Getting Married In The Caribbean

Caribbean weddings equal romance.  Who hasn't dreamed of a sunset wedding on a beach with the tradewinds blowing through the palm trees? 

Many of the Caribbean resorts offer all inclusive packages.  Sandals resorts were the pioneer in the wedding-moon, the combined wedding an honeymoon. They have weddings down to a science, the resorts and the weddings get rave reviews from destination couples. 

All inclusive means everything is paid in advance.  Your room, your food, your drinks, your tips, your entertainment and all social events at the resort.  You have to pay extra for the wedding service which is usually done in a package through the resort coordinators.  You pay extra for any sightseeing tours on the island.  But it doesn't get any simpler than the package!   They are experienced in destination weddings and they can easily facilitate the process for you making it much easier than if you do it on your own.

Find the best deal, compare prices and read what other travelers have to say about hotels in Caribbean

Caribbean Wedding Requirements 

Getting married in the Caribbean has different requirements than getting married in the USA. It is recommended that you research your destination and its rules and requirements. Some rules are simple, some are rather complicated.  That's why so many couples opt for the all inclusive resort wedding packages....no stress!

Anguilla: $284 fee. Two day waiting period,  No blood test required. You must present your birth certificate or passport and a photo ID like a drivers licence.You must also present divorce or death certificate from any previous marriage.

1-800-553-4939

Antigua and Barbuda:  $240 for marriage license.  One day waiting period; No blood test. You must present your birth certificate or passport and a photo ID like a drivers licence.You must also present divorce or death certificate

1-212-541-4117

Aruba:  You have to call their tourist board in advance to schedule your wedding. There is no waiting period.   A US marriage certificate may be required.   If you are marrying in a Jewish ceremony, you will need to provide a U.S. marriage certificate, verification of Judaism from home Rabbi & petition to the Aruba Jewish Community

If you are marrying in a Christian ceremony, you'll need a U.S. marriage certificate (Civil Law)

If you are a Roman Catholic  you'll need a marriage permit from home priest, baptism certificate & official form stating neither was ever married in a church.

1-800-867-7882 

Bahamas: 24-hour residency requirement; $40 for marriage license. No blood test.

You need to appear before a U.S. Consul at the American Embassy, Nassau, and obtain a certified declaration that both are unmarried U.S. citizens or a marriage license obtained from Commissioner's Office for weddings on any Bahamas' island outside of New Providence

Both parties must apply in person for the marriage license and provide proof of arrival in the Bahamas.  You'll need a passport, birth certificate and photo ID. You'll need a death certficate or divorce certificate from any prior marriage. If you are under 18, you'll need parental consent.

1-212-758-2777

Barbados: No residency requirement; fee of $100 and $25.00 in Barbados postage. No blood test.

You'll need a passport, original or certified copies of your birth certificate and photo ID. You'll also need to show your airline tickets.  You'll need a death certficate or divorce certificate from any prior marriage. You'll also need a Letter from an authorized officiant who will perform service.  You 'll need this letter when when filing marriage application.  It is available from the Ministry of Home Affairs. 

If you are marrying in a Roman Cahtolic ceremony, it has additional requirements and fees.  You will need to contact the Bishop of Bridgetown.  

1-800-221-9831

Belize: Three day waiting period. $100.00 fee. You must present your birth certificate or passport and a photo ID like a drivers licence.You must also present divorce or death certificate.

1-800-624-0686

Bermuda: no residency requirement; fee of  $205. No blood test.

Bonaire: A one week waiting period, it can be either bride or groom.  The fee is $150.00

Bonaire is slightly different in their rules and requires advance planning.  You must write to the Governor of Bonaire at least two months in advance asking for permission to marry on Bonaire.   You need to include 3 passport photos of both the bride and groom in addition to a copy of your passports. You also need to provide what they call proof of good conduct and eligibility to mary, which may include divorce and death certificates and proof of single status. 

1-800-826-6247

British Virgin Islands:  $110 for marriage license plus fee of $35 to be married in Registar's office, $100 to be married outside the office. No blood test and a three day waiting period. You must present your birth certificate or passport and a photo ID like a drivers licence.You must also present divorce or death certificate

1-800-835-8530

Cayman Islands: $200 for marriage license. No blood test and no waiting period.  You must present proof of entry,  death or divorce papers and a letter from an authorized officiating marriage officer.  

1-800-346-3313

Curaçao:  $167 for marriage license. Two to three-day residency and 14 day wait on marriage licence.  No blood test.  You must present your birth certificate or passport and a photo ID like a drivers licence.You must also present divorce or death certificate.  And you must provide proof you are eligible to be married.

