Destination Wedding in Mexico

(Bride-to-Be)

Dear Rabbi,

If we were to get married in Mexico and invite a Rabbi to officiate, would it be considered 'legal' or do we still have to have an officiant in Mexico? We are Texas residents.

Thank you,
Bride-to-Be

Dear Bride-to-Be,

A Rabbi would only make your Jewish wedding legally binding by way of Jewish law. For your marriage to be recognized by State law, it is a process with the Marriage Laws in Mexico. It consists of and to name a few; blood tests, required to be in Mexico for a certain number of days, and costly fees that in United States, do not exist.

I often guide my couples whom want to have a wedding in Mexico to take care of the Civil Marriage (legal) in the United States and then have your Jewish Wedding Ceremony (or what we call the formal religious ceremony) in Mexico.

It is less stressful and you can enjoy your destination wedding on the beach in Mexico with family and friends.

Mazel Tov!

Rabbi Andrea Frank