The minimum age to get married in Mexico is 18, for both partners, with no exceptions. Article 148 of the Federal Civil Code sets that floor, and parental consent or judicial approval will not lower it.1Justia Mexico. Codigo Civil Federal – De los Requisitos para Contraer Matrimonio Only a civil ceremony performed by a Civil Registry official counts as a legal marriage; a religious ceremony on its own has no legal effect.2U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico. Marriage
How the Age Rule Changed in 2019
Mexico used to allow marriage at 14 for girls and 16 for boys with parental consent. Amendments to the Federal Civil Code in June 2019 removed those exceptions by repealing Article 151, which had authorized marriages for minors when a parent or guardian agreed.1Justia Mexico. Codigo Civil Federal – De los Requisitos para Contraer Matrimonio The rule now is a flat 18. No consent form, no petition, no workaround.
State Codes Can Lag the Federal Rule
Mexico’s civil law is written state by state, so the federal reform does not automatically overwrite each state’s code. Most states have adopted the same 18-year minimum, but the pace of compliance has varied. If you are planning a wedding in a specific state, confirm with the local Civil Registry that no outdated exceptions are still on the books there before assuming the federal rule controls your ceremony.
Same-Sex Couples, Same Age Rule
Same-sex marriage is legal in all 32 Mexican states. Mexico’s Supreme Court declared state-level bans unconstitutional in 2015, and Tamaulipas, the last holdout, legalized same-sex marriage in October 2022. The age requirement, documents, and fees are the same regardless of the couple’s gender.
What Else You’ll Need Beyond the Age Requirement
Meeting the age floor is the starting point. Foreign nationals marrying in Mexico also need to bring paperwork and clear a few in-country steps. Requirements vary by municipality, but the Civil Registry offices generally ask for:
- A valid passport. Mexico does not impose a six-month validity rule; the passport needs to be valid on entry and through the end of your stay.3Embajada de México en Suecia. General Requirements for All Foreign Passengers to Enter Mexico
- A tourist permit (FMM or electronic authorization) issued on entry, or a residence permit.4Instituto Nacional de Migración. Forma Migratoria Multiple
- A certified birth certificate, apostilled in your home country and translated into Spanish by an authorized translator.5Embassy of Mexico in the United Kingdom. Foreign Nationals Wishing to Get Married in Mexico
- Proof of single status, or a certified divorce decree or death certificate if either person was previously married. Some jurisdictions impose a waiting period after a divorce before you can remarry.
- A prenuptial medical certificate obtained in Mexico. A certificate performed elsewhere will not be accepted.6Embajada de México en Irlanda. Marriage in Mexico
- Witnesses with valid photo ID, all over 18. Some offices require four (two per applicant); others require two.2U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico. Marriage
Extra Step for Marrying a Mexican Citizen
If a foreign national is marrying a Mexican citizen, several jurisdictions require a separate marriage permit from Mexico’s National Migration Institute (INM). Two foreigners marrying each other do not need this permit, though they still have to present their tourist permits.2U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico. Marriage Because rules vary by state, check with the local INM office well before the ceremony date.
The Medical Certificate Has a Short Shelf Life
Most Mexican states require the prenuptial medical certificate, which includes blood work screening for communicable conditions and confirming blood type. The certificate expires roughly 14 days after the test date, so timing matters. Arrive early enough to get the tests done, wait for results (usually available within 24 hours), and still have time on the certificate before your ceremony. Costs vary by lab and location but are generally modest; budgeting a few hundred dollars is safe, though many labs charge less.
Ceremony Scheduling
A Civil Registry official performs the ceremony, either at the Civil Registry Office or at an off-site venue such as a resort. Office ceremonies in some cities can be booked with as little as one day’s notice, while off-site ceremonies may require at least 14 days.2U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico. Marriage Plan to arrive several business days before the wedding to handle paperwork, complete the blood tests, and absorb any surprises at the Civil Registry, which may close for local holidays that don’t appear on a U.S. calendar.