Married in Jamaica

REQUIREMENTS FOR MARRIAGE IN JAMAICA

Foreign nationals who wish to get married in Jamaica are required to land in the country at least 24 hours prior to submitting an application to the Minister of Justice for a Marriage Licence. The application must be submitted to:

Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Justice
Mutual Life Towers
2 Kensington Crescent
Kingston 5
JAMAICA

The following documentation must be submitted:

  • Proof of Citizenship and certified copy of Birth Certificate (which includes father’s name) of both parties
  • Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage
  • Parent’s written consent if any of the applicants is under 18 years of age.
  • Original Divorce Decree of any party who is divorced
  • Certified copy of Death Certificate for any party who is widowed

Unlike many countries, Jamaica does not require the applicants to take a blood test before getting married.
All documents that are not issued in English must be translated by an Official Translator and subsequently certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country of residence and by the nearest Jamaican Mission or Honorary Consulate.

Processing Fee

The processing fee for the Marriage License is Four Thousand Jamaican Dollars (approximately US$50.00).

Marriage Ceremony

Most hotels and guest houses will provide assistance to visitors in making marriage and wedding plans.

Either an ordained Minister of Religion or civil Marriage Office can officiate at the marriage ceremony which may take place either at their office, in their home or other suitable location chosen by the couple. The Marriage Officer can also assist in providing the two witnesses required for the ceremony. The fees of Marriage Officers range between US$50 and US$250.

Marriage Certificate

An unsealed copy of the Marriage Certificate is issued by the Marriage Officer at the time of the marriage. It is recommended that before departing Jamaica, the married couple has the unsealed copy of the Marriage Certificate authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kingston and subsequently by the consular representative of their own country in Jamaica. This will be helpful in pursuing any legal business on return to their country, pending receipt of the certified Marriage Certificate.

The Marriage Officer is responsible for the registration of the marriage at the Registrar General’s Department in Jamaica. On registration of the marriage, a period of 3 or 4 months is required for the issuance of a certified copy of the Marriage Certificate. Information regarding applications for certified copies of Marriage Certificates can be found online at this website.

FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING HOW TO GET MARRIED IN JAMAICA CAN BE FOUND
ON THE JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD WEBSITE:   www.visitjamaica.com