Destination Wedding Requirements

DESTINATION WEDDINGS

This section provides you with all the basic requirement for obtaining a marriage for your destination wedding. Know before you go!! We can help you select the right destination, and assist you with obtaining the necessary documents needed to perform the wedding.

ANGUILLA:

Tying the knot on Anguilla is as easy, relaxed and romantic as the island itself. You can marry on a cay, on a boat, at sunset, in a church, on a beach, in a restaurant or… on the grounds of a luxurious resort, your own private villa, or a picturesque Caribbean hideaway hotel.

Everyone falls in love with Anguilla, which is why our island is a favorite among couples opting for this romantic choice. We understand that this occasion is one that lovers will remember for the rest of their lives, so we work hard to ensure that special day fulfills your dreams and wishes.

Couples marry under the authority of a special license that takes approximately two working days to process. Both parties must present proof of citizenship of their resident country. These documents are the same documents that you will need to fulfill your entry requirements when visiting Anguilla; your passport or an original birth certificate accompanied by a photo identification such as a driver's license. Two witnesses are required. If applicable, a divorce or death certificate must be present.

If one partner resides in Anguilla for at least fifteen days before the date of marriage, the cost of the license is US$40. If the stay is shorter, then the cost of the license is $284 (representing stamp duty).

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA:

More and more people are getting married while on vacation, and it's now easy to do in Antigua and Barbuda. Even cruise ship visitors can now get married. There are three simple steps:

Visit the Ministry of Justice located on lower Nevis Street in downtown St. John's with your valid passports, complete the application and pay applicable fees.

Are there any other legal requirements?
Both parties must be over 15, if under 18, written authorization from your parents or guardians is required. It is important that all documents presented are original or certified original by the issuing departments or offices. Ensure that all documents are in your legal name, and provide affidavits in cases where you are known by another name. Your marriage must also be solemnized or celebrated in the presence of two or more witnesses, apart from the Marriage Officer. (Just ask a guest or two to do this for you).

Is the marriage ceremony legal?
Of course, it is both legal and binding. Additionally, consent must be expressed by both parties to accept each other as husband and wife.

Can I be married in a church?
Yes, but it requires the permission from the church authorities where you wish to be married. Have your pastor contact the church to establish the requirements. Some churches ask that the couple attend pre-nuptial consultations. Allow some extra time if planning a church ceremony.

Where can I get a list of churches in Antigua?
Contact the Antigua and Barbuda Department of Tourism for a list of churches on the island.

Can my hotel assist with the arrangements?
Certainly, as most hotels in Antigua and Barbuda offer wedding and honeymoon packages. Check with your travel agent or the Antigua and Barbuda Department of Tourism for more information.

The Ministry of Legal Affairs is open Monday to Thursday, 8:30am to 4:30pm and on Fridays from 8:00am to 3:00pm. Flights which arrive into Antigua after 3:00pm will not permit couples to get to the Ministry of Justice in time to apply for the Special Marriage License. In such cases, the couple can arrange for the marriage to take place either the next day after completing the application process, or, on any available day thereafter.

BAHAMAS:

Requirements:

• Both parties must be in the Bahamas at the time of the application

• produce photo identification issued by a Government Office in the country where the parties reside

• Evidence of the date of their arrival in The Bahamas; if either has been divorced, the original final decree or a certified copy

• If widowed, death certificate of deceased spouse

• If either party is a US citizen or resident a declaration certifying this fact must be sworn before a U.S. Consul at the American Embassy, Nassau, The Bahamas

• If citizen or resident of any other, 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.

Marriage licenses are issued at the office of the Registrar General in Nassau Mondays to Fridays between the hours of 9:30 am – 4:30pm, Tel: (242) 322-3316, Fax: (242) 322-5553. 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.

Waiting Period: 1 day.

