Considering a destination wedding in Jamaica? You’re lucky! Jamaica has some of the most romantic resorts in the Caribbean. Many of them are all-inclusive, where if you stay a certain number of days you can also be entitled to a free and modest wedding. However, before the wedding, you will need a license, which you can obtain on the island.
According to the United States Embassy in Kingston, a legal marriage in Jamaica will produce a license that is also honored in the United States.
Jamaica Marriage License Laws
- Waiting period: 24 hours. However, start the paperwork at least two weeks before the wedding.
- Apply for and receive a marriage certificate from the Ministry of National Security (address below)
Jamaica Marriage License Fee
- The cost of the license is approximately US $ 80 (equivalent to approximately 4,000 Jamaican dollars)
- There are non-denominational marriage officers who can officiate in their offices, their homes, or at a location chosen by the couple, and they can provide witnesses. Marriage officers charge between $ 50 and $ 250 in US dollars
Identification required for a Jamaican marriage license
- Photo ID plus proof of citizenship (certified copy of birth certificate including names of parents of both parties)
- If you were previously married, submit a certified copy of the death certificate or divorce decree
- Parental consent if either party is under 18 years of age
- Occupations of the bride and groom.
- Italian citizens must notify their embassy and a certified copy of their marriage certificate must be sent to their embassy for legalization and translation
- French Canadians need a notarized translated copy of all documents and a photocopy of the original French documents.
- Note: a blood test is not required
Where to get a marriage license in Jamaica
If you are staying at a resort with a wedding planner, she will usually help guide you through the documentation required to obtain your license. If you handle the details on your own, you can phone, write, or appear in person at:
The Ministry of National Security
Mutual life building
2 Oxford Road
Kingston 5, Jamaica
(876) 906-4908
The office is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. On Fridays, it closes one hour before at 4:00 pm The Ministry is not open on weekends or national holidays.
Legal Officers at Jamaican Weddings
If you do not make arrangements with the clergy to officiate at your wedding, you can request a Marriage Office to preside over your vows. This can take place in an office or at a destination selected by the couple. Marriage officers generally charge between $ 50 and $ 250 in US dollars and can provide witnesses upon request.
Find out more about legal marriages in Jamaica
Various sites can provide more specific information about marriage on the island. Visit the websites of the Office of the Registrar General in Jamaica, TripAdvisor and Marry in Caribbean .
Also consider
- Get married in another Caribbean country
- Top 10 Caribbean Islands for Honeymoon Couples
