Legal wedding or symbolic ceremony?
A legal wedding must follow the laws of the place where it is performed. A symbolic ceremony celebrates your commitment but does not itself create a legal marriage. Some couples marry legally at home and celebrate abroad.
Popular destinations at a glance
| Destination | Planning consideration |
|---|---|
| Antigua & Barbuda | Special licenses may allow weddings without a lengthy stay. |
| The Bahamas | Generally at least 24 hours in the country before applying. |
| Barbados | Generally no minimum visitor residency; a license is required. |
| Jamaica | Generally at least 24 hours on island before the wedding. |
| Saint Lucia | Expedited licensing may be available; verify processing deadlines. |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | No minimum residency; advance court license procedures apply. |
| Cayman Islands | Visitors may apply for a special marriage license. |
| Dominican Republic | Civil weddings often require advance document review and translations. |
| Aruba / Curaçao | Advance civil registration and authenticated documents matter. |
| Turks & Caicos | Allow time for arrival and license processing requirements. |
| Puerto Rico | License and medical certification procedures may apply. |
| French Caribbean | Residence/domicile rules can restrict legal tourist weddings. |
Documents and details to check
- Passports
- Birth certificates
- Divorce or death records
- Legal name changes
- Certified translations
- Apostilles
- Witness rules
- Authorized officiants
- When official certificates are issued
Marriage eligibility, including same-sex marriage, varies by jurisdiction.
Important notice
Marriage laws, documentation requirements, residency periods, fees, and processing times vary by destination and are subject to change. Before making travel arrangements or finalizing wedding plans, couples should verify all current legal requirements directly with the appropriate island government authorities and their destination wedding coordinator.
General planning information for U.S.-based couples; not legal advice. Confirm all requirements before booking. November 2026.
Plan your wedding with Planit Travel Ltd.
Call (614) 905-7962 or email planittravelltd@aol.com