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WEDDING requirements
ANGUILLA Cost: US $284 Waiting period: 2 days
Required Documents: Passport or birth certificate and photo driver's
license; Proof of divorce or death certificate, if applicable.
ANTIGUA & BARBUDA Cost: US $240 Waiting period: 1 day
Required Documents: Passport or birth certificate and additional photo ID;
Proof of divorce or death certificate, if applicable
Marriage in Aruba
Civil marriages are now possible in Aruba, but they must take place at
the City Hall. Couples may also arrange a religious blessing after they
have been legally married or just hold a romantic celebration beachside
if they prefer.
The following are the guidelines for the various ceremonies.
CIVIL Legal Requirements:
1. Couple must provide from their Country of Citizenship an
“apostile” report (a statistics search from the Bureau of Vital
Statistics) as Proof that they are both indeed single and eligible to
marry.
2. Each person must submit copies of their birth certificate with a
raised seal.
3. If either party has been divorced they must submit a copy of their
divorce decree.
4. If either party has been widowed, they must submit a copy of the
death certificate.
5. Couple must be holders of valid passports and submit with their
application, copies of the pages showing all relevant details.
6. Copies of the passport pages of their witnesses must also be
submitted (if couple does not have any witnesses, we will provide them
at an additional fee).
7. All documents are to be faxed for review and then submitted by
courier (i.e. FedEx) at least one (1) month prior to desired wedding
date.
Office of Civil Registry
Attn: Mr. Betto Christiaans
Schoolstraat 2
Oranjestad, Aruba
Tel: 011 (297) 583-4400
Fax: 011 (297) 583-9160
pivaruba@setarnet.aw
8. All civil ceremonies must take place inside the City Hall (Bureau
Burgerlijke Stand) in Oranjestad.
9. Ceremonies are performed Wednesdays through Fridays.
10. Times are from 9:30 am - 12:00pm.
CATHOLIC:
(Must call first as this is on hold until review of procedures is
complete):
1. Proof That the prospective bride and groom have attended pre-marriage
preparation.
2. Permission from their priest to get married in Aruba.
3. An official declaration stating that neither party has been
previously married in a Church is also required from their local priest.
4. Copy of Wedding Certificate showing that they have been legally
married in their home country.
5. Baptismal and Confirmation certificates of both parties as well as
copies of their passports or I.D. Cards.
6. The proposed wedding must take place “inside” the Church
building.
7. All documents must be submitted 4 months prior to chosen wedding
date.
PROTESTANT / EPISCOPALIAN / METHODIST:
1. Wedding Ceremony can be affiliated in the local Protestant /
Episcopalian or Methodist Churches or anywhere else the couple desires.
2. If Married outside Aruba, copy of marriage certificate from their
home country.
3. Proper attire is required for all “religious blessings”( ie: No
Swimsuits nor Wraps for the Bride: Shorts are acceptable for the Groom.
JEWISH:
1. Both partners MUST bet Jewish and need to submit a verification of
Judaism from the Rabbi of their hometown
2. The Aruban Cantor accepts Jewish status certificates from valid
Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Liberal and Re-Constructionist
Authorities.
3. A formal petition needs to be submitted to the Aruba Jewish
Community.
4. The wedding ceremony may take place either in the synagogue or any
other venue of choice.
5. The synagogue of Aruba is an independent Conservative-Reform style
congregation.
AT SEA:
A boat captain is not authorized to officiate a wedding according to
Dutch laws. This applies for international waters as well as in port.
The only exception to this rule is if he has been given authority by the
country under whose flag the ship is registered.
USA 1-800-TO-ARUBA ata.newjersey@aruba.com
Canada 905-264-3434, 1-800-268-3042 (Ontario & Quebec) ata.canada@aruba.com
www.aruba.com.
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The Bahamas
Requirements For Obtaining a Marriage License in The Bahamas.
Both parties must be in The Commonwealth of the Bahamas at the time of the
application.
Persons wishing to be married in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas may do so
after one day. That is to say, if a person arrives in The Bahamas on Monday,
they may come into the Registrar General Office on Tuesday, obtain a Marriage License
(while waiting), and be married on the same day.
If either part has been divorced, the original final decree or a certified
copy must be produced. If either party is widowed, being certified of the
deceased spouse must be produced. If either party is unmarried, being a
citizen or resident of the U.S.A., a declaration certifying this fact must be
sworn before a U.S. Consul at the American Embassy, Nassau, The Bahamas.
