Getting Married in Paradise Getting married in the Caribbean is becoming a popular choice for many couples as the average wedding now costs over $20,000. Couples looking to get married for a fraction of the cost are turning to a location where they can also have their honeymoon... the Caribbean. Island destination weddings can be held on any island - from Antigua to the U.S. Virgin Islands provided that the couple meets all of that island’s marriage requirements. Every island has different regulations - some will not allow weekend weddings while others require you to be on the island for three days before you can become husband and wife. If you would like to have a Religious wedding, there are additional requirements on many of the islands. It is important to know the specific requirements for the island that you choose. All islands will require that you present your passport (and divorce decree or deceased spouse’s death certificate if you were previously married). You may also have to sign an affidavit affirming that you are currently single. The following is a quick summary of requirement throughout the islands. More details can be found in each of the destination sections. Call the hotel where you will be staying to confirm the requirements haven’t changed recently. The fee covers the cost of the marriage license unless otherwise noted. Island: Anguilla Waiting Period: 2 days Fee: $284 Blood Test Required: No Island: Antigua Waiting Period: 1 day Fee: $240 Blood Test Required: No Island: Barbados Waiting Period: None Fee: $76, $26 for the stamp Blood Test Required: No Island: Bahamas Waiting Period: 24 hours Fee: $40 Blood Test Required: None Island: Bermuda Waiting Period: None Fee: $205 Blood Test Required: No Island: British Virgin Islands (Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegorda) Waiting Period: 3 days Fee: $110 for license; $35 if married in Registrar’s office, $100 out of office Blood Test Required: No Island: Cayman Islands Waiting Period: None Fee: $200 Blood Test Required: No Island: Curacao Waiting Period: 3 days before you can apply; 14 day waiting period Fee: $167 Blood Test Required: No Island: Dominican Republic Waiting Period: None (must write to American Consulate for permission) Fee: $20 Blood Test Required: No Island: Grenada Waiting Period: 3 days before you can apply Fee: $10 Blood Test Required: No Island: Guadeloupe Waiting Period: 30 days Fee: None Blood Test Required: Yes Island: Jamaica Waiting Period: 24 hours Fee: $87 Blood Test Required: No Island: Puerto Rico Waiting Period: None Fee: $2 stamp fee for copy of license Blood Test Required: VDRL blood test no older than 10 days prior to wedding Island: St. Barth’s Waiting Period: 30 days Fee: None Blood Test Required: Yes Island: St. Kitts & Nevis Waiting Period: 2 days Fee: $80 Blood Test Required: None Island: St. Lucia Waiting Period: 4 days Fee: $198 Blood Test Required: No Island: St. Martin Waiting Period: 30 days Fee: None Blood Test Required: Yes Island: St. Vincent and The Grenadines Waiting Period: 24 hours Fee: $185, EC$40 for stamps (about $13) Blood Test Required: No Island: Trinidad & Tobago Waiting Period: 3 days Fee: $55 Blood Test Required: No Island: Turks & Caicos Waiting Period: 24 hours; approval by marriage officer may take 48 hours Fee: $50 Blood Test Required: No Island: U.S. Virgin Islands (St. John, St. Thomas, St. Croix) Waiting Period: None Fee: $50 for marriage license; $200 to be married by a judge in court Blood Test Required: No © 2005 Caribbean Travelweb