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 open to the public Mondays to Fridays between the hours of 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 

BARBADOS:

To obtain a marriage license, apply in person at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Bridgetown. You will need to bring a passport or birth certificate and your return tickets home. If you've previously been married, bring proof of your single status. A letter from the person who will officiate at your wedding will also be required. Documents required for a Roman Catholic Ceremony must be sent by the couple’s bishop to the bishop of Bridgetown prior to the ceremony. For more details, contact the Ministry of Home Affairs (Tel: 246-228-8950 or Fax: 246-437-3794).

Cost: If neither party is a citizen of Barbados: (US $50 and US $12.50 in Barbados Postage Stamps).
Waiting Period: None.
Requirements: 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; and where necessary, all documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Application for a Marriage license must be made by both parties in person at the office of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

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)

• 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.

Registry Department:
Treasury Lane
Belize City
Telephone: 011-501-227-7377
Fax: 011-501-227-0181

Opening hours:
Monday to Friday 8 am - 12 Noon & 1 pm - 5 pm

Cost: US $100 for license, US $5 for Administrative fees.
Waiting Period: 3 days before applying for marriage license.
Requirements: Proof of Citizenship in the form of an official government 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.
Two witnesses needed at the ceremony.

BERMUDA:

Cost: US $220.
Waiting Period: Two weeks prior to wedding, file a Notice of Intended Marriage with the Register General and pay applicable fees.  License can be picked up by either party or designated person and will be valid for 3 months. Requirements: Proof of divorce or death certificate which must accompany Notice of Intended Marriage.

Getting married in Bermuda is quite simple, really. Request a “Notice of Intended Marriage” form from the Bermuda Registrar General’s Office (441-297-7709 or 441-297-7707) or click here to download the form in PDF format (please be aware that the form must be printed on white legal size (8.5" x 14") paper to be accepted), or contact the Bermuda Department of Tourism office nearest you. Fill it out and mail it back to the Registrar General, Government Administration Building, 30 Parliament Street, Hamilton HM 12 Bermuda, along with a cashier’s check or bank draft made payable to the Accountant General, Hamilton, Bermuda, in the amount of $220.00 U.S. dollars (plus $21.00 for the certificate). Your license will be valid for three months, and can be picked up at the Registrar’s office by you or a designated person.

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BONAIRE:

Cost: US $150
Waiting Period: 1 week either bride or groom, or both.

Requirements:

• 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.
• You need to allow four to six weeks for all the paper work.
• One of the couple needs to procure a temporary residency permit from immigration.

To apply for a temporary residency permit the following are required:

• 2 Passport photos of the Bride & Groom (and any witnesses being brought to the island, if applicable)
• Photo copy of first page of passport (Signature & Photo page)
• Date of arrival on Bonaire
• Intended length of stay on Bonaire

For the official marriage petition the following documents are required for both the bride and groom:

• Photo copy of first page of passport (Signature & Photo page)
• Original Birth Certificate endorsed with an Apostille
• Declaration of Marital Status by the Civil Registry
• If divorced or widowed, divorce decree or document of proof is required.
• If you choose to bring witnesses from home, they should also apply for temporary residency. Your island coordinator can also arrange for local witnesses.

After arrival on Bonaire, it takes four working days to arrange for all the forms to be processed. If you are arriving on a Saturday or Sunday and the following Monday happens to be a holiday, you will have to wait the four working days until you are able to marry and there may be a problem getting the permission arranged on time. It is advisable to check with the agency that handled your papers as to the holiday schedules. The best suggestion is to allow a full week for the papers to go through. There is much to see and do here so an extra day or two will be an additional bonus to your happy occasion.

With respect to the original birth certificates required of the bride and groom, these must be issued by the state or province of birth, feature a raised seal, have the names of both the mother and the father on them, and for citizens of the U.S., Canada, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, or the United Kingdom, must have an Apostille affixed to them. An Apostille is an internationally recognized validation of a certificate or document, and is only issued by the office of vital statistics located within the state or province capital office (in the U.S. this would be your state's Secretary of State). Declarations of civil status and divorce or widow decrees must also be affixed with an Apostille.

