Caribbean Destination Weddings

When it comes to Caribbean destination weddings, we wrote the book on it--literally. We authored Lovetripper.com's Guide to Caribbean Destination Weddings, a book that covers everything from island wedding regulations to how to work with a resort wedding coordinator to resort wedding packages. Soon we heard from brides asking for more information on how they could plan destination weddings in the islands, so we wrote The Destination Wedding Workbook, a wedding planner filled with questions for the two of you to ask each other about everything from guests to gowns, rings to receptions.

Here's a quick rundown of the wedding requirements for each island:

Anguilla:

• Couples can marry under the authority of a special marriage license
  
• Application can be obtained from the Judicial Department and takes 48 hours to process
  
• If one of the partners has resided in Anguilla for at least 15 days before the date of marriage the cost of the license is US$37.45. If the couple's stay is shorter, the cost is US$244 which includes stamp duty
  
• Proof of citizenship from resident country is required such as valid passport or birth certificate and photo driver‚s license
  
• Proof of divorce or death certificate if applicable
  
• All documents must be in English, if not, they must be translated and notarized
  
• Two witnesses are required for the ceremony
• Special requirements apply for Catholic marriages. Couples seeking a Catholic marriage must give three to six months advance notice, participate in a pre-cana course and submit baptismal certificate, confirmation papers and freedom to marry papers
  

Antigua & Barbuda:

• US$240 (includes marriage license, marriage officer fees & registration fee)
  
• No waiting period
  
• Valid legal identification (i.e. passport or driver‚s license/state issued identification + birth certificate)
  
• Proof of divorce (deed poll or name certificate where necessary) or death certificate (original or certified copies)
  
• Two witnesses present at the ceremony
  
• Written authorization for parties under 18
  

Aruba:

• Waiting period: all documents to be submitted at least one month prior (by courier) to the desired wedding date
  
• Apostille documentation from country of citizenship verifying neither party is currently married
  
• Copies of birth certificates with raised seal
  
• Proof of divorce or death certificate
  
• Must hold a valid passport and submit copies of pages showing relevant details
  
• Copies of passport pages of witnesses
  
• Civil marriages are performed in the salon of the historic City Hall building in downtown Oranjestad
  
• Fees: US$80 during the week; US$200 Saturdays, Holidays or after office hours
  
• Marriage booklet (certificate) US$20.00 or US$32.00 (difference in price is based on the better quality of one booklet)
  
  

Bahamas:

• US$100 for the marriage license application and US$25 for the marriage certificate
  
• Waiting period: 1 day
  
• Declarations certifying both parties are unmarried U.S. citizens sworn before a U.S. Consul at the American Embassy in Nassau or a Bahamas notary public (cost US$30 each)
  
• Both parties must apply in-person
  
• Proof of arrival in the Bahamas
  
• Passport or birth certificate and photo ID
  
• Proof of divorce or death certificate
  
• Parental consent for parties under age 18
  
• Two witnesses must be present
  
• Special requirements apply for Catholic marriages. Couples seeking a Catholic marriage must give three to six months advance notice, participate in a pre-cana course and submit baptismal certificate, confirmation papers and affidavits that they are free to marry each other
  

Barbados:

• US$75 cash and US$12.50 Barbados postage stamps for the wedding plus US$10 for the marriage certificate
  
• Marriage license secured from the Ministry of Home Affairs
  
• No waiting period
  
• Valid passports
  
• Proof of divorce or death certificate
  
• Copies of applicable marriage certificates
  
• Letter from the Marriage Officer
  
• Parental consent for parties under 18 (minimum age to marry is 16)
  

Belize:

• US$100 for the license
  
• Couples must reside in Belize three days. On the fourth day they can apply for the marriage license
  
• The marriage license must be signed by the Justice of the Peace and can be picked up one to two days after it has been approved
  
• Valid passport with date of entry stamp or original birth certificate with raised seal, signed by a notary public, which includes father‚s name.
  