If either party is unmarried, being a citizen or resident of a country
other than the U.S.A., a declaration certifying this fact must be sworn before
a Notary Public or other person authorized to administer oaths in that country
and must accompany the application for the marriage License.
The parties must produce some form of identification which has a photograph
attached. The identification document must have been issued by a Government
Office in the country where the parties reside.
The parties must produce evidence of the date of their arrival in The
Bahamas.
Persons desirous of being married in a family Islands ( any Island outside
of New Providence) can obtain a Marriage License at the Commissioners’
Office on that Island and need not come to Nassau.
No blood test is necessary.
The fee for the license is $100.00.
Note: Marriage licenses are issued at the office of the Registrar General in
Nassau. This office is opened to the public Mondays to Fridays between the
hours of 9:30 a.m. – 4:30p.m.
Address: P. O. Box N- 532
Nassau, Bahamas
Tel: (242) 322-3316
Fax: (242) 322-5553
Contact the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism at
800-422-4262 or www.bahamas.com.
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Belize
First of all, your marriage in Belize will be valid internationally.
- Both parties must be in Belize at least three days before applying
for a marriage license.
- Forms can be obtained from two locations: General Registry, Supreme
Court Building, Belize City and Attorney General Office, Belmopan.
- Forms must be completed and signed in the presence of a Justice of
the Peace (J.P.). Ask for J.P.s in your area.
- Completed forms along with the following must be presented to
General Registry or Attorney General:
 | Proof of Citizenship in the form of an ID card or Passport
| Photocopies of your passport showing your picture and date of
entry into Belize
| Proof of Marital status, if widowed or divorced
| Marriage license fee (US $100) |
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The normal approval time is one week
Two witnesses who can be local volunteers willing to help, must
accompany couples who have a legal ceremony in court. Cost: US $5
Most hotels will help with your arrangements including securing a
minister or officer of the court to perform the ceremony. However, if you
wish to make these arrangements on your own, please contact the Registry
Department before you leave home to secure a licensed person and court
date to perform a legal ceremony.
Marriage license - $100 US
Legal ceremony in court - $5 US
Religious officer - Varies (donations to the churches and schools welcome)
Registry Department
Treasury Lane
Belize City
Telephone: 011-501-227-7377
Fax: 011-501-227-0181
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday 8 am - 12 nn | 1 pm - 5 pm
Barbados
Valid Passports or the original or certified copies of birth
certificates.
If either party was divorced, an original Decree Absolute or a
certified copy of the Final Judgment.
If either party was previously married and widowed, a
certified copy of the Marriage Certificate and Death Certificate in respect of
the deceased spouse.
Where necessary, all documents not in English must be
accompanied by a certified translation.
Fees:
if neither party is a citizen or resident of Barbados - BDS $150.00 cash and a
$25.00 stamp.
Contact the Barbados Tourism Authority at 800-221-9831 or
www.barbados.org.
The British Virgin
Islands
Couples
are required to be in the territory three (3) days before you get married. You
can apply for a license the same day of your arrival at the Attorney General's
Office, situated on the second floor of the Central Administration Complex. Road
Town, Tortola.
THE
REQUIREMENTS OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE ARE:
$110.00
(in BVI postage stamps) for a special license for those residents in The BVI for
3 days
$50.00
(in BVI postage stamps) for a special license for those residents in The BVI for
15 days
Your
passport as proof of identity and arrival date in BVI
Proof
of marital status (certified or original copies of decree absolute for divorced
spouses or death certificate for deceased spouses)
Two
witnesses needed
a)
for signing the license application and
b)
to be present at the marriage ceremony (witness need not be the same for both
exercises, persons in The BVI may be selected as witnesses)
Having
applied for the license, you go to the Registrar General's Office to schedule an
appointment for the date and time you propose to be married. The Registrar
General's Chamber office is located in Road Town, upstairs of Burhym Electrical.
Contact the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board at 800-835-8530 or www.bvitouristboard.com.
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The Cayman Islands
Couples can marry the same day they arrive in the Cayman Islands, including
those arriving by cruise ship. There are several Wedding Coordinators in the
Cayman Islands that can assist you with all your arrangements, however simple or
creative, from legal requirements to party planning.
Couples must arrange for a marriage Officer and a Non-Resident Marriage License.
