A wedding in Mexico costs anywhere from $2,000 to $20,000+, depending on location, guest count, and whether it's symbolic or legal.
Destination weddings are often cheaper than U.S. weddings, but hidden costs and legal complexities can add up fast without proper planning.
While a beach ceremony in Cancun might cost only $2,500, a legal wedding in Cabo can run upwards of $15,000–$20,000 when you factor in paperwork, premium decor, guest accommodations, and translation fees.
Knowing the difference between legal and symbolic weddings, and when each makes sense, can save you thousands.
We help U.S. citizens of Mexican descent turn their wedding trip into something even more meaningful: the start of their dual citizenship journey.
From fixing birth certificate issues to helping your spouse apply for residency, our legal team handles it all, without a single visit to the consulate.
Want the full breakdown? We’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from budget-friendly packages to how to avoid surprise costs, get legally married in Mexico, and even register for Mexican citizenship during your trip.
Quick Cost Breakdown by Wedding Type
Not all weddings in Mexico are created equal, and that’s good news for your wallet.
Whether you're envisioning a barefoot elopement on the beach or a fully legal ceremony with 100 guests at a luxury resort, your wedding cost will vary dramatically based on the type you choose.
Here’s a breakdown of what couples typically spend:
Symbolic Wedding (Most Common for U.S. Couples): $2,000–$10,000
Symbolic weddings are the go-to for U.S. couples who want the beauty of a destination wedding without the bureaucracy of Mexico’s legal marriage process.
You’ll still exchange vows, have a full ceremony and reception, but it is not legally binding in Mexico.
Most couples handle the legal paperwork back in the U.S. before or after the trip.
Symbolic weddings save time, money, and stress. No blood tests, no translations, and no delays.
It's you, your guests, and a beachside celebration.
Legal Wedding (Recognized in Mexico & the U.S.): $4,000–$15,000+
If you want your Mexican marriage to be official in both countries, expect to pay more.
Legal weddings require additional paperwork, notarized documents, blood tests, and translations, all of which increase both time and cost.
What’s included: Civil ceremony, marriage license, legal officiant, apostille services, document translations, and more.
These can add $1,000–$2,500+ to your overall budget, depending on the region.
Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts: $15,000–$100,000
For couples going all out, think 80+ guests, professional photographers, private receptions, and multi-day events. Luxury resorts in places like Los Cabos or Riviera Nayarit can easily exceed $50,000.
Costs climb quickly with higher guest counts and resort upgrades.
What’s included: Gourmet catering, open bar, spa treatments, multiple events, and oceanfront venues.
Some even include honeymoon nights, fireworks, or mariachi bands.
Hacienda/City Venue Wedding: $8,000–$35,000
Planning a wedding in San Miguel de Allende, Guadalajara, or a historic colonial hacienda?
These venues are beautiful but come with extra planning logistics. Many require individual vendors for catering, décor, and event coordination.
Added expenses: Venue rental fees, city permits, external vendor travel fees, and often bilingual planners. But the payoff? A one-of-a-kind cultural experience.
Beach Elopement Packages: $2,000–$5,000
Want to skip the guest list and celebrate solo or with a few loved ones?
Elopement packages are the most budget-friendly option. Many resorts offer two-person ceremony packages starting under $3,000, including photography, flowers, and a small celebration.
Great for: Couples focused on intimacy, simplicity, or combining their elopement with a dual citizenship trip or legal document correction.
When it comes to marrying in Mexico, your costs depend less on the country and more on the kind of experience you want to create.
Coming up next, we’ll explore why so many couples choose to tie the knot here in the first place.
Why Get Married in Mexico?
If you’ve looked at the average U.S. wedding budget, $33,000 and climbing, you’re probably wondering if there’s a better way to celebrate your love without draining your savings.
México might be that answer.
Here’s why thousands of couples are ditching the banquet halls for beaches, haciendas, and historic cities:
Lower Costs, Bigger Value
Weddings in Mexico can start at $2,000, even at popular resorts.
Whether you're working with $5K or $50K, you’ll often get more for your money compared to a U.S. wedding: better views, better food, better vibes.
Dream Destinations, Built-In Vibes
From the turquoise beaches of Cancun and Tulum, to the colorful charm of San Miguel de Allende, or the lush coastline of Puerto Vallarta, every region in Mexico brings something special.
And since many resorts come bundled with wedding planners and packages, you do not need to build your dream from scratch.
Smaller Guest Lists, Intimate Moments
Let’s be honest, most people do not want to invite 200 distant cousins.
Destination weddings naturally trim the guest list to those who matter most.
That intimacy makes for more meaningful moments (and lower costs).
