Yaay! You’ve decided to get married in Jamaica. That’s ‘irie mon’ and with all the planning and logistics to be handled for your big day it’s relaxing to know that there’s one less thing to worry about as getting married in Jamaica could not be easier. With its majestic mountains, cascading waterfalls, charming Great Houses (and Castles!), tropical gardens and amazing white sand beaches, Jamaica is an enchanting place for any celebration especially your dream destination wedding. You can also rest assured that your wedding in Jamaica is legal and recognized internationally. So here are the easy requirements to get married in Jamaica.
Getting to Jamaica
The first easy thing is, getting to the island. This tropical, lover’s paradise is located in the Caribbean, just about one and a half hours by air from Miami, Florida (easy reference point!). There are two international airports – the Norman Manley International in the capital city of Kingston, and the Sangster International in the second city of Montego Bay. Domestic flights, car rentals, taxi or shuttle services are all available to take you to your final destination.
You must obtain a Marriage License prior to your arrival in the island
This is really easy to get. You need only to supply the following information for both the Bride and the Groom:
- Full name
- Marital Status
- Copy of Birth Certificate
- Father’s Name
- Photo Identification – Copy of Passport of Driver’s License
- Final Divorce Decree (if applicable)
- Death Certificate (in the case of a Widow/Widower
- Certified document supporting any change of name
These documents should be forwarded at least fourteen (14) days before the wedding date. Note that all documents presented must be in English. If originals are in another language they should be translated by certified translators whose certifications of authenticity should be attached.
Anyone 18 years or older can get married in Jamaica and best of all, there are no waiting periods or blood tests required. Your Wedding Officiant (Marriage Officer) will present you with a certified copy of the Marriage Register upon conclusion of the wedding ceremony. You will also receive two (2) certified copies of the Marriage Certificate within six to eight weeks following your wedding day.
You must arrive in the island at least 24 hours before the ceremony
Travelers to Jamaica are required to have a passport or other acceptable travel document confirming nationality and identity. All visitors to the island are also required to have a return ticket or round-trip ticket to another country. We recommend arriving a few days before your ceremony to get a feel of the island vibes, take in some relaxation time with loved ones and finalize details with your wedding planner.
Can it get any easier than this? We don’t think so. If you have any questions or comments please share them in the comment box. Or if you need a professional to help you with planning your Jamaican wedding, reach out to us. We would love to hear from you.
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