Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.
September 06, 2010, 02:58:19 PM
Home Help Search Calendar Register Login Register
News: AmStar Private Transfers and Tours in Mexico and the Caribbean
 http://www.amstardmc.com/index.php?affiliate_id=b78ae605420579694ae86b1c0b97fffa

+  My Beach Board
|-+  My Beach Board
| |-+  MexMaya Travel Q & A
| | |-+  getting married in Mexico
« previous next »
Pages: [1] Print
Author Topic: getting married in Mexico  (Read 700 times)
Mary 4444
Lifeguard
*****
Posts: 772



View Profile
getting married in Mexico
« on: September 13, 2009, 04:10:20 PM »

does anyone know the ins and outs of getting married in Mexico? My Niece is wanting to do a destination  wedding and her first place of choice is Mexico. But I've heard that it's kinda a pain because of the blood work, and chest x-rays and all. Does anyone know how it is done?

thanks,
Mary
Logged



Karen in NYC
Olympian Gold
******
Posts: 2210



View Profile
Re: getting married in Mexico
« Reply #1 on: September 13, 2009, 04:36:44 PM »

Hopefully this will help:

http://www.mexperience.com/guide/weddings/getting_married.htm

Has she considered getting LEGALLY married at home and having a 'nonlegal' destination wedding.
Logged



Mary 4444
Lifeguard
*****
Posts: 772



View Profile
Re: getting married in Mexico
« Reply #2 on: September 13, 2009, 04:38:57 PM »

that would be my suggestion as well Karen. A lot less complicated. But she doesn't want to do that. Thank you for this link. I will send it to her.
Mary
Logged



Tulsa Brick
SurferDude
****
Posts: 370


Sunrise Akumal Beach Resort


View Profile
Re: getting married in Mexico
« Reply #3 on: September 14, 2009, 07:04:05 AM »

Son and new Daughter in law just did that in May.  The Wedding coordinator at the resort had everything set up for them.  All done online.  The biggest issue is the couple must be in Mexico 3 business days before the wedding.  They need 4 witnesses also.  There was some confusion about how long the witnesses needed to be in Mexico before the wedding, but that did not turn out to be an issue.

I don't think is was all that bad for the couple.  All agreed that is was easier, much more relaxed and much cheaper than the traditional.  They had nice reception when they returned.

I was amazed at how many of their friends came.  There were 30+ including family and this was during the 1st H1N1 media induced hurricane.

The Mother and Father of the groom had a good time!!

Logged

"If there is a heaven for me, I am sure that it will have a beach attached to it."  Jimmy Buffett
Mary 4444
Lifeguard
*****
Posts: 772



View Profile
Re: getting married in Mexico
« Reply #4 on: September 14, 2009, 02:41:40 PM »

TB, thank you for this info, I will copy and paste it to her so she sees it. Do you know if the blood test was a big issue and did they need the chest x-rays done?    I noticed that even in like Punta Cana to get married they need the couple and witnessess there days ago as well. 
Mary
Logged



Tulsa Brick
SurferDude
****
Posts: 370


Sunrise Akumal Beach Resort


View Profile
Re: getting married in Mexico
« Reply #5 on: September 14, 2009, 07:07:55 PM »

Mary I'll email them and find out.
Logged

"If there is a heaven for me, I am sure that it will have a beach attached to it."  Jimmy Buffett
Mary 4444
Lifeguard
*****
Posts: 772



View Profile
Re: getting married in Mexico
« Reply #6 on: September 14, 2009, 07:13:08 PM »

thank you, I appreciate that!  Very Happy

Mary
Logged



Tulsa Brick
SurferDude
****
Posts: 370


Sunrise Akumal Beach Resort


View Profile
Re: getting married in Mexico
« Reply #7 on: September 15, 2009, 05:55:56 PM »

This is from my son.

"We never did X-Ray.  The blood test was simple.  They sent a guy to our room took our blood the old school way according to Amy.  But it was still sterile.  Never herd back on the results and they let us get married so I figure we passed."

Amy is a Medical Technologist.  This was on Cozumel at the El Cozumeleno.  Cozumel only has one Judge so scheduling dates and times can be difficult.  They wanted to be married on May 5th (Cinco de Mayo) that is a National holiday and the Judge was not avaliable, and the 5th did not count as one of the 3 days. 