Vacation Meets Celebration
Why not turn your wedding into a multi-day celebration?
Guests get a built-in vacation, and you get more time to connect with your favorite people, whether that’s over beachside tacos, sunset cruises, or tequila tastings.
“Am I Just Shifting the Cost to My Guests?”
It’s a fair question. While weddings in Mexico can save you thousands, some resorts require guests to book through them, often at premium rates.
That could mean $3,000–$5,000 per couple, especially at luxury properties.
But here’s the good news:
- Some resorts offer group discounts or free guest nights.
- Off-site accommodations are allowed at select venues (though you may need to negotiate).
- Wedding planners (like the ones we partner with) can help find guest-friendly options without sacrificing your vision.
Mexico is affordable and flexible. Whether you're eloping with $3K or hosting 80 guests with $30K, you can shape your wedding to match your values, your budget, and your future goals.
What Affects Your Total Wedding Cost in Mexico?
The beauty of planning a wedding in Mexico is how customizable it is, but that also means prices can swing wildly depending on your choices.
Knowing the main cost drivers helps you avoid surprises and stay within budget.
Here are the key factors that impact your bottom line:
Location, Location, Location
Where you get married matters as much as how.
Cancun and Riviera Maya tend to offer more competitive pricing with budget-friendly resorts and wedding packages starting as low as $2,000.
On the other hand, Cabo San Lucas, known for its luxury market, can run you upwards of $15,000 to $100,000, especially for larger guest counts or beachfront venues.
Insider Tip: Cities like Queretaro or Guadalajara offer high-quality vendors at a lower price point compared to tourist-heavy spots like Cabo or Mexico City.
Guest Count
This one’s simple math: more people = more money.
Every additional guest means more meals, drinks, chairs, centerpieces, and coordination.
Average Mexico wedding size: 40–80 guests.
Rule of thumb: Keeping your list small is the fastest way to cut costs without cutting quality.
All-Inclusive vs. Private Venue
All-Inclusive Resorts often bundle everything: venue, catering, coordination, basic décor, into one package.
This saves money and stress, especially for symbolic weddings.
Private Venues (like haciendas or historic sites) offer more customization but require hiring individual vendors, managing logistics, and often paying extra for permits or city fees.
Watch out: Some resorts charge “vendor fees” ($500–$1,000) if you bring in your own photographer, florist, or planner.
Time of Year (Seasonality)
High Season (Dec–April): Best weather, highest prices.
Low Season (May–Nov): More perks, lower rates, but plan around hurricane season and heat waves.
Book early, 12 to 15 months ahead, if you want peak season weekends at popular resorts.
The Extras
Add-ons can make your day magical or push your budget over the edge. Here’s what to expect:
| Service | Cost Range |
| Photographer/Videographer | $1,000 – $2,500+ |
| Hair & Makeup | $150 – $300/person |
| Premium Flowers & Decor | $500 – $3,000+ |
| Live Music or DJ | $500 – $2,000 |
| Fireworks/Tequila Tasting | $500 – $5,000 |
Planning tip: Mexico’s natural beauty is already your best décor; use it.
Simplified setups often look more elegant and save thousands.
Up next, we’ll answer the legal and practical questions couples ask most often, like whether your Mexican wedding is valid in the U.S., how much legal weddings cost, and if you need that blood test.
Money-Saving Tips for Your Mexico Wedding
Dreaming big doesn’t mean spending big. If you’re planning a wedding in Mexico, there are smart ways to trim costs without sacrificing beauty or meaning.
Book in Off-Peak Months (May or November)
Weddings held during shoulder seasons, May or November, can unlock serious savings.
Resorts offer discounts, free perks (like extra nights or complimentary upgrades), and more date availability.
Bonus: You’ll avoid the tourist crowds without risking rainy season chaos.
Go Symbolic to Avoid Legal Fees
Symbolic weddings look and feel exactly like legal ones, yet without the paperwork, blood tests, notarizations, or added stress.
Most couples finalize the legal process back in the U.S. (or even before flying to Mexico).
Savings: $1,000–$2,500 in legal fees, plus peace of mind.
Skip Resort Vendors (and Their Vendor Fees)
Some resorts charge $500–$1,000+ per outside vendor, even for things like photography or makeup.
If you are not thrilled with their in-house options, consider:
- Choosing a resort that waives vendor fees
- Negotiating them in advance
- Opting for an off-resort venue with full flexibility
Let Mexico’s Views Do the Work
You do not need massive floral walls or $10K light installations.
Whether you’re in Tulum, Puerto Vallarta, or a rooftop in San Miguel, Mexico’s backdrop is often the best decor.