• Proof of divorce or death certificate
  
• Parental consent for parties under 18
  
• Two witnesses present at the ceremony
  

Bermuda:

• File a Notice of Intended Marriage with the Register General
  
• When filing the Notice of Intended Marriage, submit a fee of US$210 plus US$21 (for the marriage certificate) in the form of a cashier's check or draft
  
• The Registrar General may issue a license 15 days from the receipt of the
• Notice of Intended Marriage. The license is valid for three month's from the date of issue
  
• Copies of final divorce decrees or death certificate must accompany Notice of Intended Marriage
  

Bonaire:

• Cost: US$150
  
• Couples must submit all necessary paperwork 4-6 weeks in advance of the wedding date. Once on-island, it takes a minimum of 4-7 business days for all paperwork to be processed
  
• Couples must write, at least two months in advance, to the Governor of Bonaire requesting a temporary residence permit for one person in the couple from immigration. The couple must also ask permission to marry
  
• Two passport photos of the bride and groom and any witnesses; copies of first page of passports; original birth certificates; date of arrival in Bonaire and intended length of stay; 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:

• US$110 (BVI postage stamps) for a Special License for those residents in the BVI for 3 days; US$50 (BVI postage stamps) for an Ordinary License for those residents in the BVI for 15 days or more
  
• Waiting period: 3 days
  
• Passport and date of arrival in the British Virgin Islands
  
• Proof of marital status
  
• Two witnesses to sign application form for license and to witness the ceremony
  
• Apply for license at the Attorney General‚s office in Tortola on the same day of arrival
  
• In a local church, the wedding banns must be published on three consecutive Sundays or Saturdays prior to the ceremony, in that church
  

Cayman Islands:

• Couples, including those arriving by cruise ship, can marry the same day they arrive in the Cayman Islands provided they have a non-resident‚s marriage license granted by the Governor and two witnesses present at the ceremony
  
• Non-residents must obtain a marriage license from the Deputy Chief Secretary's Office at a cost of US$200
  
• Passport or an original birth certificate with photo identification
  
• Proof of citizenship and age (18 is the minimum age without parental consent)
  
• Cayman Islands Immigration Department pink entry slips, or Cayman Islands international embarkation/disembarkation card for cruise ship passengers
  
• Certified or original copies of divorce decree or death certificate
  
• Letter from the authorized Marriage Officer who is to officiate
  When the Governor is satisfied with application, a special license will be issued and provided to the officiate
  
• Other than the special license, marriage can take place on the authority of a certificate issued by a civil registrar
  

Curaçao:

• US$18 (approximate) for the marriage certificate; US$197 - US$424 (approximate) for the wedding package.
  
• Waiting period: 3 days residency, written notification at least two months prior to wedding date. The legal 10 day period between notification of your wedding and performing it is effective two weeks after all the documents have arrived at the Register Office
  
• More than one wedding date must be provided when the written notification is sent
  
• Applicants must be living outside the Netherlands Antilles
  
• Passport and birth certificate
  
• Proof both parties are eligible for marriage
  
• Proof of divorce or death certificate
  

Dominica:

• US$110 for a marriage license; US$184 legal fees for the statutory declaration on marital status (inclusive of affidavit)
  
• Marriages performed within the registrar‚s office is an additional US$11; Outside the registrar‚s office is an additional US$48 plus transportation; and a church wedding is an additional US$40-$60
  
• Waiting period: 2 days before intended wedding date
  
• Birth certificate and proof of citizenship
  
• In the case of a divorced couple, a certified copy of the decree absolute (divorce decree) must be presented
  
• A widow or widower must present the death certificate of a deceased spouse
  
• Two witnesses present at the ceremony
  
• Statutory declaration on marital status obtained in Dominica in a lawyer‚s presence
  
