How to Elope in Mexico
Congrats on considering Mexico for your elopement! Mexico is an incredible choice for a destination elopement, and here’s what you can expect when you’re looking to elope in this beautiful country.
Disclaimer: As of November 8, 2021, the CDC advises all U.S. citizens traveling to Mexico to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 prior to travel. Check the CDC travel page for current updates.
Whether you’re looking for a luxe resort or a laid back experience, ancient history or incredible nature exploration, amazing hotel accommodations, spas and world-class restaurants—or maybe all of the above! Mexico has all the options for you.
Mexico is an amazing place to elope, and it can be pretty easy to elope there depending on what type of ceremony you want to have.
Are you envisioning an intimate tropical elopement as you adventure on the water? A special, quiet place where you can say your vows on white sand beaches? A destination that combines stunning natural beauty with top-rated resort amenities? Well, an adventure elopement in Mexico is an incredible choice.
White sand beaches, clear blue seas, a long dry season and amazing resorts, unique wildlife and dreamy jungle landscapes… Mexico is absolutely beautiful. If you’re looking to elope in Mexico to have that once in a lifetime adventure, I’m here to support you! Let’s go over how to elope in Mexico and review some of the amazing elopement locations Mexico has to offer.
Things You Need To Elope in Mexico
“We want to elope in Mexico, but the whole idea is a little overwhelming!” I completely understand! Here’s what you need to know before you get married in Mexico. Plus, how to elope in some of the most popular destinations in the country, including:
- Cabo San Lucas
- Cancun
- Riviera Maya
- Tulum
- Puerta Vallarta
There’s one main decision you’ll need to make before you elope in Mexico. Would you like to get legally married in Mexico? Or, would you like to have a symbolic ceremony in Mexico and take care of all the legal marriage paperwork in the U.S.?
Are you and your love set on legally marrying each other in Mexico? If so, you’ll have to complete a lot more paperwork, get blood tests, and provide the proper documentation. However, if you’re open to having your elopement ceremony in Mexico but getting legally married back in your home state, the process will be a lot simpler. It’s all about what you and your love want to do!
Legal or Symbolic Elopement in Mexico?
Of course, it’s up to you to decide what your Mexico elopement dreams are!
A super simple way to get married in Mexico without all the hoops to jump through is to have a ceremony in Mexico but take care of all the legal stuff in the U.S. This is perfect for couples who are looking for that destination wedding experience, travel, adventure, and all the fun—but who want to keep things as simple as possible.
Having your ceremony, honeymoon, or extended stay to your heart’s content in Mexico could mean that you combine a few things into your travels. You can basically plan your intimate ceremony and vacation in one. And you won’t have to worry about witnesses, legal roadblocks, or making sure you have all the right documentation. It’s just you, your love, your adventures, and your photographer to capture all your special moments!
Getting Legally Married in Mexico
So… are you envisioning a beach wedding, saying your vows on the white sand with a clear water backdrop? What about a jungle vibes photoshoot in areas with endangered wildlife preserves and magical scenery? Mexico has it all, and you can absolutely elope in Mexico without the headaches of planning a legal marriage in the country.
BUT, if you want to have your wedding and get officially, legally married in Mexico—here’s what you need to have:
- Valid passports for the couple and any witnesses who are not Mexico residents, and copies of everyone’s passports
- Birth certificates for each person getting married
- Adoption papers if applicable
- Tourist cards or visas
- Blood test for blood type, syphilis and HIV. You both must get the blood test about 2 weeks or less before your wedding.
- Marriage request forms
- Marriage certificate for Mexico (only valid in Mexico)
- Witnesses (can be provided for a fee)
- Divorce papers or death certificates of former spouse if applicable, and you must be divorced or widowed for at least 1 year.
- Judge or justice of peace must perform ceremony
- Both people must be at least 18 years old
Each city has its own rules, so be sure research your location of choice to make sure you have all the documentation you’ll need.
Where to Elope in Mexico
When you start to research Mexico, you’ll quickly see that you have endless options! There are tons of resorts, wedding venues, wedding packages, and so much to choose from. One could easily become overwhelmed with all the options! How do you choose where you want to elope, adventure, have your honeymoon and maybe even have a few guests attend your ceremony?!
Let’s cover a few of the most popular elopement destinations. Of course, you can find countless other places to adventure off the beaten path. But these are some of the most popular places that most couples I know chose to visit for their Mexico elopement.
Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas is a stunning resort city located at the southernmost tip of the Baja California Peninsula. It was built to be a vacation town, so it has everything imaginable for your stay! This includes world-class spas and amenities, and of course, incredible scenery and adventure opportunities. There are lots of resorts to choose from and some are surprisingly affordable.
From all-inclusive resorts to sailing and watersports to nightlife and delicious restaurants, Cabo has it all. It’s a super popular elopement destination because of it!
Take note that there is a rainy season in Cabo during the summer months, and temperatures stay in the 80s-90s in August and September. So it’s best to aim for the off-season for your Cabo elopement.
Arch of Cabo San Lucas
Are you nature lovers who can also get down with some true relaxation? Then check out the Arch of Cabo San Lucas. The Arch is an iconic natural rock formation that juts out into the ocean—you can take a tour of The Arch via glass bottom boat excursions, yachts, and day cruises around the area on catamarans with full bars. Talk about relaxing in paradise!
Lovers Beach/Playa Del Amor
Playa Del Amor, or Lovers Beach, is aptly named—as it’s one of the most romantic beaches you might find.
Do you dream of taking your elopement photos at a secluded beach surrounded by clear water and awe-inspiring white rocks? This is a place for you to include in your travel plans! It’s only accessible by water craft, and you can take a water taxi from Medano Beach in Cabo to this spectacular location.
Cancun
Cancun, located on the Caribbean coast, is the popular Mexican city you’ve definitely heard of. Known for tourism and adventure due to its incredible white sand beaches, crystal blue waters, Mayan ruins, culture, and diverse natural beauty, Cancun is a popular elopement spot for good reason!
When you elope in Cancun, you can experience everything from pristine beaches to caves to lush jungle to mangroves (rugged coastal woods), and cenotes (natural limestone sinkholes filled with rainwater).
Whether you want a private beach elopement or a jungle adventure, a few nights out on the town, amazing local food, and more—Cancun has options from super high-end to budget friendly.
Riviera Maya
Riviera Maya on the Caribbean coastline stretches south of Cancun to Playa Puerto Morelos. This the place for luxury travel. May through November is the rainy season, so be sure to plan your Mexico elopement here for a dry month. Spring is usually the best time of year to visit! Fly into Cancun International Airport and get to Riviera Maya in about an hour by taxi or private transportation.
Riviera Maya is home to the two longest underwater cave systems in the world that once supported Mayan civilizations. If you elope in Riviera Maya, you’ll get to enjoy long white sand beaches, aquatic life, and ziplining and snorkeling in an underground river!
Cozumel
From Riviera Maya, consider a day trip by ferry to Cozumel. Cozumel is an enchanting island that’s a paradise for snorkelers and scuba divers.
This small island is largely undeveloped and is home to jungles, incredible wildlife spotting opportunities, white sand beaches, and Mayan ruins at the San Gervasio archaeological site.
Tulum
Are you fascinated by history? The village of Tulum on the eastern side of the Yucatan Peninsula is the place for you. Tulum offers incredibly preserved Mayan ruins in the Mayan Archaeological Site, including The Castle in Tulum next to the sea.
Additionally, the nature here is beyond amazing. You can swim in caves, snorkel, and explore underground cenotes (natural limestone wells filled with clear groundwater). Then, when you want to relax, you can enjoy world-class spas and delicious food at one of the top rated restaurants along the beach. Eloping in Tulum is a fantastic option!
Puerta Vallarta
Eloping in Puerta Vallarta on the Pacific Coast in Jalisco will allow you to observe the Pacific ocean and the Sierra Madre Mountains.
Beaches, history, culture, a wide variety of water sport activities, zip lining, whale watching, and exploring diverse landscapes… Puerta Vallarta is an amazing elopement location!
July through September are the rainiest months in Puerta Vallarta. Visit between April and June to avoid the rainy season and the winter season crowds. You’ll get clear blue skies and perfect weather for your destination adventure elopement in Mexico!
Learn More about Planning to Elope in Mexico
I’d love to help you start planning your dreamy Mexico elopement!
No matter which area of Mexico is calling to you, I’m here to help you find ceremony locations and help you with all the planning.
As an adventure elopement photographer, I help all of my clients coordinate travel, ceremony locations and activities based on your preferences and ideas. Let’s talk!
