Sunset Weddings by Elizabeth Schoell - Cabo San Lucas, Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Getting Married in Cabo San Lucas with Sunset Weddings
Frequently Asked Questions
The following is a Question & Answer section about getting married in Los Cabos, Mexico. I hope this information is helpful so that you are better able to plan your ideal ceremony here in sunny Baja California Sur.
Q. What are the requirements for getting married in Mexico?
A. Wedding regulations in Mexico vary by state, so it is very important that you use a reputable wedding coordinator to handle all of the legal documentation, blood tests, etc.. They also make all of the arrangements for civil and / or church weddings and commitment ceremonies. You will be required to have your Tourist Visa (the form you received on the plane) and a valid picture identification, such as a valid passport, certified copy of your birth certificate or driver's license, for both parties.
Q. I am divorced / widowed, and wish to re-marry. What paperwork must I provide, if any?
A. You must be able to prove a one year time period of time has passed from the date of one of the following: (1) If divorced, final dissolution of marriage. Must provide a certified copy of final divorce decree. (2) If widowed, a certified copy of the spouse’s death certificate is needed.
Q. If I get married in Mexico, is it legal in the U.S.?
A. Yes. Under a treaty between the U.S. and Mexico civil marriages are valid in the U.S., However, a gay or lesbian commitment ceremony is not.
Q. Are there wedding companies in Los Cabos that will perform a gay or lesbian union?
A. Yes. I contacted several different wedding coordinators / consultants and most will a gay or lebian union. The ceremony has to be performed by an ordained minister in a private villa or beach setting, or hotel. Due to Mexican laws and for religious reasons, a gay / lesbian union cannot be held in a church.
Q. My fiance and I are on a budget and want a simple no frills ceremony. Is that Possible?
A. By all means yes! There is something for everyone and every budget here. Sunset Weddings offers a ‘bare bones’ package starting at $750.00 Dollars.
Q. We want to have an outdoor wedding (of course), but what if it rains?
A. Well, the possibility of rain is minimal here in Baja California Sur, yet sometimes during our short rainy season (September and October) it can happen. There is always an alternate plan, so no worries. Getting ‘undercover’ so to speak is always part of the back-up plan.
Q. What about flowers, music, food, etc.?
A. These are some of the very important reasons why you use a wedding planner. They have all of the valuable resources at their disposal. Only the best flower shops, caterers, and music ensembles (including D.J.’s) are used. You just specify what you want and the budget you wish to stay within, and they take care of it all!
Q. I would like to hire a professional photographer at the wedding and reception, but that must cost a fortune?
A. Not necessarily. All of the wedding planning companies in Los Cabos work with some of the most talented area photographers. Most have wedding packages available for as little as $250.00 and up.
Q. My wife and I wish to renew our vows. Is this a common practice?
A. Absolutely. We are seeing more and more vow renewals. We have found that since 9/11, many couples are finding it very important to re-express how much they love and care for each other, especially during these trying times.
Q. Where can I have my wedding ceremony?
A. On the beach, at your favorite hotel, villa or restaurant, in a church, on a cruise ship, even at Land’s end! Just keep in mind that any water taxi ride to land’s end can be unpredictable, in other words, WET!
Q. What if I get cold feet and back out at the last minute?
A. The Standard policy for most wedding companies in Los Cabos is to require a non- refundable deposit of $200.00; a small price to pay if you happen to change your mind about a life-altering event.
Q. I am Jewish and wish to have my own Rabbi here. Is that ok?
A. Yes. Just be sure to get it all worked out with a wedding coordinator in advance.
Q. I want to have my wedding on a nice beach and surprise my spouse with fireworks after. Is this wishful thinking?
A. No! It is not wishful thinking at all! In fact, Elizabeth Schoell of Sunset Weddings has a personal contact who can provide legal fireworks on the beach for you.
Q. How much time do I need from arrival in Los Cabos until the scheduled wedding date for preparations?
A. Two to four days is recommended for advance preparations. If you plan to honeymoon in Los cabos, give yourselves a minimum of 7-10 days. Also, as a side note, if you have a group of ten or more coming from the same city on the same flight, most major airlines will give you a discount. Also, most hotels here give a discount if you block out ten or more rooms. Just ask.
Well that pretty much answers most of the frequently asked questions. I certainly hope this information proves helpful. If you have any further questions regarding getting married in Los Cabos that have not already been addressed, please feel free to contact any of the wedding companies / coordinators listed on our Cabo San Lucas Weddings web page. Thanks for reading!! by Sheri Wilson