Note that all certificates must be originals and have been issued no more than six months prior. The passports used must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended departure date from Bonaire. Your Bonaire Wedding coordinator can help you understand all these requirements in greater detail as well.

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS:

Marriage Rules and Regulations

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.

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.
Requirements: 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 if same witnesses are for both).

CAYMAN ISLANDS:

Getting married in 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.

Cost: US $200.
Waiting Period: None.
 

CURACAO:

Cost: US $167.
Waiting Period: 3 days residency.
Requirements: 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:

Dominica is the perfect spot to get married and it has the most breathtaking backdrop for photos to enjoy and last a lifetime.

Government Regulations
At least one member of the party must be in Dominica for a minimum of two (2) days prior to the ceremony. A passport must be produced for inspection.
Birth Certificates are required. Not Baptismal.
Completed application form “G” must be signed by both parties and witnessed by a magistrate.
Each party before a Commissioner of Oaths must sign a completed declaration form. $5.00 postage stamp must be affixed to each form and marital status form.
If married before, decree of divorce or death certificate of former spouse must be produced.
A license fee of $300.00 must be paid on submission of above-listed documents.
Prospective spouses are advised to seek the advice of suitable counselors.
Application form is obtainable from:

Ministry of Community Development & Women Affairs
Government Headquarter
Roseau, Dominica

Tel. 767 448-2401

The form must be returned to the same Ministry duly signed, witnessed and accompanied by the requested proof of identity and marital status. After processing the application a marriage license is issued by the Ministry of Community Development.

• This license must be presented to the Registrar at the time of the marriage ceremony.

• Cost of Marriage License EC$300.00 to be paid to the Ministry of Community Development.

• Marriages with the Registrar’s Office – EC $30.00

• Marriages celebrated outside the Registrar’s Offices will cost EC $100.00 plus a reasonable transportation fee.

• Lawyers fee for statuary declaration on marital status (inclusive of Affidavit) – EC $500.00

• Church Weddings -

• Roman Catholic

• Must fulfill Government’s requirements.

• Must have documentation from respective Parish Priest indicating that appropriate preparation courses have been followed.

• Must visit the Parish Priest in Dominica who may offer counseling.

• Cost of church wedding – EC $150.00

• Methodist

• Must seek permission from the Government.

• Must publish bans and purchase marriage license.

• Must attend counseling sessions, normally three sessions. Duration ½ to 1 hour long.

• Can be done while application license is being processed.
  *Rates are subject to change without notice*

Cost: US $112 for marriage license, US $1.85 stamps; US $11 for marriages within the registrar’s office or US $37 marriages outside, US $184 legal fees.
Waiting Period: 2 days.  

GRENADA:

In Grenada the law requires that visitors be resident on the island for a minimum of three (3) days (including weekends and public holidays) before applying for a license.

On the third day, the necessary stamp duty and license fees are paid, and an application for a Marriage License is made in person, at the Office of the Prime Minister.

Generally the license is ready within two (2) working days. This maybe slightly longer if either partner is divorced, as documents must then be sent to the Ministry of Legal Affairs.

Documentation Required:

• Valid Passports

• Birth Certificates

• Sworn Affidavit (or letter from a Clergy Man, Lawyer or Registry), attesting that neither party has not been married previously

• Decree Absolute, for each divorced party

• If widowed, the deceased’s Death Certificate

• Legal proof if a name was changed by Deed Poll

• If under the age of 21, written parental consent by way of an Affidavit from a Lawyer or Notary Public.

• All documents must be in English . If the originals are in another language, they must be translated into English and certified

• NO blood or medical tests are required for marriages in Grenada.

Associated costs
The cost of marriage applications and licenses is quite inexpensive in Grenada.

Cost: US $15.
Waiting Period: 5 days; 2 - 3 working days to process application.  