A list of licensed Marriage Officers can be obtained by calling the Deputy Chief
Secretary’s Office at 1-345-949-7900 0r 1-345-914-2222. Arrangements with the
Marriage Officer should be made prior to filing the application for the marriage
License.
The Marriage License can be obtained from the Deputy Chief Secretary, 3rd
Floor, Government Administration Building, George Town, Grand Cayman. Phone:
1-345-949-7900. The total fee for the License including stamp is $200 U.S. (or
CI $160 in Cayman Islands Dollars).
The application includes full names, permanent addresses and occupations
of both parties, and temporary address in the Cayman Islands. It must be signed
by both parties and must also include the name of the Marriage Officer
performing the ceremony.
The License can be obtained on the same day of application.
Couples will also need to provide the following when applying for a Marriage License.
Cayman Islands International Immigration Department Pink Slip showing proof of
entry. Visitors arriving by air receive this from Immigration upon arrival into
the Cayman Islands. Cruise passengers may present their ship boarding passes to
demonstrate they are legally in port.
Valid passports or original or certified copies of birth certificates
along with photo identification. Photocopies are not accepted. The minimum legal
age to marry without parental consent is 18.
In the case of second marriages, original or certified copies of divorce or
death certificate are required. Photocopies are not accepted.
Two witnesses present at the ceremony. You may provide your own or ask the
Manager Officer to assist you in arranging this.
Contact the Cayman Islands tourism board at
877-422-9626 or www.caymanislands.ky.
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U.S.
Virgin Islands
The
Territorial Court of the Virgin Islands
P.O. Box 70
St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands 00804
Ph: (340) 774-6680 extension 6207
Fax: (340) 777-8254
Federal Express Address:
Clerk of Territorial Court
The Territorial Court of the Virgin Islands
Veteran's Drive
St. Thomas
US Virgin Islands 00804
- Applications should attach a letter with the application detailing:
1. Dates of visit to the island.
2. The date you plan to pick up your marriage license.
 | If either party is divorced, a certified copy of divorce decree
must accompany the application (a "certified copy" is
stamped with the raised seal from the court where your divorce was
issued). If former partner is deceased, a Photostat copy of the death
certificate must accompany the application.
| A postal money order for $100.00 made out to the Territorial Court
of the USVI must accompany the application. ($50.00 for application
and $50.00 for the license)
| The Territorial court must receive your marriage license
application 8 days prior to issuing your license.
| The couple must pick up their marriage license in person from the
Territorial Court, with a form of photo identification and your copy
of the postal money order receipt. To protect yourself, it's a good
idea to make a copy of everything you mail to the territorial court
and bring it with you when you pick up your marriage license. The
Territorial Court is located in the Alexander Farrely Justice
Complex on the waterfront in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas (Federal
Building). The court is open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday thru
Friday and 10 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturdays.
| If you want to pick up your marriage license on a day the court is
closed (Sundays and Holidays), you may do so between 10:00 and 11:00
a.m. There is an additional charge of $150. Please speak with me
about how to avoid this.
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Be
sure and mail your application and required information Certified Mail,
Return Receipt Requested.
Helpful Hint: Two weeks after mailing your application, phone Miss Fils
and ask for your license number and tell her when you will pick up your
license. 340-774-6680 ext. 6203 usvtourism.com
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BELIZE Cost: US $100; US $5 Administrative. Waiting period: 3
days Required Documents: Proof of citizenship; proof of divorce or death
certificate, if applicable; 2 witnesses needed at the ceremony.
BONAIRE Cost: US $150) Waiting period: 1 week (Either bride or
groom) Required Documents: Write, at least 2 months in advance, to the
Governor of Bonaire asking for permission to marry on the island. Send the
following with the letter: 3 passport photos each of bride and groom;
copies of passports and birth certificates; proof of good conduct and
proof of eligibility to marry (i.e. divorce papers, death certificates,
proof of single status, such as a letter from a parent or pastor).
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS Cost: US $110 in BVI Postage Stamps if
resident for 1 day; US $50 if resident for 15 days or more. US $35 to be
married within Registrar¡¦s Office, US $100 to be married outside.
Waiting period: 3 days Required Documents: Passport or birth certificate
and photo ID; proof of divorce or death certificate, if applicable; all
documents should be originals or certified as true copies of the original;
2 witnesses to sign application form for license and to witness the
ceremony (not necessarily the same witnesses for both).
