Getting Married in Jamaica

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Jamaica is an unforgettable location to have your wedding. To ensure that the planning of this special day runs hassle-free the following information should help to guide you through the process

Visitors can be married just 24 hour after arriving in Jamaica providing prior application has been made for a marriage license.To apply for your marriage license, call our Ministry of Justice at 1-876-749-0550 |
1-876-619-2160 or visit the Ministry of Justice.

The cost of a license is four thousand Jamaican dollars (approximately US$75-US$80).

Unlike many countries, Jamaica does not expect you take a blood test before getting married. However, the following documentation is required:

  • Proof of citizenship – certified copy of birth certificate.
  • Parent’s written consent if under 18 years of age.
  • Proof of divorce if applicable (original certificate of divorce).
  • Certified copy of death certificate for widow or widower.
  • Italian nationals celebrating their wedding in Jamaica must notify their embassy and a certified copy of their marriage certificate forwarded to their embassy to be legalized and translated.

French Canadians need a notarised translated copy of all documents and a photocopy of the original French documents.

There are non-denominational Marriage Officers who can officiate either at their offices, in their homes or at a place chosen by the couple, and are able to provide witnesses. Marriage Officers charge anywhere from  US$50 – US$250.

Registrar’s Offices

The registrar’s office should be contacted for specific rules regarding planning your destination or beach wedding in Jamaica. They will also provide information regarding marriage licenses and marriage certificates.

  • Ministry of Justice,
    61 Constant Spring Road
    Kingston 10
    Jamaica
  • Tel: (876) 906-4923-31
  • Fax: (876) 906-1712
  • Registrar General’s Department
    Twickenham Park, Catherine
  • JamaicaTel: 876-619-1260 (Digicel)
  • JamaicaTel: 876-749-0550 (FLOW)
  • Fax: (876) 749 6457
  • Head Office Hours: Monday to Friday 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • All Other Offices: Monday to Friday 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Hotel Planned Weddings

Most hotels in Jamaica have wedding coordinators or someone who can plan your wedding for you! Some hotels even offer weddings inclusive in your holiday package! Ask your travel agent which ones do and once the hotel or tour operator offers this service, most travel agents will even assist you with the planning.

The process is the same as when using a Marriage Officer. The main difference may be the cost or the time frame for sending the required documents to the hotel.

Some hotels require the documents at least 6 weeks prior the proposed wedding date. Please verify all details with the hotel or tour operator first.

Marriage ceremonies may be conducted every day of the week between the hours of 6:00 and 20:00.

After the Ceremony

Immediately following the ceremony, you are given a copy of the Marriage Register which shows proof of marriage. This is signed by the Marriage Officer, yourselves and your witnesses. (Don’t worry; you don’t have to bring your own with you!) Please note that the copy of the Marriage Register is NOT a legal document and as such cannot be used to conduct any business! You must obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate.

Certified Copy of Marriage Certificate

The Marriage Certificate may be applied for by the Marriage Officer and takes between 7 working days to 1 month to be processed by the Registrar Generals Department (Registry of births, deaths and marriages) whose address appears above. You may apply for it yourself and there is an express services available. Please ask your Marriage Officer or the Hotel wedding coordinator when you make initial contact and make your payments.


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