A shocking wedding between a boy and girl apparently aged just 12 years old has been allowed to go ahead after the children's families claimed it was their cultural right to get hitched.

Disturbing footage from the wedding celebrations in rural Guerrero, south-western Mexico, on 4th May has sparked an investigation into the ceremony, banned under federal law.

The clip shows the couple, with the girl in a full wedding dress, dancing to a band in front of crowds of family and friends at a lavish reception in Tlacoachistlahuaca.

As they pause for a few moments the couple kiss passionately and then the dancing continues.

Around them scores of guests tuck into tables of food with a wedding cake displayed prominently.

Picture shows the two minors on their wedding celebration in Tlacoachistlahuaca, Mexico, May 4, 2025. According to the Guerrero Women's Secretariat, there was no formal wedding at the Civil Registry. Note: Private photo taken from social media. (Newsflash/NX)

But the video, which emerged on social media, had outraged critics and triggered an investigation into the ceremony.

Under Mexican law boys have to be at least 16 to marry while girls must be 14 or older and can only wed with their parents' permission.

Offenders who officiate at a child wedding or allow it to happen can face up to 15 years behind bars.

And while some sources also claim the boy was 13 years old and the girl was 14, it would still make the act illegal.

Picture shows the two minors on their wedding celebration in Tlacoachistlahuaca, Mexico, May 4, 2025. According to the Guerrero Women's Secretariat, there was no formal wedding at the Civil Registry. Note: Private photo taken from social media. (Newsflash/NX)

But a legal loophole meant to protect local traditions apparently allows community elders to apply 'usos y costumbres', or customary law, which could make the marriage legal.

And despite federal and state law banning child weddings, they are still happening in rural Mexican communities which claim they are a cultural tradition.

Guerrero state civil registry head Roberto Barreto Bohorquez insisted the wedding was not valid under state of federal law.

He told local media: "No marriage has been registered or is valid through civil proceedings."

(MJ Leidig/newsX)