If they sent me a ticket I will be a witness.  Witnesses can be bought from the Resort if you need more people.
Logged

"If there is a heaven for me, I am sure that it will have a beach attached to it."  Jimmy Buffett
Mary 4444
Lifeguard
*****
Posts: 772



View Profile
Re: getting married in Mexico
« Reply #8 on: September 15, 2009, 06:00:09 PM »

thanks TB. Sounds like it's pretty simple. They have to pay people to be witnesses? I think we may have enough. Probably best man, made of honor and two parents. Thank you for getting this information.
Mary
Logged



Tulsa Brick
SurferDude
****
Posts: 370


Sunrise Akumal Beach Resort


View Profile
Re: getting married in Mexico
« Reply #9 on: September 15, 2009, 08:46:33 PM »

You only have to pay for witness if you don't have 4 qualified people. Smile

I think the key is to have an idea of what you want, where you want to be and then start with the wedding coordinator ASAP.  And use Tami to coordinate all the travel and lodging.
Logged

"If there is a heaven for me, I am sure that it will have a beach attached to it."  Jimmy Buffett
Mary 4444
Lifeguard
*****
Posts: 772



View Profile
Re: getting married in Mexico
« Reply #10 on: September 16, 2009, 08:19:31 PM »

Thank you TB.  I am copy and pasting your comments and will send them to her this weekend.  I have to admit, she isn't even engaged yet!  Laughing They are looking for rings this weekend and are talking about a January 2011 wedding possible.  I offered to help her with the travel part of it.  I know, I know  she's not even engaged and I'm planning it already! LOL! It's the planner in me, I can't help myself!!  I think if I would say I was obsessive compulsive about something, it would be planning. I'm not a surprise girl very much!
Mary
Logged



cape cod ann
SurferDude
****
Posts: 335



View Profile WWW
Re: getting married in Mexico
« Reply #11 on: September 22, 2009, 05:20:27 PM »

Many people get married by a JP at home before the wedding reception in Mexico. Much less hassle. Here are some FAQs as posted on the Palladium bridal info
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long do we have to be at the resort before we can get married?
For civil ceremonies, couples must arrive 3 full working days prior to the wedding date excluding Saturday & Sundays. For vow renewals, couples must arrive 2 days prior, excluding Sundays.  (Working days are from Monday until Friday and you must also consider checking with your wedding coordinator if there are no public Holidays that could interfere with the 3 days that are required).

Which are the requirements to get married in Mexico (especially in the Riviera Maya)?
Please be sure of to check the wedding packages that are provided by the resort where you can find the all necessary documentation to get married in Mexico.  In case you have any other question please contact your wedding coordinator.

Can relatives be witnesses? (i.e. parents)
Yes, there is no problem if you decide to make your parents witnesses; however you will need to be sure that they have the complete documentation and also that witnesses are older than 18 years.

Which is the required documentation if one of us is widowed / divorced?
This question must be answered personally by your wedding coordinator since there are different options but these will depend on different factors, as who is divorced or if you have kept your ex-husband’s last name, etc.  So please get in touch with your wedding coordinator on site to provide a follow up.
 
What is an Apostille document, why do I need it and where can I get it?
The Apostille document is a special certification document, which is accepted by countries who are a party to the rules of the 1961 Hague Convention. This Apostille document enables you to bypass further certification from the US Department of State and immediately send or take your documents to the country of intended use. Please contact your Secretary of State office for information on how to obtain the Apostille Document or log on to www.state.gov/www/authenticate
Are the weddings performed at the resort legal?
Yes, the weddings are legal but have value only in Mexico; in order to make the wedding valid in your country you will need to request an apostille or a certification (Please be sure to ask to your wedding coordinator on site how is the procedure, the time that it takes to get it and the fee).
Can I take a blood test in my country and take the results to the resort?
No. Blood tests must be taken in Mexico, as it is required by the Mexican Government office.

Is the ceremony performed in English or Spanish?
Since we are in Mexico weddings must be performed in Spanish and translated into English by a translator that will be at the ceremony.
If I have guests who would like to attend the wedding, but will not be staying on the same property where the wedding will be performed, can they still attend the wedding?
Yes. However, guests not staying at the resort must purchase a day pass upon arriving to the resort. The day pass gives the guest full access to the resorts amenities. (Please be sure to check restrictions for day passes with your wedding coordinator on site).
Can I pay for the wedding package and optional services at the resort?
Yes, the payment can be done upon arrival to the resort.  The payment can be: credit card (visa or MasterCard only), traveler’s cheques or cash.   Extra expenses such as the photographer or blood tests must be paid in cash.

Is there an out of pocket fee we must pay for the wedding package?
There is a mandatory blood test that must be taken at the resort. The cost is approximately $220.00usd per couple and this price may change without any notice since these are done by an external company.
What Kind of ceremonies are performed at Grand Palladium?
The weddings that are held are only civil ceremonies that are performed by a local Justice of the Peace.

When will we receive our marriage certificate?
You will be receiving it during the wedding ceremony.

Does the Justice of the Peace usually do a standard (generic) wedding or are we allowed to insert our own vows?
The JP has a standard ceremony; however there is spare time during the ceremony when he asks bride and groom to exchange rings. If they have prepared their own vows or would like to exchange some words he will provide them of a couple minutes after the rings have been exchanged to do this.

