Documents and Legal Requirements for Weddings in Antigua and Barbuda

Planning a Caribbean Wedding and Honeymoon and considering Antigua? 

Getting Married in Antigua & Barbuda is Easy...

There is no waiting period or residency requirement necessary for marrying in Antigua. 

1. Arrive in Antigua, Visit the Ministry of Justice located at Parliament Drive with your valid passports,complete the application and pay applicable fees.
2.  Confirm a date and time for the ceremony with a Marriage Officer, and...
3. Get Married
    

What are the fees for Marrying in Antigua and Barbuda?

First, a special marriage licence for Antigua must be obtained from the Ministry of Legal Affairs, Parliment Drive. Application fee is US $150, then a registration fee of US$40 must be paid at the Courthouse and finally a fee of US$100 to the marriage officer.

How about documents required for marrying in Antigua and Barbuda?

If you are planning on getting married in Antigua and Barbuda, you both will need valid passports as proof of citizenship. If either of you have been previously married then bring along the original decree absolute, in the case of a widow or widower, the original marriage and death certificates.

Are there any other legal requirements for marrying in Antigua and Barbuda?

If you have the right paperwork, both partners must attend the Ministry of Justice in St John’s to complete the wedding application and pay the fee. Then it’s just a question of choosing where and when. The Ministry of Justice is located on Parliament Drive in St John’s. It’s open from 8.30am – 4.30 pm on Mondays to Thursdays and 8am -3pm on Fridays.

An Antigua destination wedding can take place on a beach, on a yacht or at a hotel. Your travel agent or hotel can help arrange these or put you in touch with a wedding planner in Antigua who can help you select a venue that suits you.

Applicants under 18 require written authorization from parents or guardians. It is important that all documents presented are original or certified as 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).

Is the marriage ceremony legal?

Of course, it is both legal and binding. Additionally, consent must be expressed by both parties to accept each other as husband and wife.

Can I be married in a church in Antigua?

Yes, 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.

Where can I get a list of churches in Antigua & Barbuda?

Here you will find a list of churches in Antigua and Barbuda, that you can contact if you wish to be married in a church. 

Can my hotel assist with the arrangements?

Certainly, as most hotels in Antigua and Barbuda offer wedding and honeymoon packages. Check with your travel agent or the Antigua and Barbuda Tourist Offices for more information.

Honeymoons in Antigua

There are some occasions in our lives which to us are very special. Making these occasions truly memorable may take long months of planning to ensure that everything is just right. This is especially so when it comes to selecting the right place for a honeymoon or even a good place to get married.

Located in the heart of the Caribbean, Antigua as a honeymoon destination, is a striking example of a harmonious mixture of old and new-century-old historical sites just minutes away from modern day shopping centres; quaint, brightly coloured houses alongside spacious architect designed homes; and old converted sugar mills now used as island style restaurants.

But the island’s history and charm are by no means the only things which Antigua & Barbuda has to offer for your Caribbean honeymoon. You will discover Islanders to be among the most colorful people you’ll find anywhere. Listen to the language (its English, of course) hear the laughter and feel yourself relax.

While on your honeymoon in Antigua, enjoy the best in fine dining. From traditional Local dishes to international nouvelle cuisine there is something to tempt, tease and tickle each and every palate. These are all a part of the island’s flavour.

Antigua and Barbuda Wedding Contacts which you may find useful:

Antigua and Barbuda Marriage Registrar
Registrar's Division,
Queen Elizabeth Highway,
St John's.
Tel: (268) 462-3744
Tel from Overseas: 1 268 462 3929
Copies of your Antigua and Barbuda Marriage Certificate are available at a cost of EC$25.

If you are overseas and need an Antigua and Barbuda marriage licence - you will need to call the office directly and they will give you instructions for how to apply. You will need to provide the following information - the Groom's name, the Bride's maiden name, place of marriage (Hotel etc), and date of marriage.

Antigua and Barbuda Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs
Parliament Drive,
St John's
Tel: (268) 562-0381/462-0017

Ask for the Marriage Co-ordinator - she can organise submission of all relevant paperwork and can issue marriage licenses.

Book your trip to Antigua & Barbuda

Several UK tour operators offer a choice of wedding and honeymoon packages to Antigua & Barbuda and those can be bought from any professional travel agency.

Watch for special “land only” and “wedding and honeymoon” packages being offered by select properties.

 Find information on Antigua hotels offering wedding packages.

Request a Wedding & honeymoon Brochure from the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority or call us to discuss your Antigua Wedding or your honeymoon in Antigua at +44 (0) 207 258 0070

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