Prenuptial medical examination issued by the local General Hospital in Mexico. This must take place no more than 15 days before the wedding. 
• Front and back copy of your Photo ID
• Proper evidence of the termination of your previous marriage, if applicable 

Once all documentation has been received, you are in the clear. You can now go ahead and make the appointment for your marriage ceremony. 

What To Know About Witnesses

According to the US Embassy and Consulates in Mexico, It does not matter where the witness is from and whether or not they are a Mexican resident. 

The only requirement is that the witness is over the age of 18 and is able to present a valid government-issued I.D. 

The bride and groom are both required to have two witnesses, four in total, to elope in Mexico.  Make sure to check the proper requirements for your country’s residency if you are not a US citizen.

How To Find An Officiant

Sadly, registering as an officiant is not as easily accessible in Mexico as in the United States and many other parts of the world. To have a legal marriage, your wedding must be officiated by the civil registry. 

To do so, you must make an appointment. If you plan to be married at the Civil Registry Office, you will be required to make your appointment the day before. 

If you would like to be married in a different location, you will have to call 14 days in advance to schedule an appointment. 

Depending on the location of your ceremony, this can range from $496.00 Pesos ($23.00 USD) to $4089.00 Pesos ($201.00 USD). 

Symbolic Ceremonies

Many people opt for a symbolic ceremony when eloping in Mexico to avoid the lengthy tests, courses, and paperwork.

A symbolic ceremony allows you to vow your love to your partner without it being legally binding. 

It is common to get legally married in your home country and then have a symbolic ceremony in your dream destination. 

Since you are technically already married, a symbolic ceremony does not require any witnesses, and you can select the officiant of your choice.  

Restrictions

Mexico’s borders are completely open. You are not required to take a PCR test prior to or on arrival, this makes eloping in Mexico easily accessible for most people. 

However, you will be required to complete a declaration of health at the airport and most likely be asked to complete a health questionnaire at your resort. 

These rules may be slightly different for individuals outside of North America, so check your country’s regulations before making your travel arrangements. 

While entering the country is generally easy, you will have to present a negative covid test that has been taken within 24 hours of your departure along with proper paperwork to return to the US. 

These rules and regulations can change often, so do your due diligence before your flight. 

Mexico Elopement Packages

We found that most agencies only offer symbolic ceremonies due to the lengthy and complicated application process for a civil marriage. 

It is still possible to purchase a package that assists you with a legal wedding; just be prepared to pay additional fees. 

If you plan to get married at a resort, they will have pre-designed packages for you to choose from and can assist with vendors. 

A typical resort package starts at $2,000 USD and includes things such as a wedding planner and onsite coordination, symbolic ceremony, bouquet, boutonniere, wedding cake, sparkling wine, and intimate dinner. 

Final Thoughts On Eloping In Mexico 

If you’ve been fantasizing about eloping, Mexico may be the perfect destination. With its turquoise waters and an extensive list of activities, it’s a dream come true for beach lovers and adventure seekers alike. 

You may want to opt for a symbolic ceremony and leave the legalities to your home country, as obtaining a marriage license here can be a lengthy process.

Visiting Mexico soon? Read one of the following guides:

• Is Playa Del Carmen safe
• Best beaches in Cozumel
• What to do in Bacalar