The allure of Caribbean countries such as the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Costa Rica and some parts of Mexico lies not only in their stunning landscapes but also in their welcoming approach to destination weddings. If you're looking to host yours in one of these enticing destinations, here's the key to ensuring your happily ever after is truly official: understanding the local requirements.
You and your partner likely already have the required documents on hand. However, it's advisable to consult with a wedding planner to ensure no steps are overlooked, avoiding any potential issues.
If you’re looking for a destination wedding planner, we also provide comprehensive support throughout your wedding journey. We'll help you navigate everything from start to finish, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience so you can be focused on enjoying yourselves rather than worrying about the planning.Â
Getting married in one of these tropical destinations is surprisingly straightforward. There’s no mandatory length of stay, making it easy to plan your dream wedding without extended vacation time. Most resorts will recommend arriving at least 3 days prior to the wedding date to go over final details before the big day.
With the marriage requirements in order, you're ready to exchange vows in paradise.Â
Before your love’s grand celebration amidst the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, couples must complete the required documents and wedding legalities can vary by country/island. Scroll down for a clear overview of what you’ll need to know for some of the most popular all-inclusive wedding destinations below:
To clarify, the documents below are required for legal ceremonies. If you are planning a symbolic ceremony (which all resorts can accommodate), only some destinations will require you to present a wedding certificate from Canada beforehand.
MEXICO
In Mexico, there are two types of marriages – civil marriage and religious marriage. Between the two, only civil marriage is considered legal. Marriages are usually performed at the local office of the Civil Registry but can also be done elsewhere for an additional fee.
The documents below should be presented to the Officer of the local Civil Registry office where the marriage occurs.
Marriage application form will be obtained from Mexico’s local registry office. In this form, couples need to specify whether they want to keep a separate property and assets or combine them. However, this form may not be valid for future purposes under Canadian law.
Passport. Original and photocopy should be valid for at least 6 months.
X-ray & Blood test results and certificate should be taken in Mexico no more than 14 days before the ceremony.
Birth certificate should be ‘Apostilled’ as per Mexican requirement. However, since Canada is not a signatory to the International Apostille convention, procedures do not apply. Please check the notarization procedure for legal documents here.
Divorce decree / Death certificate. If either party has been married before, a certified copy of the Divorce decree or Death certificate duly legalized and translated must be presented.
Two legally qualified witnesses should be above 18 and be present during the ceremony.
NOTE: Couples planning a wedding in Mexico should contact the Civil Registry of the chosen state. This office determines the specific requirements for your ceremony, as regulations can vary by location.
Read more here: https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/toronto/index.php/en/servicesforeigners/doclegalization/52-conservices/239-marriage-in-mexico
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Before you travel to the Dominican Republic for your wedding, all the documents listed below need to be translated into Spanish by a professional translator. They must also be officially certified and legalized by the Dominican Republic Embassy or one of their consulates in Canada.
Birth Certificate – Long form
Note: If you were born outside of Canada, you need to certify your Birth Certificate at the country’s Consulate or Embassy in Canada before submitting it for legalization.
Single Status Affidavit must be notarized when mailed. However, if done in person, the bride and groom can sign it at the consulate to avoid visiting a notary public. Remember that the declaration should be completed before your visit.
A Valid Passport is required for identification purposes only.
Divorce Certificate or long-form Death Certificate (if either party has been married or divorced prior). Under Dominican law, women who have recently been divorced should wait ten (10) months before they can remarry.
Death Certificate of the deceased spouse (if either party is a widow).
Read more here:
COSTA RICA
Unlike some countries, getting married in Costa Rica requires minimal documentation, making it a stress-free option for your big day! Here are the few documents you have to prepare:
Passport should be valid for at least 6 months.
Have a legal officiant who will help you with the paperwork before your wedding. In Costa Rica, priests, judges, and lawyers can legally perform a marriage ceremony. If you prefer a different religious person (Christian pastor, Buddhist, etc.), your legal officiant/lawyer can handle it for you.
Two legally qualified witnesses should be non-family members and must attend the wedding.
Divorce decree / Death certificate is only required if either party has been married or divorced before or you can also make a sworn statement that you are no longer married.
A woman can only remarry 300 days after the issue date of the divorce decree or her former husband’s death certificate. This can be waived if proven non-pregnant before her marriage ceremony.
While Costa Rica's marriage certificate process is simple, receiving the final document takes about three months. Your lawyer will handle the translation and send it to your nearest consulate or embassy for authentication. Remember to check with your local government office for any additional steps needed to register your foreign marriage back home.
To be legally recognized in Canada, your Costa Rican marriage certificate must be:
 Translated into English by an official translator
 Authenticated by the Costa Rican Ministry of Foreign Affairs
 Authenticated by the Canadian Embassy in Costa Rica
 All documents must be presented to your Province’s Vital Statistics Offices for appropriate registration in Canada.
Read more here:
JAMAICA
Planning a Jamaican wedding? Destination weddings in Jamaica can be done in just 1-2 days after arrival, provided that a marriage license has been secured. In securing a license, the following legal documents should be presented:
Proof of citizenship – certified copy of birth certificate.
Parent’s written consent if under 18 years of age.
Proof of divorce if applicable (original certificate of divorce).
Certified copy of death certificate for widow or widower.
Processing fee JM$4000 (less than US$40)
NOTE: Documents must be translated and notarized.
Read more here:
Wedding requirements can change, and this information is intended as a general guide. For the most accurate details, we highly recommend reaching out directly to the marriage officials on your chosen island or contact us to help you with legal planning.
Paperwork is certainly not the most exciting part of destination wedding planning but is a crucial one. With these requirements out of the way, you can focus on the fun stuff – customizing your dream ceremony and celebrating with your loved ones.
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