Birth Certificate Translation

[FelicityEve]

It seems most people did the legal thing in the states and did a symbolic ceremony at home (starting to understand why!!) ....BUT...we really want to do the legal in Mexico...Problem is, translating the birth certificates...has anyone done this and if so, how?

I went to the Mexican Consolate (sp?) and they could not help me, they did give me some # but they were for lawyers to help get my marriage sponsored or something (they didn't understand that we were both american, and want to be married there!)

So....from my communication with the hotel we are being married at, we need to bring certified copies of our birth certificates translated...I don't know what to do!!! I've got a MONTH to figure this out....any one done this??

 

-Whew! that was long, sorry!

[Hartyt509]

I was told they would translate them at the hotel for $50 each - ask them if they can recommend someone

[Carolyn]

That's my next step. I'm getting legally married there too. I would love to hear fed back myself. Great question. We had to get our birth cert. apostil?? Did you?

[Jennifer Davis]

I am going through the process right now.

 

The first thing you have to do is get your birth certificate apostilled. The requirements are different for every state. Google the requirements for your state.

 

Then you have two choices - if your hotel offers translation services, you can send copies to the resort for the translation or, your other option would be to use a certified translator and get it done here in the states.

[Tracy]

My hotel said they would do the translation for me - as I experienced the same run-around you did...I think she said $30/page or something..I'd ask the WC at your resort.

[Tracy]

Also, I would clarify on the apostille thing...originally the paperwork said we DID need apostille, and it was a pain in the butt to get it, but then later, they said we didnt' need that. Sort of like they said we had to be there 5 business days, but then later they said 4 - i find it really tough to pin down these requirements - they seem so shift constantly.

[Jentwo]

I did this research months ago and am getting married legally in PDC in November. I'm from Chicago (my fiance is from NY) and here is what we did (after I was lectured by a Chicago gov't employee):

 

1) each got our certified birth certificates (I was born in Chicago so this was very easy - I went to a county office downtown and they provided a copy for $6). My fiance had to track his down in NY and have it mailed....a little more expensive.

 

2) each got our certified birth certificates translated into spanish. there was a place in Chicago that did this service for $40 each. I shopped around a little and this price was fair.

 

3) provided our certified birth certificates and translated copies for an apostille seal. Since I am from Chicago this was done at an Illinois state building in Chicago and for my fiance he had someone in upstate NY provide the apostille for his. We just so happened to be in NY for a wedding this summer near Albany so he got it in person but he technically could have mailed the documents to NY to get the apostille seal.

 

My plan is to scan this all in and email our wedding coordinator at the resort to ensure we are set in the next few weeks.

 

It did take many conversations to clarify what is needed so hopefully this will help some of the newer brides to be!

 

Overall it's not difficult to do - finding these details was the biggest pain!

[Carolyn]

My w/c says that the hotel doesn't offer the translation so I need to find one up here. I found a site and they say that it would be good for me to get married. I wasn't sure?? I guess I will try it.

[DWandMJ]

We had originally scheduled a civil ceremony, however inevitably changed it to a symbolic type due the hassel and added expenses involved. For us, its just easier to make it legal at city hall back home and skip the blood tests and translations.

No fear, I had done some research prior to the change in plan.

...

Its a lot less trouble if neither of you have ever been married before. If this is the case, you will need to have a certified birth certificate Apostilled (assuming you're all Amercian) through the Secretary of State for your home State (it may be per the State issuing your birth certificate, if it differs).

 

Here is a little history:

Apostille Requirements

 

Although I did not save the overview with quick-links to all of the States, here is Nevada's to give you an idea:

Nevada Secretary of State: Apostille - General Information

If you google "state apostille requirements", direct links come up for each state.

 

Once you have received your Apostille document in accordance with your birth certificate, it can then be translated.

I apologize that I will be of no help if the resort you're staying at doesn't offer this service. I know the Moon Palace charges $55/person's set (bride's + groom's = $110)of docs for the birth cert and apostille document, and they must be translated on site if you are to have your ceremony there.

 

Also, the Moon Palace in Cancun requires that you be in the country/at the resort for at least 3 business days (Saturday included) prior to the ceremony.

 

Hope this helps at least a little.

[Carolyn]

What is the number to the place in chicago for the translation?? I would love to call them