Getting Married in the US as a Mexican Citizen | CourthouseCloud
Mexican citizens can legally get married in the United States — no citizenship or residency required. A US marriage ceremony produces a government-issued marriage certificate that is valid for USCIS immigration petitions, and recognized in Mexico with an apostille and certified Spanish translation. This guide covers everything Mexican nationals need to know: how to get married in the US, how to get the certificate recognized in Mexico, and how to use it for immigration.
Can a Mexican Citizen Get Married in the United States?
Yes. Mexican citizens — including those on tourist visas, work visas, or currently residing in Mexico — can legally obtain a US marriage license and hold a civil ceremony in the United States. Neither party is required to be a US citizen, resident, or visa holder. A valid Mexican passport is accepted as identification in all 50 states.
For Mexican nationals, Utah is the recommended state: no residency requirement, no waiting period, and online ceremonies are fully authorized — meaning both parties can complete the marriage via video call from anywhere, including from Mexico.
Requirements for Mexican Nationals to Get Married in the US
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid ID | Mexican passport (preferred) or valid government-issued photo ID for both parties |
| Social Security Number | Not required in Utah for non-US citizens |
| Residency | Not required — neither party needs to be in Utah or the US |
| Waiting Period | None in Utah |
| Witnesses | 2 required — can join by video call from anywhere |
| Previous Marriage | Divorce decree or death certificate required if previously married |
| Language | Ceremony conducted in English; certified Spanish translation of certificate available |
Is a US Marriage Certificate Recognized in Mexico?
Yes — a US civil marriage certificate is recognized in Mexico, but two steps are required:
- Apostille — Mexico is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. Your US marriage certificate must be apostilled by the appropriate US authority (for a Utah-issued certificate, this is the Utah Lieutenant Governor's office). CourthouseCloud offers apostille service as an add-on.
- Certified Spanish Translation — All documents must be translated into Spanish by an official translator authorized in Mexico. CourthouseCloud offers certified translation service.
Once apostilled and translated, you can register your US marriage with Mexico's Civil Registry (Registro Civil). Registering within 30 days of arrival in Mexico allows for retroactive recognition, which can simplify future residency or citizenship applications in Mexico.
Using a US Marriage Certificate for USCIS and Immigration
A US marriage certificate issued under Utah law is accepted by USCIS for all immigration petitions, confirmed under USCIS Policy Alert PA-2025-23 (October 2025). This includes:
- I-130 Petition for Alien Relative — the first step toward a marriage-based green card
- CR-1 / IR-1 Spousal Immigrant Visa — for Mexican spouses of US citizens living outside the US
- I-485 Adjustment of Status — for Mexican nationals already in the US on a valid visa
- Naturalization through marriage — 3-year path to US citizenship for spouses of US citizens
See our full immigration guide: US Marriage for Immigration & Green Card →
Registering Your US Marriage in Mexico
To have your US marriage fully recognized by Mexican authorities:
- Obtain your apostilled US marriage certificate (CourthouseCloud handles this)
- Get a certified Spanish translation of the certificate
- Submit to the Mexican Civil Registry (Registro Civil) in the state where you reside in Mexico
- Register within 30 days of arrival in Mexico for retroactive recognition
You can also register through the Mexican Consulate in the US if you are still in the United States. Contact the nearest Mexican Consulate for jurisdiction and current requirements.
Spanish-Language Keywords & Common Questions
Esta guía también está disponible en español. Preguntas comunes de parejas mexicanas:
- ¿Puede un mexicano casarse en Estados Unidos? — Sí. No se requiere ciudadanía ni residencia.
- ¿El acta de matrimonio americana es válida en México? — Sí, con apostilla y traducción certificada al español.
- ¿Cuánto cuesta casarse en Estados Unidos? — CourthouseCloud ofrece ceremonias desde $129 USD, incluido el certificado oficial del condado de Utah.
- ¿Se puede hacer la ceremonia por videollamada? — Sí. Utah autoriza matrimonios en línea. Ambas partes pueden estar en México durante la ceremonia.
Get Legally Married in the US with CourthouseCloud
CourthouseCloud specializes in US marriages for international couples. Our Utah County–issued certificate comes with apostille service and certified Spanish translation — everything Mexican nationals need to use their US marriage in Mexico or for USCIS immigration purposes.
Sources: US Embassy Mexico (mx.usembassy.gov), USCIS Policy Manual PA-2025-23 (October 2025), Hague Apostille Convention member status verified via HCCH. Verified May 2026. Always confirm current requirements with the Mexican Civil Registry or a licensed immigration attorney.