GETTING MARRIED IN JAMAICA:
Jamaica Wedding Requirements and Other Tidbits That You might Not Know
Getting married in Jamaica is a dream for many couples, but ensuring your wedding is legally recognized requires some preparation.
Fortunately, with the right support and guidance, the process can be seamless.
Here’s everything you need to know about the legal requirements for getting married in Jamaica and how Mais Oui Villa can make it effortless.
Getting Married in Jamaica: Legal Requirements Made Simple
1. No Residency Requirement
One of the best things about getting married in Jamaica is the lack of a residency requirement. Couples can arrive on the island and marry within 24 hours, provided all necessary paperwork is in order.
Pro Tip: Arriving at least 48 hours before your wedding gives you time to relax and finalize any last-minute details.
2. Required Documents for a Marriage License
Planning on getting married in Jamaica? Obtaining a marriage license is essential for a legal wedding in Jamaica.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Required Documents:
Valid passports or government-issued IDs for both parties.
Certified copies of birth certificates, including your father’s name.
Proof of divorce (if applicable), such as a final divorce decree.
Death certificate (if widowed).
Legal name changes or adoption certificates (if applicable).
Pro Tip: Ensure all documents are in English. Any translations must be notarized and attached to the original documents.
3. How to Apply for a Marriage License
While couples can technically apply for a marriage license themselves, the process involves multiple steps:
Visiting the Ministry of Justice in Kingston.
Additional travel to the Registrar General’s Department (RGD), also in Kingston.
Waiting several hours for approvals.
Why Delegate?
Most couples prefer to let their wedding planner or marriage officer handle the application to save time and effort. This service is often included in their fees and ensures everything is completed correctly.
Pro Tip: Trusting professionals allows you to focus on enjoying your vacation and wedding preparation.
4. Work with a Licensed Marriage Officer
In Jamaica, only a licensed marriage officer can officiate a legal wedding. They will also guide you through the ceremony and handle the filing of your marriage certificate.
Finding a Marriage Officer:
Many venues, including Mais Oui Villa, have partnerships with reliable marriage officers.
Your planner can recommend an officiant and confirm their availability.
Pro Tip: Meet virtually with your officiant to personalize your ceremony and incorporate any cultural or personal elements.
5. Witness Requirements
Jamaican law requires two witnesses for the ceremony.
Who Can Be a Witness?
Witnesses can be family, friends, or even members of the venue’s staff.
They must be at least 18 years old and present valid IDs.
At Mais Oui Villa, the villa’s staff can serve as witnesses if needed, ensuring you’re covered even with a small guest list.
6. Receiving Your Marriage Certificate
After the ceremony, your marriage officer will submit the required documents to the Registrar General’s Department (RGD).
What to Expect:
A certified copy of your marriage certificate will be available within 6-8 weeks.
Expedited processing may be arranged through your planner or venue for quicker delivery.
Pro Tip: The signed marriage register provided after the ceremony is proof of your marriage but not a legal document. The official certificate must be obtained from the RGD.
7. Additional Considerations for International Couples
Marriage requirements may vary depending on your country of residence. For example:
Citizens of Germany or Italy may need their marriage certificates legalized by their respective embassies in Jamaica.
French Canadians often require translations of all documents before submission.
Pro Tip: Check with your country’s embassy before traveling to avoid surprises.
8. Religious or Cultural Weddings
If you’re planning a religious wedding, additional steps may apply.
For Religious Ceremonies:
Proof of baptism or confirmation may be required.
Discuss any specific requirements with your officiant early in the process.
Pro Tip: Work with a planner to seamlessly blend religious or cultural traditions into your ceremony.
9. How Mais Oui Villa Simplifies the Process
Choosing a venue like Mais Oui Villa ensures that all legal requirements for getting married in Jamaica are handled efficiently:
Trusted Professionals: Connections with experienced marriage officers and planners.
All-in-One Venue: From stunning ceremony spaces to luxurious accommodations, the villa provides everything you need for a seamless wedding.
FAQs About Getting Married in Jamaica
Can you apply for a Jamaica marriage license yourself?
Yes, but it requires visiting multiple offices in Kingston and waiting several hours for processing. Most couples opt to let their planner or marriage officer handle this to save time and hassle.
This option does cost more than the DIY approach but how much is your vacation time worth to you?
Why is DIY Not Recommended?
While it is technically possible to apply for a marriage license yourself, the process is time-consuming and can be stressful for tourists unfamiliar with Jamaica’s systems.
Why It’s Better to Delegate:
Saves you from spending vacation time on paperwork and travel.
Ensures all legal requirements are met without errors or delays.
Allows you to focus on enjoying your wedding experience.
Pro Tip: Professional planners and marriage officers are experienced in handling every step, making the process stress-free.
What are the steps necessary to apply for a marriage license?
If you are curious, click here for an outline of the steps that are necessary to get the license. A notice will come up that says Page not found but there is a very informative chat service online that will answer all your questions.
Is the application for a marriage license online?
Yes. Click here for a copy of the application form.
The application is online but may not be submitted online.
Do all documents need to be in English?
Yes, and translations must be certified and attached to the original documents.
What happens if the names on my documents don’t match?
Ensure all names match across your documents. Bring original documents or certified copies confirming any name changes.
Can couples from any country get married in Jamaica?
Yes, but check with your country’s embassy BEFOREHAND for any additional requirements, such as legalizing the certificate for recognition back home.