• The completed application form, obtainable from the Ministry of Community Development, Government Headquarters, must be presented to the registrar at the time of the marriage ceremony
  

Dominican Republic:

• Valid passports for the couple and for any foreign witnesses
  
• Affidavit stating the marriage status
  
• Two witnesses (not family members) need to be present (with valid photo identification)
  
• Original copies and photocopies of birth certificates, adoption certificates (if applicable) and name deeds (if applicable)
  
• Original and photo copies of the decree absolute of the court if divorced.
• Bride has to be divorced for a minimum of 10 months
  
• Original and photocopies of death certificates
  
• Parties must be at least 18 years-of-age
  
• All documents must be translated into Spanish by the Dominican Consulate or Embassy in the couple's home country
  
• First, middle and last names must show up identically in all of the following documents: passport, affidavit declaration and birth certificate. If not the Civil Judge might refuse the wedding
  

Grenada:

• US$12
  
• Couples must be a resident of the island for a minimum of three days (including weekends and public holidays) before applying for a license
  
• Valid passports and original birth certificates of both parties
  
• Sworn affidavit or letter from a clergyman, lawyer or registry if one or both parties are single, attesting to the fact that they have not been previously married
  
• Proof of divorce or death certificate
  
• Affidavit of parental consent if under 21 years of age
  
• Deed poll if either party had a name change
  
• All documents must be in English. If the originals are in another language, they must be translated into English and certified
  

Guyana:

• Under US$2
  
• Waiting period: 15 days for nonresidents, 48 hours if one party is a resident
  
• Notarized marriage request form
  
• Copies of birth certificates or passports
  

Haiti:

• Birth certificates of each party
  
• Proof of divorce or death of spouse
  
• A blood test is required
  

Jamaica:

• Cost of the license is $4,000 Jamaican dollars which is approximately US$75-US$80
  
• Waiting period: 24 hours
  
• Photo identification plus proof of citizenship (certified copy of birth certificate which includes father's name)
  
• Apply and receive a marriage certificate from the Ministry of National Security
  
• Certified copy of death certificate or divorce decree
  
• Documented parental consent if either party is under 18 years-of-age
  
• Italian nationals celebrating their wedding in Jamaica must notify their embassy and a certified copy of their marriage certificate forwarded to their embassy to be legalized and translated
  
• French Canadians need a notarized translated copy of all documents and a photocopy of the original French documents
  
• There are non-denominational Marriage Officers who can officiate either at their offices, in their homes or at a place chosen by the couple, and are able to provide witnesses. Marriage Officers charge anywhere from US$50 - US$250
  

Martinique:

• Waiting period: Must be in residence at least 1 month prior to wedding day
  
• Birth certificate (or copy with raised seal)
  
• Residency card
  
• Medical certificate (including blood test) has to be issued on-island by a doctor in Martinique or certified by a French Consulate within three months of event
  
• Certificate of good conduct certifying single status
  
• French translation of all English documents
  

Montserrat:

• US$75 in Montserrat stamps
  
• Waiting period: 5 working days to obtain either the special license or
• Governor's marriage license
  
• Application for the special or Governor's license is made through the Department of Administration
  
• Passports of both parties
  
• Proof of divorce or death certificate (if applicable)
  
• Non-marriage certificate
  
• Applicants under 18 years of age need written parental consent
  
• All documents must be English or presented with a certified English translation
  

Nevis:

• Waiting period: 2 full (week) days before the wedding
  
• If the couple has been staying on Nevis for the minimum period of two full (week) days up to 14 days, the marriage license fee is US$80. If the couple has been staying on Nevis for 15 days, or more, prior to the marriage, the fee is US$20
  
• Both parties must have valid passports or birth certificates
  
• For those who have never been married, an affidavit is required from a notary public in the home country or in Nevis for a cost of US$20
  Proof of divorce or a death certificate must be provided
  