HAITI:

Cost: None.
Waiting Period: None.
Requirements: Birth certificates of each party, proof of divorce or death of spouse if applicable, and blood test.

JAMAICA:

Visitors can be married just 24 hour after arriving in Jamaica providing prior application has been made for a marriage license.

The cost of a license is four thousand Jamaican dollars (approximately US$75-US$80) if you do it yourself. $200.00 US Dollars if the resort obtains the license as a part of a package.

To apply for your marriage license, call our Ministry of National Security at 1-876-906-4908 or visit:

The Ministry of National Security
Mutual Life Building
2 Oxford Road, Kingston 5.
Office Hours: Monday to Thursday 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 P.M.

Unlike many countries, Jamaica does not expect you take a blood test before getting married. However, the following documentation is required:

• Proof of citizenship - certified copy of birth certificate, which includes father’s name.

• Parent’s written consent if under 18 years of age.

• Proof of divorce if applicable (original certificate of divorce).

• Certified copy of death certificate for widow or widower.

• 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.

Cost: US $75-$80.
Waiting Period: 24 hours if application for marriage license is made prior to arrival on island – contact Ministry of National Security at 1-876-906-4908.
Requirements: Proof of citizenship - certified copy of birth certificate, which includes father’s name; parent’s written consent if under 18 years of age; proof of divorce if applicable (original certificate of divorce; certified copy of death certificate for widow or widower.

NEVIS:

Nevis is an ideal place for a wedding with its natural backdrops of the tropics, world-class service, and wide range of accommodation. The setting can be as form or as casual as the couple desires. Some choose to get married barefoot in the sand; others choose spots with stunning mountainside views surrounded lush foliage. Most of the hotels will be happy to help with wedding needs-from providing a minister or priest, flowers, and photography, to catering, music, and accommodations for the wedding party. Tropical Bliss can also assist you with all your wedding plans. Plus, the local requirements are easy to meet.

Marriage Requirements:

PUERTO RICO:

Puerto Rico is romance. A moonlight walk along the beach. A swim in a phosphorescent bay. A stroll along a rain forest trail. A slow dance as the sun sets. A drink under a lavish crystal chandelier. A horseback ride through a coffee plantation. A carriage ride through the Pearl of the South.

From opulent hotels to delightful restaurants and sizzling clubs, from wind surfing to lazing in the sun, from gallery hopping to serious shopping, Puerto Rico has the perfect settings for weddings and honeymoons.

Cost: US $2 stamp fee for certified copy of license.
Waiting Period: None.
Requirements: 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. Barths:

While it is impossible for anyone other than St. Barths residents to have a civil marriage ceremony in St. Barths, a lot of people of many nationalities with a close connection to St. Barths do decide to have their Christian marriage or wedding blessing on the island.

St. Bartholomew's Anglican Church is willing to discuss the possibility of holding wedding services, but sufficient notice must be given in time for the necessary preparations. The Anglican Church undertakes weddings in both English and French but does not provide for wedding services outside of the Church. The priest, Reverend Charles Vere Nicoll, lives on the island and can help with enquiries - Tel: (59) 05 90 29 74 63.

ST. KITTS:

Getting married in St.Kitts is very easy. Red tape is kept to a minimum. No residency is required. Couples are only required to obtain a marriage license in St.Kitts and have the following documents:

ST. LUCIA:

Marriage:
It's easy to get married in St Lucia. For a normal wedding license you just need to stay here for 4 days before the wedding. After you've been here for 4 days a local Solicitor can apply for a license on your behalf. However there is a Special License which requires no residency period. The fee for the special license is EC$540 but if you arrive with all necessary legal documents and file them with a lawyer in the morning by the afternoon of the same day you can obtain the special license. Here is a list of the documents that you need to obtain a marriage license in St Lucia:

ST. MAARTEN (Dutch):

Couples planning on getting married on St. Maarten must be at least 18 years of age. Requests must be submitted at the 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 with your request:

St. Martin (French):

For the contracting of marriages on the Island Territory of Sint-Maarten, the following procedures are applicable and required (in accordance with the Civil Code at the Netherlands Antilles 1869 and as amended).

