If you are planning a destination wedding in the Caribbean, it’s essential to know what you will have to do in order to be legally wed. Marriage laws, requirements, and costs vary from country to country in the islands.

Below you can get an idea of what it takes to acquire a marriage license in many popular destinations. Know that prices and requirements can and do change. Therefore, it’s advisable to check the latest information from relevant island sources.

Can You Get Married on the Spur of the Moment?

Magnificent sunsets and romantic nights might inspire you to tie the knot without much forethought. This may be possible in some islands, where a brief waiting time or multi-day residency is required. Almost all require legal proof of identity and single status, especially if previously married. Consequently, if you wish to make it legal, carry your documentation with you.

If you feel that marrying abroad might be too complicated, consider having a symbolic wedding. In this case, you can legally marry at home and have a celebratory ceremony at your chosen destination afterward.

Anguilla

• Proof of citizenship required, such as a valid passport or birth certificate and photo driver’s license.
• Proof of divorce or death certificate, if applicable.
• All documents must be in English; otherwise, they need to be translated and notarized.
• Couples can marry under the authority of a special marriage license.
• Application must be obtained from the Judicial Department and takes 48 hours to process.
• Two witnesses are required for the ceremony.
• Specific requirements apply for Catholic marriages; couples must provide additional documentation.
• The cost of the license is US $40 if one partner has resided in Anguilla for at least 15 days before marriage, otherwise it costs US $244.
• Anguilla Wedding License Info

Antigua & Barbuda

• No waiting period required.
• Valid legal identification, such as a passport or driver’s license/state-issued ID plus birth certificate, is required.
• Proof of divorce or death certificate, if applicable.
• Consult with resort manager if staying at a resort for assistance in securing the marriage license.
• The total fee is US $240, which includes marriage officer fees and registration.
• Two witnesses must be present at the ceremony.
• Written authorization is needed for parties under age 18.
• Antigua Wedding Info

Bahamas

• Waiting period of 1 day applies.
• Declarations certifying both parties are unmarried must be sworn before a U.S. Consul at the American Embassy in Nassau or a Bahamas notary public (cost: US $30 each).
• Proof of arrival in the Bahamas required.
• Documents needed include a passport, birth certificate, and photo ID.
• Proof of divorce or death certificate required.
• Parental consent is necessary for parties under age 18.
• Both parties must apply in person.
• Fee for the marriage license application is US $100, and US $25 for the marriage certificate.
• Two witnesses must be present.
• Special requirements apply for Catholic marriages, including advance notices and additional documentation.
• Bahamas Marriage License Info

Belize

• Couples must reside in Belize for three days before applying for a marriage license.
• ID must include a valid passport with date of entry stamp and original birth certificate with raised seal.
• Proof of divorce or death certificate, if relevant.
• Parental consent required for parties under 18.
• The marriage license must be signed by the Justice of the Peace.
• Consult with the resort manager or wedding coordinator for making arrangements.
• Cost is US $250 for the license plus a $5 administrative fee.
• Two witnesses must be present at the ceremony.
• Belize Marriage License Requirements

Bonaire

• Couples must submit necessary paperwork 4-6 weeks in advance. Processing takes a minimum of 4-7 business days.
• A temporary residence permit must be requested in advance.
• Fee for the marriage application is US $150.
• ID must include two passport photos, original birth certificates, and proof of eligibility to marry.
• Bonaire Destination Wedding Info

British Virgin Islands

• Apply for the license on the same day of arrival at the Attorney General’s office in Tortola.
• Waiting period of 3 days applies.
• Passport and proof of marital status required.
• Wedding banns must be published in a local church prior to the ceremony.
• Cost is US $110 for a Special License (BVI postage stamps) or US $50 (BVI stamps) for an Ordinary License.
• Two witnesses are required to sign the application form and at the ceremony.
• BVI Marriage Laws

Cayman Islands

• Couples may marry the same day of arrival if they have a non-residents marriage license and two witnesses.
• Passport or an original birth certificate with photo ID required.
• Proof of citizenship and age (minimum 18 years without parental consent).
• Marriage fee for non-residents is US $200.
• Information on how to get married can be obtained from local resources.

