Wedding in Antigua

Marriage License Requirements:

More and more people are getting married while on vacation, and it’s now easy to do in Antigua and Barbuda. Even cruise ship visitors can now get married.

First, there is a registration fee of US$40 that must be paid at the courthouse at the corner of High and Temple Streets. The application fee for the special marriage license is US$150, and the Marriage Officer’s fee is US$50.

You both will need valid passports as proof of citizenship. If either of you have been previously married, then bring along the original divorce decree or, in the case of a widow or widower, the original marriage and death certificates.

Both parties must be over 15, if under 18, written authorization from your parents or guardians is required. It is important that all documents presented are original or certified original by the issuing departments or offices. Ensure that all documents are in your legal name, and provide affidavits in cases where you are known by another name. Your marriage must also be solemnized or celebrated in the presence of two or more witnesses, apart from the Marriage Officer. (Just ask a guest or two to do this for you).

The marriage ceremony is legal and binding. Additionally, consent must be expressed by both parties to accept each other as husband and wife.

but it requires the permission from the church authorities where you wish to be married. Have your pastor contact the church to establish the requirements. Some churches ask that the couple attend pre-nuptial consultations. Allow some extra time if planning a church ceremony.

The Ministry of Legal Affairs is open Monday to Thursday, 8:30am to 4:30pm and on Fridays from 8:00am to 3:00pm. Flights which arrive into Antigua after 3:00pm will not permit couples to get to the Ministry of Justice in time to apply for the Special Marriage License. In such cases, the couple can arrange for the marriage to take place either the next day after completing the application process, or, on any available day thereafter.