Which Destination Wedding Ceremony is Right for You: Legal or Symbolic?
Are you planning a destination wedding in Mexico or the Caribbean? One important decision you’ll need to make is the type of wedding ceremony you want. Not all destinations offer the same options, so it’s essential to choose what suits you best. Let’s dive into the details to help you decide!
A symbolic ceremony has no legal bearing but makes up over 90% of destination weddings. The symbolic ceremony looks and feels the same, just without the legal paperwork.
Legal vs. Symbolic: What's the Difference?
First things first: what exactly distinguishes a legal wedding ceremony from a symbolic one?
A legal ceremony adheres to the laws of your chosen destination and results in an official marriage license. This type of ceremony is recognized as a legal marriage in the U.S. once you file the paperwork with your local license bureau. However, it often involves more paperwork, a judge, additional fees, and sometimes even blood tests.
On the other hand, a symbolic ceremony has no legal bearing but makes up over 90% of destination weddings. Typically, couples get legally married at their local courthouse or with their clergy before heading off to their wedding destination. This means they’re already officially married when they travel, which simplifies the process significantly. The best part? Your guests won’t notice the difference! The symbolic ceremony looks and feels the same, just without the legal paperwork.
Ceremony Requirements by Destination
Mexico
Legal Ceremony: Mexico is a bit of a doozy (and this is why I’m a big fan of legally tying the knot in the U.S. and having a symbolic ceremony in your destination). But if you’re up for it, the requirements for getting married in Mexico include:
Four witnesses present
Arriving at your resort at least three business days prior to your ceremony
Blood test results, completed in Mexico no more than 14 days before the date of marriage application
Marriage application forms, obtained from the local registry office
Birth certificates and valid passports Divorce Certificate(s) or Death Certificate(s), if applicable
All documents translated into Spanish, and notarized by the Mexican consulate in the U.S.
Symbolic Ceremony: Performed by a non-denominational minister [or even one of your friends or loved ones!], wedding coordinator, family friend, or relative. You’ll receive a symbolic marriage certificate without legal standing.
Dominican Republic
Thinking of a Destination Wedding in the Dominican Republic? Learn the pros and cons of a legal or symbolic destination wedding there.
Legal Ceremony: All paperwork must be notarized and translated into Spanish, adding around $1000 to your costs. Only a judge can legally marry you, so scheduling can be tricky. You’ll need to bring the following to the Civil Status Office before your ceremony:
Birth certificates and valid passports (make photocopies!)
Affidavits of marital status, certifying that the bride and groom are single
Divorce Certificate(s) or Death Certificate(s), if applicable
Two or more witnesses, other than family All documents must be legalized and translated into Spanish by an official translator
Note: these are the requirements for a civil ceremony; the requirements for a religious ceremony are more extensive
Symbolic Ceremony: This is the preferred option here due to the complexity and cost of a legal ceremony.
Jamaica
Legal Ceremony: Ceremonies performed by a minister are legally recognized. Jamaica is one of the easiest places to have a legal wedding.
Costa Rica
Legal Ceremony: Good news—it’s pretty easy in Costa Rica! In most cases you’ll need:
Passports valid for at least six months
A priest, lawyer, or judge to legally marry you to be legally recognized.
If you’re a woman who is divorced or widowed, note that there’s a 300-day waiting period before you can marry in Costa Rica (though some special paperwork can speed things up)
Symbolic Ceremony: Religious ceremonies or vow renewals are symbolic and not legally binding.
Stress-Free Wedding Planning Tips
To keep stress levels low, we highly recommend a symbolic ceremony. However, we understand that some couples prefer to have one main wedding date. Here are a couple of creative solutions:
To keep stress levels low, we highly recommend a symbolic ceremony. However, we understand that some couples prefer to have one main wedding date. We have a couple of creative solutions.
Get Legally Married a Year Before: If your destination wedding is planned for May 20, 2026, consider having your legal ceremony on May 20, 2025. This gives you a consistent anniversary date and helps with logistical details like name changes, health insurance, and passport updates.
Intimate Legal Ceremony at Home: Have a small legal ceremony at home with immediate family. This can include loved ones who might not be able to travel for your destination wedding. You could even choose a meaningful date, such as your parents’ or grandparents’ anniversary, to honor them.
Making the Best Decision for You
It’s natural to worry about the details, but remember, it’s your special day! Weigh the pros and cons, and choose the option that feels right for you. We're here to support you every step of the way. Check out the free workbook that helped me plan my own wedding or take this short quiz to find your perfect destination wedding venue.
Need more guidance? Sign up for a call with us today, and let’s make your dream wedding a reality! Check out our FREE destination wedding workbook.