Cost: US $50.
Waiting Period: 24 hours to establish residency, plus 2-3 days to process license.

Requirements:

• 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.

Original documentations to be produced in person are:

• Passport

• Original Birth Certificate

• Proof of Status - If single a sworn affidavit is required.

• If one of the parties is a divorcee, then proof of Decree Absolute is required, either the original or a notarized copy, sealed by the Clerk of the Court.

• In the case of a Widow/Widower the Death Certificate of the previous spouse is required.

• If change of name by Deed Poll or Adoption then proof is required.

• 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 of Marriage Officer (usually the Registrar General for Special Licenses) who is entitled to payment of reasonable traveling expenses if the marriage takes place other than at his usual place of business.

Please be advised that any Passports or documentation written other than in English should be translated in advance and notarized by the applicable consulate.
$50.00 License fee
Must be on the island for 24hrs to establish residency
Processing of license takes 2-3 days.

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS:

If you want your wedding to be a beautiful and unforgettable experience, why not get married in the U.S. Virgin Islands? Nothing could be more romantic than beginning your life together in one of the most gorgeous places on earth. The U.S. Virgin Islands is the premier upscale wedding destination in the Caribbean, and for good reason. As a U.S. Territory, The United States Virgin Islands operate under the laws of the United States Government, so your wedding will be as hassle-free as a wedding anywhere in the mainland U.S.

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.
Requirements: 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.

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Fiji:

Tahitian Wedding and Vow Renewal Celebrations

The drama and pageantry of a Tahitian wedding celebration is a highlight for honeymoon couples or those celebrating an anniversary or renewing vows. Ceremonies are legally non-binding and can be as simple as a sunset ceremony with a Tahitian priest or as elaborate as a pageant with musicians and dancers.

For many ceremonies, couples are bedecked in bright pareu, flowers, and shells. The groom is brought to the beachside location in a canoe while the bride is carried on a rattan throne. Music and dancers enhance the ceremony while a Tahitian priest performs the rites and gives the couple their new Tahitian names.

Hawaii is a beautiful place and a marriage here is an ideal way for a couple to start life together. You may be a visitor to the Islands, drawn to our year-round warm and sunny weather, or you may be a resident wishing to celebrate a most cherished moment in a place that you call home. Whoever you are, we welcome you and hope that we can make your wedding day as free from worry as possible. Aloha and best wishes!

A marriage license and marriage certificate are different documents. The marriage license permits a marriage to take place. The marriage certificate indicates that a legal marriage has been performed.

Marriage performers must be duly licensed by and in the State of Hawaii to perform the marriage ceremony. If desired, you may request the marriage performer to present his/her license for your inspection. For further information about obtaining a marriage performer, you can visit The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau website or call them at (808) 924-0266.

Who is Eligible to Apply for a Marriage License?

• There are no state residence or U.S. citizenship requirements.

• Blood tests are not required.

• The legal age to marry is 18 years for both males and females.

• Males or females of 16 or 17 years of age who wish to marry require the written consent of both parents, legal guardian, or the family court. The parents or legal guardian do not have to be residents of the state. Consent forms may be obtained from a marriage license agent.

• Males or females of 15 years of age who wish to marry require the written consent of both parents or legal guardian, and the written approval of a judge of the family court. The parents or legal guardian do not have to be residents of the state. Consent forms may be obtained from a marriage license agent.

• Proof of age is required. A certified copy of a birth certificate must be presented for anyone 18 years of age or under. A valid I.D. or driver’s license may be presented for anyone 19 years of age or over.

• Cousins may marry. However, the blood relationship between the prospective bride and groom cannot be closer than first cousins.