Getting Married in Jamaica: Legal Requirements
So You Have Applied for or Have Your Marriage License, What Else Do You Need to Know?
- Blood tests are not required.
- The marriage license is only valid for 3 months; so, don’t apply too early.
- Two witnesses are required
- Same-sex marriages are not legal in Jamaica.
- Marriages may be performed on any day of the week between 06:00 and 20:00.
- Anyone can officiate at the wedding ceremony; however, only a Jamaican marriage officer can legally marry a couple.
Now That You are Married, How Do You Obtain Your Marriage Certificate
Is the marriage certificate provided immediately after the ceremony?
No, it isn’t.
After the ceremony, the marriage officer will provide the couple with a signed marriage register – signed by the marriage officer, the couple, and both witnesses.
The signed marriage register is proof of your marriage but is not the official certificate. It is not a legal document.
The official marriage certificate, the legal document, must be obtained from the Registrar General’s Department (RGD) online service or in person. Most marriage officers provide this service for their couples.
Expect that it will take several weeks for you to receive the certificate.
Can you apply for a copy of the marriage certificate yourself?
Is there anything else that must be done to ensure that the union is legal?
For the US and the UK, nothing else is required. For countries where the official language is not English, there is an extra step. Your documents must be legalized by your Embassy/High Commission which represents your Government in Jamaica for your marriage to be recognized as a legal union.
Check with your country’s embassy or high commission in Jamaica or the Ministry of Foreign or External Affairs in your home country BEFOREHAND to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Potentially Useful Website for More Information
Jamaica Ministry of Justice: http;//moj.gov.jm/services-and-information/marriage-licence
The chat service is very informative.
DISCLAIMER
While a properly executed marriage in Jamaica is recognized as legal in the US, Canada, UK, and the rest of the world, neither this document nor the contents of this website, should not be considered legal advice. The information is intended to be used as a guide only. Please confirm all requirements with your wedding planner and or your local marriage officer and or the Ministry of Justice of Jamaica. Foreign nationals are also advised to check with their respective embassies prior to coming to Jamaica.
Getting married in Jamaica is a magical experience, and navigating the legal requirements doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
By working with experienced professionals and choosing a trusted venue like Mais Oui Villa, you can focus on celebrating your love while leaving the logistics to the experts.
Ready to say “I do” in paradise?
Contact Mais Oui Villa today to begin planning your dream destination wedding.
To learn more about planning a Jamaica villa wedding, here are some helpful blog posts:
Planning a Jamaica Villa Wedding – What You Need to Know
9 reasons you should have a villa wedding in Jamaica for your small destination wedding or elopement
14 things to think about before you decide to have your wedding at a Jamaica villa
Click HERE.
Planning a Jamaica Destination Wedding – A 4-part series to help you navigate planning your Jamaica wedding from afar
Part 1: Read before you start planning – How to Make Sure Your Jamaica Destination Wedding Vendors Take You Seriously
Click HERE.
Part 2: 8 Things You Absolutely Must Do Before You Contact Any Wedding Vendor About Planning a Destination Wedding in Jamaica
Click HERE.
Part 3: What does your dream wedding look like? How to Nail Your Vision for Your Destination Wedding in Jamaica
Click HERE.
Part 4: Destination Weddings in Jamaica: How much does a villa wedding in Jamaica cost
Plus, what you should know before you decide on the preliminary budget for your villa wedding in Jamaica
Click HERE.
Best of the Wedding Villas in Jamaica – Mais Oui Villa in Discovery Bay
Click HERE
To read even more of our Jamaica villa wedding articles, click HERE
Interested in a Jamaica villa wedding? See why you should choose Mais Oui Villa for your Jamaica destination wedding?
Intimate, Private, and Stress-Free Weddings in Jamaica at Mais Oui Villa
A Private Jamaican Villa with Accommodations and Event Space for Up to 20 Wedding Guests (Up to 30 on Request) | 3-Night Minimum Stay
Picture a destination wedding weekend at Mais Oui Villa, where every detail is meticulously curated to bring your vision to life. From the moment you arrive, you and your guests will experience unmatched privacy, comfort, and elegance—all in the heart of beautiful Discovery Bay, Jamaica.
Enjoy exclusive access to our luxurious 8-bedroom villa, where lodging, ceremony, and reception flow seamlessly together in a setting designed just for you. Every moment is tailored to reflect your love story, allowing you to relax, connect, and celebrate with those who mean the most.
At Mais Oui, we specialize in creating intimate, stress-free weddings that leave lasting memories for you and your guests. Your dream Jamaica destination wedding is closer than you think.
Let us make it a reality.
Contact us today to start planning your unforgettable wedding at Mais Oui Villa.
‘Til next time.
Think and dream Jamaica!
Sherry, Darrell & Darrian
Considering a visit to Jamaica? Contact us today for more information about, Mais Oui Tennis & Spa Villa, our boutique 8-BR ocean view Jamaica villa rental experience in beautiful Discovery Bay, Jamaica. Perfect for multi-generational families, groups, and intimate destination weddings.
Visit our website: http://www.MakeItJamaica.com
Like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MakeItJamaica
Follow up on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/makeitjamaica/
Give us a call: 866.624.7684 (toll free) or 914.709.0457
Sign up for our newsletter and immediately get our Free Discovery Bay Insider Guide to discover what you won’t find in the guidebooks.