What happens if on our wedding day it rains?
Since all the preparations have been organized long time in advance we cannot cancel the ceremony; but you do not need to worry because we do have a back up plan and location that very nice. This place is located on the Kantenah side, which has a flamingo pond beside it and a nice waterfall. (For any further info. please check with your wedding coordinator on site).

Where will our wedding ceremony take place?
We have two wedding gazebos (one on the beach and the other one in a garden), plus our back up option that is very nice and sometimes has been selected by our wedding couples to be their wedding spot although we have sunshine. The location will be chosen by bride and groom upon their arrival to the resort.

Will we need to complete any paperwork at the resort?
Yes.. Unfortunately it is necessary to complete and sign some forms upon your arrival to the resort (these will be done by the bride, groom and their 4 witnesses).

Is there a place where bride can steam her dress?
Yes... the resort does have this service available at the resort, but it is necessary to request it ahead of time since sometimes we have several weddings during the same week and it is necessary to have time to steam a bride’s dress.  (For the cost please be sure to check with your wedding coordinator).

Are hair and beauty services available at the resort?
We do have a Spa that offers these services with an additional charge. 

If the dinner is included in my wedding package do I need to choose a menu?  If your group is larger than 12 people it will be required that bride & groom select a set menu for their dinner.

Can we bring our own CD to be played during the ceremony?
Of course you can bring your own music (walking down the isle & signatures) this will give the ceremony a special touch; but if you do not bring your own do not worry, music will be provided.
Is there a rehearsal?
Since the ceremony is short and simple, we feel that is not necessary a rehearsal, but your wedding coordinator will explain in details of the ceremony as well as how everything works so you can feel more relaxed.

Is there a dinner included in our wedding package?
We have two different wedding package options, but in order to answer this question you will need to let us know which is the one you are interested in purchasing so we can provide you with more details

Do I need to make a reservation in advance for the Spa?
We recommend you do make your reservation when you arrive since this way you can choose your hairstyle and the services you will need. At this time the Spa Staff can calculate the amount of time it will take them to have you ready and that way you won’t spend extra time getting ready.

What happens if one of my guests has allergies or is a vegetarian?
Do not worry about this; a special course is able to be prepared for them; however we will need to know in advance.


What is the dress code for the a la carte restaurants?
For our a la carte restaurants men are required to wear long pants although you are in a wedding group.


When do I choose the flowers for my bouquet and check the last details?
Upon your arrival to the resort you and your future husband will be having a meeting with your wedding coordinator.  She will be leaving a message in your welcome package that the front desk will be providing to you at the moment of check in, and in that message you will be informed of the time, place and date where she will be meeting you to finalize the all arrangements, select your flowers, menu, the blood work and the all documentation.



Logged
Mary 4444
Lifeguard
*****
Posts: 772



View Profile
Re: getting married in Mexico
« Reply #12 on: September 22, 2009, 06:20:25 PM »

thank you Ann for posting this. My Niece is considering getting married in Mexico so I will have her look at this.

Mary
Logged



Mary 4444
Lifeguard
*****
Posts: 772



View Profile
Re: getting married in Mexico
« Reply #13 on: September 23, 2009, 07:02:28 PM »

change of plans now.  I taked to my Niece and her fiance wants to have a Catholic ceremony. Which makes her mind up in a hurry about which country to have it in. I read, Jamaica doesn't do them, and United States doesn't recognise a catholic ceremony done in Mexico as legal. I again mentioned that she can get married in the states and then have a renewal ceremony done. No dice! Well at least it's narrowed down now!   Smile  Now we just have to find out about documents needed for DR.

Mary
Logged



bandman
Olympian Gold
******
Posts: 3328



View Profile WWW
Re: getting married in Mexico
« Reply #14 on: September 27, 2009, 12:10:15 PM »

A much more expensive alternative would be to get married in Hawaii. On the trips there we have seen hundreds of weddings, and they are all considered to have happened in the US thanks to Hawaii being a state.

If I was young again I would consider this. The Church frowns on it, but I know a young priest who said that he would go to Hawaii for a wedding if the expenses were paid. There are complications as to the Catholic Church recognizing a wedding that is done outside of the building, but I was told that a priest who wants to do so can work around those obsticles. In certain parts of the country it happens all the time. Where we live, I've never heard of it happening even once .
Logged

|^^^^^^^^^^^^^||| ____
|Let's go to the Beach!    |''|";\____
|_..._..._________===|=||__|__|,,,]
"(@)'(@)"""""""''' |(@ )(@ ) ````(@)

See my most recent trip reports in the Great Wide Open and Bueno Trip Reports Forums!!!!
Pages: [1] Print 
« previous next »
Jump to:  


Login with username, password and session length

Powered by SMF 1.1.11 | SMF © 2006-2009, Simple Machines LLC
Page created in 0.231 seconds with 19 queries.