Translated Birth Certificates?

[harv0136]

Can anyone tell me if we still need translated birth certificates to get legally married? Or is it just the passport and tourist card? I have heard mixed messages from my TA and WC?

 

Also, I think the rules might be different depending on the state you live in and the area in Mexico you get married?

 

Does anyone know where I can find this info? Everything I've read so far has been contradicting. Thank you!

[Sycamore Tree]

Be sure to do a forum search.

 

In the meantime, I have been researching the same topic. Here's what I've found so far:

 

A civil ceremony must be conducted by a judge. You can have the civil ceremony at the judge’s office, or pay extra for him/her to come to the wedding site. The civil ceremony marks your “official†marriage date. Go to a Registro Civil office (Calle Margaritas at Parque Las Palapas, tel. 998/884-9522, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 1-4 p.m. Mon-Fri.) and request a list of documents you will both need to submit. In Cancun, as in most cities, these include:

 

•Copies of your passport and valid visa (tourist visa is okay).

 

•Copies of passports and valid visas (if not Mexican citizens) of two to four (this varies based on my research) witnesses who will attend the service. You need two to four witnesses over the age of 18. Your witnesses also need to provide identification. Some areas of Mexico may require that two of the witnesses be from your home country. The number of witnesses required depends on the location of your wedding.

 

A recently issued copy (six months or less) of your birth certificates plus an apostille, an internationally recognized certification. Send the birth certificates to a state office for the apostille. Both must be translated into Spanish by an official translator; the Registro Civil will give you a list of its approved translators. Bring the originals and one copy of each.

 

 

•Certified blood test, which checks for reproductive compatibility and several infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS. The Registro Civil has a list of clinics that perform prenuptial exams, which must be done not more than 15 days before the ceremony. Cost of the tests average $125 per person.

 

The Registro Civil needs at least three (business?) days to process your documents once they are all in order. Then make an appointment for the civil service. You can get married at the office ($285), or have the judge come to your hotel or ceremony site ($305). Hold off on the champagne – neither you nor the witnesses are allowed to have consumed alcohol before the ceremony (and you cannot change witnesses once the forms are submitted). The ceremony takes around 30 minutes and consists mostly of the judge making declarations, and you, your witnesses, and your parents (if present) signing numerous forms, even taking fingerprints.

 

Once you’re married, there’s just one last hoop to jump through. After your ceremony, stop at the Registro Civil and order a few copies of your marriage certificate. Be sure to ask about getting apostilles – you’ll need them back home to prove your marriage was genuine.

 

Waiting Period in Mexico:

There is a waiting period of two to three days in Mexico. It varies from state to state. Plan extra time for getting the paperwork all arranged.

It generally takes at least 3 (three) working days to have your paperwork and documents processed.

[Joss]

Sycamore Tree, that is the most comprehensive breakdown i'm found so far as well, thanks for breaking it down.

 

Everything sounds the same as what i've read / been told by the Mexican Embassy and our wedding coordinator. The only conflicting thing i've read (and i'm not sure if this is a diffrerence between Canada and the US) is that you do NOT need a translation for the birth certificate and apostille if you have NEVER been been married before.

 

Any Canadian or other brides care to comment?