Are Caribbean Weddings Legal? A Guide to Destination Wedding Nuptials

Caribbean weddings are a dream for many couples seeking to exchange their vows in a breathtaking tropical paradise. The turquoise waters, powdery white sand beaches, and vibrant culture of the Caribbean region make it an excellent choice for destination weddings. However, one of the common concerns that arise when planning a Caribbean wedding is whether the marriage will be legally recognized. In this blog, we’ll explore the legality of Caribbean weddings and offer guidance for couples considering tying the knot in this enchanting part of the world.

One of our most frequently asked questions: If i get married in the Caribbean, am i fully legally married?

The short answer is yes, no and maybe. Let’s take a deeper look.

I’m assuming you want a better answer than that, so let’s look at a few different scenarios. Caribbean weddings can be legal or not legal (just symbolic ceremonies).

Caribbean Weddings by Destination:

Weddings that are fully legal are much easier to do in the English speaking islands, so over 95% of weddings that we do in the English speaking islands are legal ceremonies. You’ll need a certified copy of you birth certificate and a marriage application and you’re ready to go. More paperwork might be needed if you’ve ever changed your name or been married before.

Weddings in islands that are non English speaking have more restrictions. Cancun, the Riviera Maya and Cozumel are great examples (even though Cancun isn’t exactly an island). To get married in Mexico, you have to have all your paperwork translated and each document must have an apostille. An apostille is similar to having a document notarized or authenticated. State records need an apostille from the state’s secretary of state. Federal documents need an apostille from the U.S. department of state. Cancun, the Riviera Maya and Cozumel also request you to do a blood test on site for legal ceremonies.

Due to the extra steps and costs associated with the extra steps, 99% of the weddings we do in non English speaking islands (and Mexico) are symbolic ceremonies. The bride and groom does the legal wedding in the states with a local officiant or at the court house and then has a symbolic ceremony at the destination. Non legal or symbolic ceremony planning is extremely simple.

English Speaking Islands:

• Antigua
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Grenada
• Jamaica
• St Lucia
• Turks and Caicos

Non English Speaking Islands (+ Cancun on the Caribbean coast of Mexico):

• Aruba
• Curacao
• Dominican Republic
• Punta Cana
• St Maarten/St Martin
• Cancun
• Cozumel
• Isla Mujeres
• Riviera Maya

Items to Consider for your Caribbean Wedding

Island Marriage Requirements:

Some island are really easy. For example, consider residency requirements. Jamaica only requires you to be on the island for 24 hours and Barbados has no waiting period. Keep in mind, when getting married at a resort, the resort might build some extra restrictions on the time, so they can handle the arrangements once you arrive. Sandals Resorts in St Lucia requires you to be 3 business days before you can wed and they do not count the day of arrival. So if you arrive in St Lucia on a Monday, you have to be on island Tu/Wed/Thur and the earliest that you can wed is on Friday. Some St Lucia bride and grooms do symbolic, just to avoid the waiting time.

Weekends also don’t count, so in the case above if you arrived on Friday, Friday would not count. Saturday and Sunday would not count. You would have to  be in St Lucia all day Mon/Tu/Wed and then you could wed on Thursday.

Documentation:

Be prepared to provide documents such as passports, birth certificates, and sometimes divorce decrees or death certificates if either party has been previously married.

Fees:

Expect to pay marriage license fees. These fees are sometimes absorbed by the resort or packaged with other wedding items.

Age restrictions:

Check the legal age for marriage in your chosen destination, as this can vary.

I can say from experience that my Caribbean wedding was very easy. Probably the hardest part was after the wedding.

My wife changed her name, so she had to send certificate copies to social security and a few other institutions. She called her bank, credit card companies, accountant and etc. and followed their instructions.

Then of course last but not least the dreaded visit to the Georgia Department of Motor Vehicles for her driver’s license change.

She travelled internationally with her original maiden name passport for about 5 years before changing her passport name.

Caribbean weddings are  a romantic and picturesque option for couples looking to celebrate their love in a stunning setting. While the legality of Caribbean weddings may seem complex, it is really easy to have a legally recognized wedding in the Caribbean. The key is to do your homework, work with a Caribbean destination expert, and they will guide you through the specific requirements of your chosen destination. With planning and preparation, you can have the Caribbean wedding of your dreams while also ensuring that your marriage is legally valid. Remember that the most important aspect of your wedding is the love and commitment you share, and the Caribbean can provide the perfect backdrop for that memorable moment.