• All foreign documents must be translated into English and notarized
  If the ceremony is to be performed by a Catholic priest, it must take place in a Catholic Church, and a letter must come from the couple's resident priest verifying that they are unmarried and have received the necessary instructions
  
• If an Anglican priest or other minister of religion is to perform the ceremony, a letter must come from the couple's resident minister verifying that they are known and unmarried. If the couple is a resident in St. Kitts and Nevis for the stipulated period, a notary public and a marriage officer would have to be paid, and the charges vary from island to island and from officer to officer
  

Puerto Rico:

• Valid photo identification or passports
  
• Proof of divorce or death certificate (if applicable)
  
• Blood tests from a federally certified laboratory (in the U.S. or Puerto Rico) within 10 days of the wedding date
  Marriage certificate can be acquired in advance from the Puerto Rico Department of Health
  
• Doctor will need to sign and certify marriage certificate and blood tests in Puerto Rico
  
• Visit the Demographic Registry to obtain the marriage license, and purchase two license stamps (total stamp cost is US$30)
  
• Couples can expect to receive their marriage license within ten days of their wedding date
  
  St. Barth's:
  
• Waiting period: 1 person must be a resident for 30 days (residency card is required)
  
• Birth certificate (or copy with raised seal)
  
• Certificate of good conduct (including certificate of single standing)
  
• Medical certificate (including a blood test) has to be issued on-island by a doctor in St. Barth‚s or certified by a French Consulate within three months of event
  
• French translation of English documents
  

St. Eustatius:

• US$20 for a license received from the census office in the courthouse. US$58.30 for couples who marry at a venue outside of the courthouse
  
• Waiting period: 2 weeks
  
• Passport or original birth certificate
  
• Proof of single status
  
• Proof of divorce or death certificate
  
• Residence permit from the Immigration Department and passport photos
  

St. Kitts:

• US$80 for a marriage license; if parties have been residing in the country for at least 15 days the cost is US$20
  
• Couple must be in the country for two full working days (M-F) before the ceremony
  
• Valid Passports or birth certificates and state issued photo ID
  
• Divorced individuals must present a decree absolute
  
• Death certificate if applicable
  
• If the ceremony is Roman Catholic it must be held in a Roman Catholic Church and the two parties must have a letter from their home priest(s) verifying they are unmarried and have received instruction
  
• If an Anglican or another minister is to perform the ceremony, both parties must have a letter from their home minister(s) verifying they are known and unmarried
  
• There are charges that need to be paid to the notary public and marriage officer which vary from person to person
  
• Need special form from Legal Department signed by the Justice of Peace
  

St. Lucia:

• There are two types of licenses:
  · Ordinary License: the application, which is an affidavit and a petition, are submitted at least seven days prior to the date of marriage
  · Special License: the attorney general has the power to issue a special marriage license for an application submitted less than seven days before the date of marriage. Visitors are allowed to apply for the special license on the same day of marriage, providing all required documentation is available
  
• Application to be married in St. Lucia must be made by a local solicitor to the Attorney General or notary who prepares and signs the licenses
  
• Passport
  
• Birth certificate (certified true copies or originals)
  
• If a name has been changed, a Deed Poll is required
  Proof of divorce or death certificate (certified true copies or originals) if applicable
  
• If one of the parties is under the age of 18, evidence of a consent of parents is required in the form of a sworn affidavit stamped by a Notary Public
• Fees:
  · Notary Fee & Marriage Ordinary License $125
  · Notary Fee & Marriage Special License $202
  · Registrar Fees $37
  · Marriage Certificate $3
  
  

St. Maarten (Dutch side):

• Cost: US$275 (includes civil ceremony, marriage book, stamps and certificate)
  
• No Minimum Stay Is Required
  
• Requests for marriage must be submitted to the Civil Registrar at the
• Civil Registry at least 14 days prior to the scheduled ceremony to be conducted by the Registrar
  
