| Every year there are thousands of destination | | | | consent. |
| weddings in Jamaica. In fact, according to the Jamaica | | | | [3.] Make arrangements with a certified Marriage |
| Tourist Board, during 2002 over 10,000 tourists got | | | | Officer to conduct the ceremony. There are |
| married in Jamaica! Yes, couples from all over the | | | | non-denominational Marriage Officers who will marry |
| world come anticipating... and finding... the most romantic | | | | you and your fiance/fiancee at the location of your |
| place on earth to say "I Do". If you're contemplating | | | | choice. Fees range from around $50 - $250 USD. |
| tying the knot in our breathtakingly beautiful island (and | | | | You'll need 2 witnesses but the Marriage Officer can |
| need information about the paperwork involved), | | | | usually provide witnesses for you. |
| continue reading to see the 5 steps you must take | | | | [4.] You'll need to arrive in Jamaica 24 hours before |
| before getting married in Jamaica. | | | | the time you plan on getting married. It's the law. Use |
| [1.] The first thing to do is call the Ministry of National | | | | this time to contact your Marriage Officer and iron out |
| Security & Justice about 4 weeks before arriving | | | | any last minute details. |
| in Jamaica. You'll need to do this in order to arrange for | | | | [5.] On your special day, meet your Marriage Officer |
| a marriage license. (The cost of a marriage license is 4 | | | | and make your wedding in Jamaica legally binding. |
| thousand Jamaican dollars - that's currently about | | | | There you have it! Follow the 5 steps outlined in the |
| US$60 - US$65.) You may contact the Ministry at | | | | checklist above and you too can be officially married in |
| (876) 906-4923. Opening hours are Monday to | | | | Jamaica. |
| Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 | | | | Please note that Jamaica does not require a blood |
| p.m. (All times are Eastern Standard Time and Daylight | | | | test in order to issue your marriage license. Also, some |
| Saving Time is not observed.) | | | | hotels have wedding coordinators who will do |
| [2.] Next you'll need to sort out all your documentation | | | | everything for you... except marrying your intended |
| for your marriage license. Bring along certified copies | | | | spouse! There are packages which include all |
| of your birth certificate which must include your | | | | expenses associated with the ceremony and |
| father's name. You'll need proof of divorce if applicable | | | | sometimes the wedding coordinator doubles as the |
| and a certified copy of the deceased spouse's death | | | | Marriage Officer. Prices of packages will vary so shop |
| certificate if you're a widow or widower. If you're | | | | around first. |
| under 18 years old you'll need your parent's written | | | | |