A few candles, local flowers, and some string lights? You’re golden.
Hidden Costs Most Blogs Don’t Talk About
Planning a destination wedding in Mexico can feel like unlocking a dream until unexpected fees start stacking up.
While many resorts and planners promote low starting prices, there are several hidden costs that catch couples off guard if they are not prepared.
Let’s break them down so you’re not one of them.
Resort “Vendor Fees” ($500–$1,000 Per Vendor)
Bringing your own photographer, makeup artist, or planner? Many resorts charge steep “outside vendor” fees unless you use their in-house team.
That could mean an extra $1,000–$3,000 if you’re using three outside vendors.
How to avoid it:
- Negotiate vendor waivers in your contract
- Choose a resort with no vendor restrictions
- Bundle services through an external planner
Beach Ceremony Setup Fees
Staying at a beachfront resort doesn’t mean the beach wedding setup is included.
Resorts often charge $500–$2,000 to set up a simple altar and chairs by the ocean, even if you're already paying for a wedding package.
Shuttle Requirements
Some resorts require you to provide guest transportation if they’re staying offsite or attending an off-property event (like a welcome dinner or reception).
That means hiring private shuttles or vans, adding $500–$1,500+ to your budget.
Guest Minimums for Packages
Many “free” or discounted wedding packages only apply if you guarantee a certain number of room nights booked through the resort.
If guests cancel or book elsewhere, you could lose perks or even owe the difference.
Exchange Rate Surprises
Deposits for Mexican venues and vendors are often required in pesos.
If the exchange rate shifts unfavorably between booking and final payment, you might end up paying hundreds more than expected in USD.
Unclear Cancellation Policies
Some resorts and vendors offer little or no refunds if you need to cancel or postpone, especially if you booked during a promotion.
Always ask about:
- Refund windows
- Transferable deposits
- Travel insurance recommendations
What If Guests Cancel Last Minute?
One of the top concerns couples face is the financial risk of no-shows.
If you’ve guaranteed a block of rooms or pre-paid for meals, last-minute guest dropouts can hurt your wallet and your timeline.
Solution: Choose a resort with flexible guest contracts, refundable blocks, or allow guests to book their own stays directly.
Work with a planner who knows these risks and can help build buffers into your contract.
Should I DIY or Hire a Destination Planner?
If you’ve ever planned a wedding, even a small one, you already know how many moving parts are involved.
Now imagine doing it in another country, in another language, with vendors you've never met.
That’s the situation with DIY weddings in Mexico.
Let’s break down the pros and cons.
DIY: Pros and Pitfalls
The Upside:
- You might save $1,500–$5,000 by skipping a planner’s fee.
- You have full control over every vendor and detail.
- It's ideal for micro-weddings or elopements with minimal moving parts.
But that’s where the perks stop.
The Risks:
- Legal paperwork is in Spanish, and mistakes can delay or invalidate your wedding.
- Many vendors use contracts that are unclear or vague if you are not fluent.
- Coordinating from the U.S. is time-consuming, especially when you factor in time zones, language, and cultural differences.
- Without local knowledge, you're more likely to overpay or fall for hidden fees.
- Worst case: one overlooked detail could mean rescheduling your wedding or redoing the legal process entirely.
We’ve seen couples come to us after their weddings, trying to fix documents, correct birth certificates, or start their dual citizenship process, only to find that their wedding paperwork was incomplete or unusable.
We work hand-in-hand with vetted bilingual planners who are legally trained, culturally aware, and fully aligned with your citizenship goals.
Their role extends beyond planning weddings; they protect your peace of mind.
Why Work With Our Team for Legal Support?
As the founder of Doble Nacionalidad Express, I built this company for families like mine: those caught between two countries, two systems, and far too much red tape.
Your wedding should be a celebration, not a legal headache. That’s where we come in.
We are not a wedding planning company. We’re a binational legal service designed to help U.S. citizens of Mexican descent navigate the complex, often unfair, process of reclaiming their Mexican identity with confidence.
If you're getting married in Mexico, it’s the perfect time to handle the paperwork that sets your family up for life.
Here’s What We Can Do for You:
✅ Fix birth certificate errors without needing a consulate appointment.
✅ Register your Mexican marriage with local civil authorities.
✅ File for your dual citizenship or your child’s, without you leaving the U.S.
✅ Help your spouse apply for Mexican residency if you’re marrying a Mexican citizen.
✅ Avoid the consulate entirely; we work directly with Mexico-based civil registries.
✅ Bundle your legal paperwork into your wedding trip, with minimal disruption.
The Downside of Going It Alone?
