How to Get Married in Jamaica

Nearly half the weddings in Jamaica are destination weddings. People come from all over the world to get married in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Unlike nearly everything else in Jamaica, getting married is surprisingly free of red tape. Here's how to do it.

Instructions

1. Contact the Ministry of National Security and Justice about four weeks before you arrive in Jamaica to apply for a marriage license. Their telephone number is +011 [phone].

2. Assemble all of the necessary documentation for your license. This includes certified copies of your birth certificates featuring your fathers' names. You will also need either a divorce decree or certified copy of a death certificate for a previous spouse if you were married before.

3. Arrange with an official marriage officer to perform the ceremony. Marriage officers can marry the couple in their homes or offices, or any other place chosen by the couple.

4. Arrive in Jamaica at least 24 hours prior to the wedding. Meet with your marriage officer to go over any last minute details.

5. Meet with the marriage officer on your wedding day and make it legal.

Tips & Warnings

• Jamaica does not require a blood test before issuing a marriage license.

• There are wedding coordinators who can set everything up for you if you wish for an additional fee. Many of them double as marriage officers.

• Marriages in Jamaica must be performed before 8:00 p.m. and must have two witnesses. Many marriage officers will provide the witnesses if needed.