1-800-270-3350

Dominican Republic:  $20 for marriage license  No residency period or blood test. Couples must write the American Consulate in Santo Domingo well in advance of intended wedding date asking permission to marry in a civil ceremony.  All documents must be translated into Spanish. You'll need a passport, birth certificate and photo ID. You'll need a death certficate or divorce certificate from any prior marriage. You must be at least 18 years old to marry.

1-212-588-1012

Grenada: $ 15.00 fee, 3 business days residency 2 days to process application, no blood test.  Both parties need passport and birth certificates and death or divorce certificates.   A "deed poll" if one has had a name change, a letter from an attorney that states they are single and have a legal right to get married.  If under 21, parental consent, either in person of by affidavit. 

1-800-927-9554

Guadalupe:   No fee. 1 person in couple must be resident for 30 days; . Blood test required. You must present a birth certificate with a raised seal, a certificate of good conduct and a certificate of that you are single, a residency card, a medical certificate within the past three months.  Documents must be translated in French. 

Jamaica: $54 for marriage license, 24 hour residency.  No blood test. You'll need a certified copy of your birth certificate which includes your fathers name.   Proof or divorce of death certificate from a previous marriage.  If the person is under 21, you need documented parental consent.

1-212-856-9727

Martinique:   No fee. 1 person in couple must be resident for 30 days; . Blood test required. You must present a birth certificate with a raised seal, a certificate of good conduct and a certificate of that you are single, a residency card, a medical certificate within the past three months.  Documents must be translated in French. 

Montserrat: Licence fee between $95 and $185.00, 3 day waiting period and no blood test.  You'll need a birth certificate of passport and divorce or death certificates. 

1-212-682-0435

Puerto Rico: No residency; $2 stamp fee for copy of license. A VDRL blood test no older than 10 days prior to the wedding is required.  required. You must present your birth certificate or passport and a photo ID like a drivers licence.You must also present ORIGINAL divorce or death certificate from any previous marriage.  You'll also need a health certificate from a registered practitioner in Puerto Rico.

1-212-599-6262

Saba:  Fee from $16 to $55.00. You have a one month waiting period. You'll need a birth certificate of passport and divorce or death certificates from a previous marriage.

1-212-682-0435

St. Barts:   No fee. 1 person in couple must be resident for 30 days; . Blood test required. You must present a birth certificate with a raised seal, a certificate of good conduct and a certificate of that you are single, a residency card, a medical certificate within the past three months.  Documents must be translated in French. 

St. Kitts and Nevis: 2 day residency; $80 for marriage license. No blood test.  You will need your birth certificates and proof you are single, also divorce or death certificates from a previous marriage.   If the couple is getting married in a Catholic of Anglican ceremony, they need a letter from their priest or church stating the couple is known by them and unmarried.

1-212-535-1234

St. Lucia: $200 for marriage license. 2 days residency and 2 days for license;  No blood test. You will need your birth certificates and proof you are single, also divorce or death certificates from a previous marriage.

St. Martin (French side):   No fee. 1 person in couple must be resident for 30 days; . Blood test required. You must present a birth certificate with a raised seal, a certificate of good conduct and a certificate of that you are single, a residency card, a medical certificate within the past three months.  Documents must be translated in French. 

1-800-391-4909
1-800-869-8184

Sint. Maarten (Dutch side): Fees from: $51-155.00, 10 days to register at Office of Civil Registry, no blood test.   Non residents need special permission from the Lt. Governor.  You must submit your request 2 months prior to your wedding date.  You will need to bring your birth certificate, passport and your airline tickets.  You must also provide evidence of divorce of a death certificate.  All documents must be translated into Dutch and it must be by an official sworn translator and it must be nortarized.

1-800-786-2278

Trinidad and Tobago: $55 fee and $100 in stamps.  No blood test. The normal waiting period is 16 days, but you can apply for a special President's Licence which has a 7 day waiting period.  The 7 days start the day AFTER you arrive.  Youi will need to write to the Registrar General and tell they why you need the President's Licence after the 7 day residency is established.   You will need to provide your passport, drivers licence and proof of entry and intended date of exit, using your airline tickets.  You must also provide proof you are single.

1-800-595-1868

Turks and Caicos: 2-3 day residency; cost $50. No blood test.  You'll need a birth certificate of passport and divorce or death certificates from a previous marriage.   If you wish to marry in a church, you will need to provide proof of membership.