We've seen it too often:
- Couples leave Mexico with the wrong marriage certificate or none at all.
- Dual citizenship applications get rejected because of a missing document.
- People lose years to back-and-forth with undertrained consulate staff.
That’s time you can’t get back and opportunities your family misses.
With our help, you do not need to be an authority on Mexican law.
You need to be ready to say “I do.”
What Happens If a U.S. Citizen Marries a Mexican Citizen?
If you're a U.S. citizen marrying a Mexican national, your wedding is a celebration and a legal gateway to residency and future citizenship in Mexico.
Residency Through Marriage
Once legally married in Mexico (or with your marriage registered there), a U.S. citizen can apply for temporary or permanent residency.
This allows you to:
- Live in Mexico legally year-round
- Open a bank account
- Buy property without restrictions
- Work legally without needing a separate permit
Path to Citizenship
After holding residency for the required period (usually 2 years if married to a Mexican citizen), you can apply for Mexican citizenship without giving up your U.S. passport.
This is an ideal path for binational couples building a future across borders, whether for family, retirement, business, or peace of mind.
How We Help
We guide your application from start to finish:
- Ensure your marriage is correctly registered in Mexico
- Prepare your spouse’s residency or citizenship paperwork
- Avoid consulate appointments and long processing delays
- Translate and apostille required documents
Whether you're planning a life in Mexico or keeping your options open, this legal step sets the foundation.
Ready to Turn Your Wedding Into a Life-Changing Trip?
Your plan goes beyond a destination wedding. You're building a bridge between two countries, two cultures, and, if you choose, two citizenships.
Whether you're correcting documents, registering a marriage, applying for residency, or finally securing your Mexican passport, our firm is here to make the legal side effortless.
Let us handle the paperwork so you can focus on the moment, the memories, and the meaning of your day.
👉 Schedule a Free Legal Review o
📱 Message Us on WhatsApp to get started.
Preguntas frecuentes
Planning a wedding in Mexico comes with a mix of excitement and uncertainty, especially when it comes to the legal side.
Below, I’ll answer the most frequent questions I hear from couples we help every day.
How much does it cost to get legally married in Mexico?
Expect to spend $1,000 to $2,000 in legal fees on top of your ceremony and reception costs.
This includes:
- Blood tests (required by Mexican law)
- Civil ceremony officiant
- Notarized documents
- Government filing fees
- Official marriage certificate
- Apostille and certified translations (if needed in the U.S.)
These fees vary by state and venue. Symbolic weddings skip all of this, which is why they’re so popular with U.S. couples.
Can U.S. citizens legally marry in Mexico?
Yes, absolutely. But it is not as simple as showing up with a ring. Legal weddings in Mexico require specific documents and procedures, as outlined by the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico.
These requirements include:
- Certified copies of birth certificates and passports
- Tourist permits or temporary resident status
- A stay of at least 3 business days for processing
- Blood tests performed in Mexico
- Two to four witnesses with valid ID
If you want a legally recognized marriage in both countries, our team can help you navigate the legal paperwork and avoid frequent mistakes.
Do I need to register my Mexican marriage in the U.S.?
No, it is not required, but it’s a smart idea.
The U.S. recognizes foreign marriages that are legal in the country where they were performed.
However, registering your marriage in the U.S. can help with:
- Immigration filings
- Tax purposes
- Social security or insurance changes
You can do this through your county clerk's office using an apostilled and translated marriage certificate.
Is a wedding in Mexico really cheaper than one in the U.S.?
Yes, but only if you plan smart. Couples often save $15,000 to $25,000 by marrying in Mexico compared to hosting a full-scale wedding in the U.S.
The biggest savings come from:
- Smaller guest lists
- All-inclusive packages
- Fewer vendor markups
That said, be careful of hidden costs like vendor fees, guest accommodations, and legal add-ons that can erode your savings if not planned for. Major wedding planning sites like The Knot often have budget calculators to help.
Why do I need a blood test?
Under Mexican law, all legal marriages require a blood test to screen for STDs.
It must be done in Mexico at an approved lab, typically within a few days of the wedding.
Do not want to deal with that? Choose a symbolic ceremony; you’ll save time, money, and a lot of paperwork.
Who pays for weddings in Mexico?
Typically:
- Couples cover the venue, ceremony, planner, and meals.
- Guests cover their own travel and hotel stays.
But here’s the catch: Some resorts require guests to stay onsite, which can lead to expenses of $3,000–$5,000 per couple.
This can create tension, especially if guests weren’t prepared.
To ease that burden:
- Choose a resort with no guest minimums
- Offer group booking rates
- Be transparent about costs early on