• The following notarized original documents must be submitted to the Registrar:
  a.) A full abridged birth certificate for the bride and groom. Documents should have an "Apostille" stamp, which can be obtained at the Secretary of State's Office
  b.) In the event persons are not of Dutch nationality, a valid passport is required
  c.) Declaration of marital status not older than three months
  d.) Proof of divorce or death certificate
  e.) Parental consent for parties under 18 years-of-age
  f.) Addresses and professions of the bride and groom are required
  g.) Duration of stay on St. Maarten
  h.) Names of parents, their dates of birth, places of birth, mothers‚ maiden names, and the parents‚ professions must be submitted
  i.) Original document in languages other than Dutch or English needs to be translated into the Dutch language
  
• The bride and groom must have six witnesses if the marriage is performed outside of the Marriage Hall and two witnesses if the ceremony takes place in the Marriage Hall. Foreign witnesses must present a valid passport or a birth certificate with valid photo identification
  

St. Martin (French Side)

• Waiting period: 1 person must be a resident for 30 days (residency card is required)
  
• Copy of the couple‚s identification cards
  
• Birth certificates (or copy with raised seal)
  
• Premarital Certificate
  
• Certificate of single standing
  
• Affidavit of residency
  
• Copy of proof of residence
  
• Full names, age, address, profession of witnesses plus copies of their identification cards
  
• Residence permit
  
• French translation of English documents
  

St.Vincent & The Grenadines: 

• There are two types of licenses available to nonresidents:Governor General License from the Minister of Justice (fee US$185) and the Registry License (fee US$7.50)
  
• Waiting period: 1 day for the Governor General License; 7 days for the Registry License. Once waiting period is met, licenses are valid for three months
  
• Valid passport and ongoing plane ticket
  
• Notarized or certified copies of birth certificates
  
• Certified and notarized copies of final divorce papers or death certificate (if applicable)
  
• All certified document copies must have original stamp/seal and signature; all documents must be in English
  
• Application must be filed in person at the Ministry of Justice
  
• Additional costs: stamps for the license (US$5.52) and stamps for the application form (US$1.84)
  

Trinidad & Tobago:

• Cost: US$51
  
• Waiting period: 3 days after arrival
  
• Valid photo identification (passport)
  
• Both parties must be nonresidents
  
• Proof of residence - passport and airline tickets
  
• Proof of divorce or death certificate (original documents or notarized copy)
  
• Deed poll or other proofs of name change where name differs on documents
  
• Both parties must visit either the Warden‚s Office in Tobago (tel.: 868-639-2410) or Registrar House in Trinidad (tel.: 868-623-7163), not less than 24 hours before the intended time of marriage, in order to make a statutory declaration and pay applicable fees
  

Turks & Caicos:

• Cost: US$50
  
• Couples must be in Turks and Caicos 48 hours before submitting a marriage application. An additional 2 - 3 days is required to process the application
  
• Passport/photo identification and original birth certificate
  
• Single status affidavit
  
• Divorce decree absolute or death certificate if applicable
  
• Parental consent for anyone under 21 years-of-age
  
• A search of the Registry, Country/State where couple resides (stating there is no record of marriage)
  
• Work permit or Immigration Status
  
• Two declaration forms and one application for special license form (These can be obtained from the Registrar General‚s Office or from any Marriage Officer)
  
• All copies of documents must be notarized or certified
  

US Virgin Islands:

• Application fee: US$50; Marriage license fee: US$50; US$200 fee to be married in the court by a judge
  
• Waiting period: 8 days (from receipt of notarized application. Couple need not be on island)
  
• Call to request a marriage license from the Superior Court of the US Virgin Islands in St. Thomas/St. John (340-774-6680) or St. Croix (340-778-9750)
  
• Proof of divorce
  
• Must specify whether the marriage will be performed by a Judge in the
• Court or by a member of the clergy
  
• Application can be downloaded at www.usvitourism.vi