What are the requirements for getting married? Each person must have the following:

• Passport
• Tourist card (issued upon entering the country)
• A blood test from your doctor taken within 15 days of your wedding date
• Two witnesses each for a total of four - each will need a passport and a tourist card
• If previously married, provide a certified copy of the divorce decree or certified copy of the death certificate.

A civil marriage is the only ceremony recognized by Mexico and other countries. Your marriage certificate, given to you directly after the ceremony, is your official documentation. Take this document to your local recorder's office to register your marriage. Although most countries recognize this marriage, it is ultimately up to you to verify the necessary requirements in your specific locale. Religious ceremonies are allowed but the ceremony is not legally recognized in Mexico and other countries. Renewal and religious ceremonies require no legal documentation or submission of paperwork.

As part of the marriage requirements, verification is required that a minimum time period of one full year has elapsed before remarrying. This documentation is necessary for a valid civil ceremony. This is something that is often overlooked by couples. Also see "Requirements for getting married in Ixtapa".

Why get married in Cozumel? Click here for more information

This article was contributed by Karen Hohlen.