Posted on March - 05 - 2010
Marriage in Paradise
I often receive requests for information regarding wedding requirements, particularly since Villa Del Sol came on line. Here they are!
Planning your wedding in paradise? The following are the legal requirements for obtaining a marriage license in the Turks & Caicos Islands:
- 1. Passports with stamp showing date of entry in the Turks & Caicos Islands.
- 2. Original Birth Certificates
- 3. Both Parties must be in the Turks and Caicos Islands at the time of the application
- 4. For couples wanting to be married in the Turks and Caicos Islands, they must reside in the Turks & Caicos Islands for a period of 24 hours prior to an application being made to the Registrar in Grand Turk. The ceremony can take place with 48 to 72 hours after the application has been granted
- 5. For Americans, proof of Marital Status must be provided. That is, if single, a sworn affidavit is required. If divorced, either an Original or notarized copy of the Divorce Decree, sealed by the Court, is required. In the case of a widow/widower, the previous spouse’s Death Certificate is required. In the case of Change of Name by Deed Poll or Adoption, proof of same is required
- 6. If either party is unmarried, and is a citizen or resident of a country other than the USA, a Declaration certifying this fact must be sworn before a Notary Public or other person authorized to administer oaths in that country, and must accompany the application for the Marriage License.
- 7. If from other than an English speaking country, all documents must be translated and notarized, accompanied by originals, likewise notarized as above.
- 8. Irrespective of country, if under the age of 21, consent, in the form of on affidavit stamped by a Notary Public, from one or both parents or guardian must be presented.
- 9. The marrying couple must not be within the prohibited degree of relationships to each other.
- 10. A letter stating occupations, marital status and age at the time of application, home address and father’s full name, must be attached to the application.
- 11. If a church wedding is desired, proof of membership and standing in home church may be required.
- 12. The party’s must produce evidence of the date of their arrival in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
- 13. No blood test is necessary.
- 14. The fee for the license is $100.00 + admin fees, the total generally being between $200-300.00
Marriage Licenses are issued at the Office of the Registrar in Providenciales. The office is open to the public from Monday through Friday, 9.30 am to 4.30pm.
Please be reminded that Passports or any documentation written in a foreign language must be translated and notarized in advance of arrival.