CAYMAN ISLANDS Cost: US $200) Waiting period: None Required
Documents: Cayman Islands international embarkation/dismemberment card;
passport or birth certificate and photo ID; proof of divorce or death
certificate, if applicable; letter from authorized officiating Marriage
Officer; non-residents must obtain a marriage license from the Chief
Secretary's Office; 2 witnesses must be present at the ceremony
CURACAO Cost: US $167 Waiting period: 3 days residency Required
Documents: Written registration 2 months prior to wedding date; applicants
must be non-Antillean residents; passport and birth certificate for both
parties; return tickets; proof of divorce or death certificate, if
applicable, and proof both parties are eligible for marriage.
DOMINICA Cost: US $11 – marriages within the registrar’s
office, US $37 plus transportation -- marriages outside the registrar’s
office, US $184 legal fees. Waiting period: 2 days for license Required
Documents: Birth certificates and proof of citizenship; proof of divorce
or death certificate, if applicable; application form obtainable from the
Ministry of Community Development; 2 witnesses must be present at the
ceremony; statutory declaration on marital status must be obtained and
sworn in Dominica in the presence of a lawyer.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Cost: US $20 Waiting period: None Required
Documents: US citizens are required to write to the American Consulate in
Santo Domingo, in advance of intended wedding date, requesting permission
to marry (civil ceremony); passports for the couple and for any foreign
witnesses; birth certificate; proof of divorce or death certificate, if
applicable; parties must be at least 18 years of age; notarized letter
from an attorney, legalized by their embassy, stating that each person is
single; all documents must be translated into Spanish upon arrival.
FRENCH WEST INDIES Cost: None Waiting period: 1 person in the
couple must be a resident for 30 days - residency card is required.
Required Documents: Original birth certificate or copy with raised seal;
certificate of good conduct; certificate of single standing; residency
Card; medical certificate issued within 3 months of event; French
translation of English all language documents. Blood test required. A
"Bulletin de Marriage" and "Livret de Famille" are
delivered at ceremony.
GRENADA Cost: US $15. Waiting period: Residency of 3 working
days; 2 - 3 working days to process application. Required Documents:
Passports and original birth certificates of both parties; Deed Poll if
either party had a name change; original divorce or death certificate, if
applicable (processing of marriage application may take slightly longer
then 2 days if either partner is divorced); proof of single status --
letter from lawyer stating individual have the legal right to get married;
affidavit of parental consent if either party is under 21 years. All
documents must be submitted in English, if original is in another
language, it must be translated and certified.
GUYANA Cost: Under US $2 Waiting period: 15 days for
non-residents, 48 hours if one party is a resident Required Documents:
Completed and notarized marriage request form; copies of birth
certificates or passports.
HAITI Cost: None Waiting Period: None Required Documents: Birth
certificates of each party, proof of divorce or death of spouse if
applicable, and blood test.
JAMAICA Cost: US $54 Waiting period: 1 day Required Documents:
Certified copy of birth certificate which includes father¡¦s name; proof
of divorce or certified copy of death certificate if applicable,
documented parental consent if either party is under 18 years.
MARTINIQUE Cost: None Waiting Period: Must be in residence at
least 1 month prior to wedding day. Required Documents: Birth certificate
with visa of Consulate translated into French; pre-marital certificate
translated into French; document certifying single status translated into
French; valid passports.
MONTSERRAT Cost: US $200 in Montserrat stamps Waiting period: 3
working days Required Documents: Passports and birth certificates of both
parties; proof of divorce or death certificate, if applicable;
non-Marriage Certificate; citizens under 18 years of age need parent or
guardian's consent.
PUERTO RICO Cost: US $2 stamp fee for certified copy of license.
Waiting period: None Required Documents: Picture identification - non-US
citizens require passport; two witnesses over age 21 must be present;
original birth certificate of children born during previous marriages
and/or children born to the couple to be married prior to their marriage;
proof of divorce or death certificate, if applicable; documented parental
consent if either party is under 21; health certificate from a resident
practitioner in Puerto Rico; Blood test required. VDRL test – no later
than 10 days prior.
ST. EUSTATIUS Cost: US $20 from census office, or US$58.30 from
outside courthouse) Waiting period: 2 weeks Required Documents: Birth
certificates; proof of single status; divorce papers, if applicable;
residence permit from the Immigration Department; passport photos.