Curacao

• Waiting period includes a 3-day residency requirement and written notification at least two months prior to the wedding date.
• Applicants must be living outside the Netherlands Antilles prior to marriage.
• ID required includes passport and birth certificate.
• Marriage license fees range from US $197 to US $424 for the wedding package.
• Curacao Marriage License Info

Dominica

• Statutory declaration regarding marital status must be obtained from a lawyer in Dominica.
• Waiting period of 2 days is required before the intended wedding date.
• Provide a birth certificate and proof of citizenship.
• Additional documentation needed for divorced individuals or widows/widowers.
• Fees include US $110 for a marriage license and additional costs for performing the ceremony.
• Two witnesses present at the ceremony are required.
• Dominica Details

Dominican Republic

• ID requirements include an affidavit stating marital status and original copies of birth and death certificates, where applicable.
• Valid passports of the couple and any foreign witnesses required.
• All documents must be translated into Spanish.
• Marriage Info from the US Consulate

Grenada

• Residency requirement is a minimum of three days before applying for the license.
• All documents must be in English; translations must be certified.
• Valid passports and original birth certificates required.
• Affidavit attesting prior marital status may be necessary.
• Fee for the application is US $12.

Haiti

• Birth certificates of each party are required.
• Proof of divorce or death of spouse needed.
• A blood test is necessary for marriage.
• US Embassy on Marriage in Haiti

Jamaica

• Click for marriage requirements

Montserrat

• Waiting period of 3 working days applies.
• Passports and birth certificates of both parties required.
• Proof of divorce or death certificate needed.
• Non-marriage certificate is necessary.
• Consent from parents or guardians required for citizens under 18.
• Montserrat Marriage Requirements

Nevis & St. Kitts

• Waiting period of 2 working days applies.
• Birth certificate with photo ID or citizenship card is required.
• Parental consent is mandatory for parties under 18 years of age.
• Fee varies based on residency duration.
• Nevis Marriage Requirements

Puerto Rico

• Blood tests from a certified laboratory must be completed within 10 days of the wedding.
• Marriage certificate can be acquired in advance.
• Doctor must sign and certify the marriage certificate and blood tests.
• Visit the Demographic Registry to obtain the marriage license, with valid photo ID or passports required.
• Getting Married in Puerto Rico

St. Lucia

• Waiting period includes 2 days residency before applying for the license.
• Change of name documents must be provided if applicable.
• Application through a local lawyer to the Attorney General is necessary.
• St. Lucia Marriage Requirements

St. Maarten

• Waiting period of 10 days to register at the Office of Civil Registry; 3-day waiting for residents.
• Documentation must include passports and notarized birth certificates.
• Fee for the application is US $300.
• St. Martin Wedding Info

Trinidad

• Waiting period of 3 days after arrival with President’s License.
• Both parties must be non-residents for marriage.
• Passport and airline tickets required.
• Fee for application is US $55 payable in postage stamps.
• Marriage Info from the US Embassy

Turks & Caicos

• Waiting period: 24 hours to apply, 2-3 days to marry.
• Proof of divorce or death certificate, along with birth certificate and photo ID required.
• Fee for marriage is US $250.
• Turks & Caicos Wedding Laws

US Virgin Islands

• Waiting period of 8 days from the receipt of notarized application.
• Request a marriage license from the Territorial Court of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
• Fee of US $50 or US $200 to be married by a judge.
• USVI Marriage Requirements

Mexican Caribbean Marriage Requirements

Cancun

• Original and copy of birth certificates annotated and translated by an authorized translator.
• Valid passports and prenuptial blood tests required.
• Application and official oath of truthfulness must be submitted.
• Couples should arrive at least 3 working days prior to the wedding ceremony.

Cozumel

• Each individual must present documents 72 hours in advance, including passports and valid government-issued photo ID.
• Medical certificate with blood test must be issued within 20 days of the wedding date.
• Cost for a marriage license is approximately $350.