As a Certified Wedding Planner I encourage couples to go choose for the ideal ceremony for their Destination Wedding according to the time, legalities, requirements, but above all of that, the one more suitable for their vision of their Destination Wedding, the one that makes feel complete and plenty. This will be a day to remember; therefore we have to make the ceremony as special as we can.
Here are some of my insights regarding the most common ceremonies for a Puerto Vallarta Destination Wedding.
The Civil Ceremony is performed by a “Justice of Peace,” this person is usually a representative of the Civil Registry Office. In most cases it does not exceed 20 minutes, and it can be held at the location of your choice. The certificate of civil marriage has legal validity in Mexico, and it can also be validated in other countries, as long as the requirements and laws of the original country are fulfilled. In order to celebrate the Civil Ceremony, both bride and groom must be single. In case one, or both are divorced or widowers, legal documentation must be presented to the Civil Registry Office to attest to it.
In order to get legally married in Puerto Vallarta you will need to start the paperwork process at least 2 months in advance.
Note that if you have been divorced you will need to wait at least one year before remarrying.
Please also note that if your time is too limited to comply with these formalities, you may, by all means, still opt to have a beautiful symbolic wedding instead.
The most common is the Catholic ceremony and this one is generally held at a church, under the requirements and rites of the religion. The ceremony is considered a Sacrament, and it is performed by a priest. It can last between 45 to 60 minutes. Certain matters need to be arranged previously in order to fulfill the rites that the Catholic religion establishes for a religious ceremony; these may include the rings, the coins (arras), and the “tie that binds” (lazo).
Spiritual or Symbolic ceremony
The Spiritual or Symbolic Ceremony is an alternate choice for those couples that are not interested in conventional ceremonies. Couples are free to exchange their own vows and incorporate the traditions and rites that they wish. This is also the perfect ceremony of choice to renew vows for a wedding anniversary.
The Spiritual or Symbolic Ceremony has no religious denomination; therefore, couples that have been previously married in a Civil or Religious Ceremony can also get married in a Spiritual or Symbolic Ceremony, or simply renew their vows to reinforce the love they feel for each other.
A native wedding ceremony is a spiritual event based on Native American traditions, it symbolizes the union of day and night, sun and moon, earth and sun, male and female, the duality of the universe coming together as one and a true reflection of a couple’s inner spirituality and beliefs.
For those from another culture, this ceremony offers a truly distinctive wedding experience, some couples embrace traditions from their heritage, and others prefer a more personal approach. Either way, a native ceremony offers a unique experience that incorporates respect and understanding of individual beliefs and traditions. Since these ceremonies are not religious, any belief can be incorporated into the ceremonial, it is important to mention that the native ceremony does not have legal validity; therefore, it does not require filing any special paperwork.
Finally, it is important to mention that all ceremonies can be performed in English, Spanish or both (English and Spanish at the same time).
By Eve Chávez – Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit Certified Destination Wedding Specialist
Click here to learn more about the requirements for each ceremony http://www.eventives.com.mx/ceremonies/