ST. KITTS & NEVIS Cost: US $20 if resident for 15 days or more;
US$80 if resident for two days. Waiting period: 2 working days (not
including Saturday and Sunday) Required Documents: Canadian and American
citizens: birth certificate with photo I.D. or citizenship card. All other
citizens: valid passport. Proof of divorce or death certificate, if
applicable; if Catholic priest to perform ceremony, letter from home
priest stating couple is unmarried; If Anglican/Episcopal, or other
minister of religion to perform ceremony, letter stating couple is known
and unmarried; documents not in English must be translated and notarized;
if any party under 18 years of age, notarized letter indicating parental
consent.
ST. LUCIA Cost: Approximately US $198. Waiting period: 2 days
residency; 2 days for license Required Documents: birth certificates or
passports; if names have been changed, copy of Deed Poll; in the case of a
widow/widower death certificate of former spouse; Decree Absolute if
either party has been divorced; if either party under 18 years of age,
evidence of consent from parents in form of notarized affidavit;
authenticated translation of all documents not in English.
ST. MAARTEN (DUTCH) Cost: US $51 - $152 Waiting period: 10 days
to register at Office of Civil Registry; waiting period is 3 days.
Required Documents: Non residents: special permission must be obtained
from the Lt. Governor; a written request must be sent to the office at
least 2 months prior to intended wedding date; passport, birth certificate
and airline tickets; names, dates and birthplaces of bride and grooms’
parents must be on birth certificates; parents’ places of residence must
be submitted to the Office of Civil Registry. These documents must be
notarized; Non-resident witnesses must request a temporary tourist permit
from the Lt. Governor; Documented parental consent for citizens under age
21; proof of divorce or death certificate, if applicable; all documents
must be in Dutch or translated into Dutch by a sworn official and
notarized.
SURINAME Cost: US $8. Required Documents: 1 of the parties must
have residency status. Birth certificates; proof of unmarried status;
ceremony must be performed by an official of the Civil Registry.
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO Cost: US $55 payable in postage stamps.
Waiting period: Three days¡¦ residence must be established (calculated
from the day after the date of arrival) Required Documents: Proof of
residence ¡V passport and airline tickets; identification of applicants
¡V passport; if divorced, original or notarized copy of Degree Absolute;
if widowed, original deaths certificate of spouse; a notarized English
translation if not in English; Deed Poll or other proofs of name change
where name differs on documents.
TURKS & CAICOS Cost: US $50 Waiting period: 24 hours to
establish residency, plus 2-3 days to process license. Required Documents
Passport; original Birth Certificates; proof of status - if single a sworn
affidavit is required; original or notarized copy of Decree Absolute
sealed by the Clerk of the Court if either party is divorced; Death
Certificate in Widow/Widower; Deed Poll or Adoption proof in case of
change of name; if under the age of 21 years then evidence is required as
consent of one or both partner or guardian in the form of an affidavit
stamped by the Notary Public; the parties must not be within the
prohibited degree of relationships to each other; letter stating both
parties occupations, marital status, age as of last birthday, present
address of residence and fathers full name; for church weddings most
Ministers require proof of membership; the marriage must be solemnized by
a registrar or Marriage Officer (usually the Registrar General for Special
Licenses) who is entitled to payment of reasonable traveling expenses if
the marriage takes place outside his usual place of business. All
Passports or documentation written in any language other than English
should be translated in advance and notarized by the applicable consulate.
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS Cost: US $50, US $200 fee to be married in
the court by a judge. Payment to be made by money order or cashier’s
check Waiting Period: 8 days from receipt of notarized application -
couple need not be on-island. Required Documents: Send a letter requesting
a marriage license to the Territorial court of the U.S. Virgin Islands in
St. Thomas or St. Croix (upon return receipt of the notarized application,
an 8-day waiting period begins.) Letter accompanying Application for
Marriage must state date of visit, length of stay, and preference of date
if having ceremony performed by a Judge so an appointment can be made;
proof of divorce must also be supplied, if applicable; appointment to be
married by a judge must be made.
VENEZUELA Cost: US $30 for validation of legal document, US $80
for other legal fees Waiting period: None Required Documents: Passports;
original or Certified copy of birth certificate; copy of affidavit of
civil status issued by the Venezuelan consular authorities.
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