If you are considering running off for a destination wedding in the Caribbean, Hawaii, Cuba, Mexico, Dominican Republic and other similar exotic islands, here are a few legal things you need to know before you rush off. Whether you’re eloping or going abroad, it’s important to make sure you have all the right documents, certifications, and people required to be able to “finalize” your marriage and to make it legally binding.
For more on how to plan the perfect destination wedding, read our article: Exotic Destination Weddings: Etiquette and How-To!
For more information on getting married in Europe, U.S. or Canada, read our aticle: How To Get Married in Europe, Canada and the U.S.
Country |
Residency |
Application |
Documents/Requirements |
Hawaii and Mexico |
|||
Hawaii |
None |
Both parties must apply in person |
Valid Drivers License or passports |
Mexico |
Depends on application |
2-4 days required to complete paperwork, depending on island |
Drivers License or passports |
Caribbean |
|||
Bahamas |
24 hours |
Both parties must apply in person. |
All of: passports, birth certificates, photo ID’s |
Barbados |
None |
Both parties must apply in person at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Cheapside, Bridgetown
|
Passports AND birth certificates |
British Virgin Islands |
None |
|
Passports |
Bermuda |
None |
“Notice of Intended Marriage” must be filed 2 weeks before the wedding |
Passports |
Cayman Islands |
None |
|
Passports AND birth certificates |
Cuba |
|
Fax documentation in both English and Spanish to your hotel in Cuba 3 weeks before your arrival |
Passport and tourist card |
Dominican Republic |
None |
$455 USD for registration but fees vary depending on hotel/resort. Should submit documents 6 months in advance.
|
Passports |
Haiti
|
|
|
Birth certificates of each party |
Jamaica |
24 hours |
Must be made 48 hours in advance of trip by calling the Ministry of National Security
|
Certified copies of birth certificates, both which include father’s name |
Puerto Rico |
None for U.S. Citizens |
Both parties must apply in person. |
Drivers License or passports |
St. Maarten |
10 days |
Requests must e made at least 14 days in advance |
Passports |
U.S. Virgin Islands |
None |
Must be received at least 2 weeks prior to wedding |
Drivers License or passports |
* “Apostilled” or “apostillized” means authentication, certification, legalization – usually done by a notary public or lawyer
* This information is valid as of Jan/10/08.