Marriage Requirements
In Mexico, foreign couples can take part in two types of weddings: civil (legal) weddings or religious/spiritual ceremonies. For convenience, many tourists prefer to complete civil ceremonies in their home country and stick with religious or spiritual ceremonies upon arrival.
Those who choose to
marry legally in Mexico must furnish a variety of documents and complete necessary lab work. Essential documents include:
- Divorce or death certificate, if applicable
- Valid passports or pass cards
- Original birth certificates or certified copies. Remarriage is not allowed within one year of divorce
- Results from blood tests conducted between one and fourteen days before the ceremony. These tests check for diseases such as HIV
Legal ceremonies cannot be held just anywhere. You'll need to visit an
Oficina del Registro Civil (Civil Register Office). A waiting period of three days is required, so set aside plenty of time between your arrival and your ceremony. Bring four adult witnesses with tourist cards and passports or pass cards.
Your civil ceremony will likely be conducted in Spanish. If you, your spouse, or your witnesses don't speak Spanish, a translator's services may prove valuable.
Spiritual and religious ceremonies are common in lieu of civil proceedings. Keep in mind that pre-cana classes must be completed in your home country prior to marrying in a local Catholic church. For this reason, many couples prefer nondenominational destination weddings.
Travel Information
Travel Documents
A valid passport is your best bet for entering Mexico by plane or car. Your driver's license and Social Security card are not valid forms of identification as an American citizen. A tourist permit from the Mexican consulate or an immigration office near the border may also prove necessary, especially if you plan to travel beyond Ensenada.
If you arrive by land or sea, you may be eligible for a
PASS Card. More affordable than a passport (and definitely more portable), this card is a great alternate option for tourists on cruises or for those who fly to San Diego and take shuttles to the Ensenada area. Many tourists apply simultaneously for passport books and cards.
All vacationers visiting Mexico must obtain the
Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM), more commonly referred to as a tourist card. If you travel by plane, your airline should furnish one. If you drive, you'll need to obtain a tourist card at a Mexican consulate or at your point of entry.
Language
The vast majority of Ensenada residents speak Spanish. Many are also fluent English speakers. You'll rarely struggle to hold a conversation in English at the area's tourist-oriented areas, including resorts, hotels, bars, and restaurants.
Some knowledge of Spanish can still prove advantageous, however – especially if you venture away from tourist attractions. Locals appreciate your effort to speak Spanish, even if you make mistakes.
Helpful words and phrases to learn before traveling to Ensenada include:
- Por favor (Please)
- Gracias (Thank you)
- De nada (You're welcome)
- Disculpe (Excuse me)
- Lo siento (I'm sorry)
- No hablo español (I don't speak Spanish)
- ¿Habla usted inglés? (Do you speak English?)
- ¿Cuanto cuesta? (How much is it?)
- ¿Donde está...? (Where is...?)
Currency and Tipping
Ensenada uses the primary Mexican currency: the peso. Exchange rates can vary, but generally, 20 pesos are equivalent to just over one US dollar.
Tipping etiquette in Mexico resembles American tipping in many ways, as tips are expected for a variety of services. It's common courtesy; servers and other employees earn modest wages and therefore may rely on the generosity of tourists. What's more, generous tips can ensure special treatment.
Restaurant tips nearly always fall between 10 and 20 percent of the total bill, as is common in the United States. However, some restaurants automatically apply a service charge. In such cases, tips are not expected.
At bars, most people tip between 10 and 15 pesos per drink. When running a tab, a tip of 15 percent of the total bill is generally expected upon closing out.
Climate & Beaches
Climate
Ensenada's semi-arid climate means minimal rainfall throughout the year. While temperatures can vary, you'll rarely encounter a day colder than 50 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer than 85.
Late summer and early fall days tend to be warmest. No matter when you visit, you can expect sunny days with few clouds in the sky. If you love the outdoors and dread rainstorms, this is the destination for you.
Beaches
While most of Ensenada proper is taken up by the Malecón promenade and private homes that look out directly on the bay, there are plenty of beaches within a short drive of the city. Beaches in the Ensenada area are known for their excellent surf conditions, so prepare to see a lot of active types pursuing their watersport of choice. From windsurfing to sailing, a variety of athletic pursuits take over the area's beaches and surrounding waters. Surf conditions are particularly impressive at Isla de Todos Santos, which is best accessed via boat rental.
Active people adore Ensenada, but there are also plenty of opportunities for beach-based rest and relaxation. Estero Beach should be your go-to spot if you desire a calm afternoon and scenic views. Animal lovers are particularly fond of this beach oasis, where dolphin, seal, and sea lion sightings are common.
Other great locations for beach-based relaxation include Playa Hermosa, and, of course, Playa Ensenada. For a fun day trip, take a brief drive north along the coast and spend a leisurely afternoon at Playa Salamando.
Getting Around
Although Ensenada has its own airport, it currently only offers flights from two commercial airlines. Otherwise, the Ensenada Airport largely handles military flights. Typically, tourists arrive by way of the San Diego or Tijuana Airport.
Some visitors opt for rides between Tijuana and Ensenada via uberVALLE, a unique Uber service specializing in day trips.
As a port city, Ensenada is also a popular stopping point for Baja cruises. Multiple three-day cruises travel between California cities (such as Long Beach) and Ensenada. For a shorter water excursion, rent a luxury yacht or a fishing boat.
Car rental may make your life easier as you travel in and around Ensenada. Several rental agencies are conveniently located in the heart of the city. If you don't plan on venturing beyond city limits, radio taxis can get you where you need to go on the cheap.
Activities & Attractions
Activities
Lounging by the beach may be a priority for some Ensenada visitors, but there are plenty of other options to keep travelers busy. Opportunities abound for those who desire cultural immersion.
Eager to make the most of the city's cultural scene? Catch a concert at the La Concha Musical amphitheater, which is named for its conch shell shape. Live music is also a regular presence at Ventana al Mar – a popular park situated on the harbor. Live music is a priority here, so if you and your bridal party love to discover local acts, you're in luck.
As in many Baja cities, scuba diving and snorkeling are top tourist attractions in and around Ensenada. Adventurous guests looking for excitement the week of your destination wedding will appreciate this option. More importantly, scuba diving allows you and your sweetheart to get away for a few hours together. Sportfishing is another excellent option, especially as Ensenada is deemed the yellowtail capital of the world. Thrill seekers may prefer local zip lines and canopy tours, which provide a new and equally beautiful perspective of the Ensenada area.
If you love hiking and are willing to take a short day-trip from Ensenada, you'll love the scenery at nearby Constitution 1857 National Park. Located among pine forests in the heart of the Sierra de Juárez range, this gem provides ample hiking opportunities and a welcome change from the ocean scenery to which you may grow accustomed.
No trip to Ensenada is complete without a stop by La Bufadora. The world's second largest marine geyser, this 'blowhole' shoots a spout of seawater into the air, much to the astonishment of visitors.
Nightlife
From chill sports bars to hot nightclubs, there's something for everyone in Ensenada when the sun goes down. The best place for party seekers? The intersection of Ruiz Street and 1st Street, which locals fondly refer to as 'R1.' At R1, the party begins before noon and continues until well after midnight. Begin an exciting evening at the world-famous Hussong's – Baja's original cantina. If you're on the hunt for an energetic dance floor packed with locals, you'll love the vibe at Las Kawas.
Live music is a big deal both during the day and at night, so don't be surprised if you find a band at your venue of choice. Ensenada's Cultural Center (often referred to as ICBC Ensenada) regularly hosts evening music events, as do several local bars.