Getting Married In Jamaica (How to Plan a Wedding in Jamaica)

If love and romance are part of your Jamaican vacation getting married in Jamaica is easy.  If you are planning to have your destination wedding in Jamaica you can have an extravagant affair, if your tastes are a bit simpler Jamaica has a myriad of options.

The lovely thing about having a destination wedding in Jamaica is you can have your wedding and honeymoon all in one.

Why Jamaica is the perfect spot for your Jamaica Wedding

Jamaica has extremely diverse scenery.  You can have a beach wedding at an all-inclusive resort or on the beach or at a private villa with its own stretch of beach.

If you want to have a wedding in a waterfall location there are a number of choices in Jamaica.  One location that readily comes to mind is Turtle River Falls and Gardens in Ocho Rios.

If you prefer to rent a private great house for your special day there are a number of great houses overlooking the Caribbean sea that cater to visitors looking for awesome locations.

Requirements for getting Married in Jamaica

Jamaica marriage requirements are pretty simple and straightforward.  Most hotels have their own dedicated wedding planner.

If you are staying at a smaller resort they should be able to put you in touch with a local wedding planner.

You have to have been in the island for 24 hours (some hotels say 48 hours) and no blood test is required.  To get your Jamaican marriage license you need to do the following:

  • The first thing you need to do is apply for and get a Jamaica marriage license from the Ministry of Justice in Jamaica. If you are using a wedding planner they can usually do this for you. If you are planning to do it yourself.  The application fee is $4,000 Jamaican (US $42 as of August 2016).
  • Have a Declaration Form completed by a person (Declarant) who has knowledge of the impending marriage and signed by the Declarant in the presence of a Justice of the Peace in Jamaica. The Declarant can be a friend or family member. The declaration forms can be picked up at 72 Harbour Street, Kingston, Jamaica or 61 Constant Spring Road, Kingston.
  • You can collect the Jamaica marriage license form at the processing office at 72 Harbour Street, Kingston, Jamaica or 61 Constant Spring Road, Kingston. You will have to make a stamp duty payment of $4,00.00 (US $42) at the stamp duty office at 111 Harbour Street, Kingston, Jamaica. The blank marriage form will be stamped after payment.

Fill out the declaration form and the marriage license form. You will need to submit it with the following supporting documentation:

  1. You will need a Photo ID plus proof of citizenship (Certified copy of birth certificate which should include your father’s name).
  2. If you are an adult (over 18 years old) all you will need to do is show proof of citizenship. If you are under 18, a written consent from parents is required.
  3. If you are divorced you will need to provide the original divorce certificate.
  4. If you are a widow or widower you will need to provide a certified death certificate of your deceased spouse.
  5. All documents that are not submitted 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;

Once the marriage license has been issued its valid for three months.

How to get married in Jamaica

A marriage officer can process all the relevant documents if you don’t want to go to the government agencies.  They can also arrange the ceremony in a church or a location of your choice.  You can request a marriage office via the address below:

Marriage officers are available throughout the island and may be requested through the:

Registrar General’s Department
Twickenham Park
St. Catherine
Tel: 876-749-0550 or 876-619-1260
Email: information @ rgd.gov.jm
Website: www.rgd.gov.jm

Alternatively you can have your hotel or villa arrange your wedding and get the relevant documentation processed.

Some hotels charge you a small processing fee or offer free wedding services if you are staying at their hotel for a few days.

How to obtain your Jamaican Marriage Certificate

Once you have been married you will be given a copy of your Marriage Register.  This document shows proof of marriage.

It will be signed by the marriage officer and two witnesses.  Please note that this is not a legal document and cannot be used to conduct any business.

You will need to apply for your marriage Certificate. The marriage officer can apply for a marriage certificate on your behalf.

Alternatively, the wedding coordinator at your  hotel can obtain the marriage certificate on your behalf.

The application will be made to the Registrars General’s Office.  You can visit their website at www.rgd.gov.jm for more details.  It will take between seven working days and one month to obtain your Marriage certificate.

How much does it cost to get married in Jamaica

The cost to get married in Jamaica can vary greatly.  You can get married for as little as US  $200.

If you are staying at an all-inclusive hotel for a few days most of the hotels will offer weddings inclusive of your vacation package.  Also the hotels usually have someone on property to handle all the details for you.

Where to get married in Jamaica – A few Resorts that offer Jamaica Wedding Packages

Most resorts and villas offer wedding packages; however, the prices and amenities offered can vary greatly.  If you have a large wedding party you will have more bargaining leverage to get a reduced cost.

If you stay at a smaller resort or villa more than likely you will use a third party to make all the plans for your Jamaican wedding.

Places to get married in Ocho Rios Jamaica

Places to get married in Negril Jamaica

Places to get married in Montego Bay Jamaica

Tour Companies that Offer Vacation Packages

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