How to Apply for a Marriage License:

• The prospective bride and groom must appear together in person before a marriage license agent to apply for a marriage license. Proxies are not allowed.

• The prospective bride and groom should be prepared to provide the necessary proof of age and present any required written consents and approvals. All of the necessary documents should be obtained prior to applying for a marriage license.

• The prospective bride and groom must prepare an official application and file the application in person with the marriage license agent. Applications are provided by the marriage license agent or may be downloaded from this site (see below). The application will not be accepted if sent by either postal mail or e-mail.

• Upon approval, a marriage license is issued at the time the application is made.

• The marriage license costs $60.00, payable in cash at the time the application is made.

• The marriage license is good only in, but is valid throughout, the State of Hawaii.

• The marriage license expires 30 days from and including the date of issuance, after which it automatically becomes null and void.

If you do not get married within the 30 days, return the unused license in the pre-addressed envelope provided to you for invalidation.

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LAS VEGAS:

It's not uncommon to find yourself at the craps table next to a newly married bride, still in white gown and veil. Not only does Las Vegas offer a wide range of quickie wedding chapels, there are also traditional venues and even ones with Star Trek themes. No surprise then that the Clark County Marriage License Bureau keeps long hours. You may be required to provide proof of age, and social security numbers are required. But, no blood test is required, and there is no waiting period. The fee is US$55. Hours are Monday-Thursday 8 am-midnight, Friday 8 am-midnight Sunday and 24 hours on holidays. The bureau also adds extra staff when it anticipates an increase in business, such as around Valentine's Day. 200 S. Third St., downtown, Las Vegas. Phone 702-455-4415.           From formal black tie affairs to renewing vows in front of a rhinestone-studded Elvis impersonator, with more than 100,000 couples obtaining licenses each year, Las Vegas is the marriage capital of the world.

Nevada State Requirements:

• There is no blood test and no waiting period in Nevada.

• Minimum age without parental consent is 18 years of age.

• Minors 16 & 17 years require notarized parental consent, or parents present to give consent.

• Under 16 years of age requires a court order.

• Any one of the following is required for each person:
  State Driver's License
  State ID Card
  Military I.D.
  Passport
  Original or Certified Copy of Your Birth Certificate

• If you have been divorced, you must know the date it was final.

• Marriage license fee is $55.00 (cash only).

• Once issued license is good for one year from date of issue.

Important Links:

• Clark County Nevada: http://www.co.clark.nv.us/clerk/marriage_information.htm

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Your honeymoon is the time to celebrate your new life together as a married couple. It should be the vacation of a lifetime. This does not necessarily mean spending your life's earnings on your honeymoon, but your honeymoon should reflect the special interests you share as a couple.    The honeymoon is traditionally the groom's responsibility. However, the planning of your honeymoon should be a joint decision as to where to go, how long to stay, and how much money to spend.

Start planning your honeymoon months before the wedding. Many locations that are popular with honeymooners tend to book fairly quickly, so the earlier you plan your honeymoon, the better values you'll usually find. There are many choices to make and many plans to be made but most of them seem to fall into place once you've made the toughest decision... where to go on your honeymoon.

IMPORTANT LINKS TO FOLLOW:

• Wedding Information

• Free Destination weddings

• Destination wedding requirements

• Honeymoon Information

• Honeymoon booking tips

• Honeymoon time-line

• Honeymoon Registry

• Plan your own Honeymoon vacation

• Popular honeymoon destinations

• Plan your vacation with Sandals Resorts

• Romantic Vacation Getaways

• Request our assistance

We cater to the discriminating honeymoon couple looking for that perfect honeymoon that most people dream about! By using an experienced honeymoon planner, you will benefit from our first hand knowledge of the very best resorts that are available to you. No detail is too small. Together we can design the honeymoon vacation or destination wedding you have been dreaming of...and make it a wedding or honeymoon getaway that you will cherish forever!