Requirements to Get Married in Jamaica

Both parties need:

• Valid passports
• Original birth certificates (or certified copies)
• If previously married:
  • Original divorce decree (if divorced)
  • Original death certificate (if widowed)
• Any document not in English should be officially translated into English.

Residency Requirement

There is no residency requirement in Jamaica. Couples can arrive and get married shortly after arrival.

Marriage License

A Jamaican marriage license must be obtained before the wedding. This is usually arranged through the wedding planner, attorney, or resort handling the wedding.

Waiting Period

The marriage license typically takes about 24 hours to process once all required documents are submitted.

After the Wedding

The marriage officer registers the marriage, and the couple receives a Jamaican marriage certificate, which is internationally recognized.

Government Information

For official information, couples can visit the website of the  Registrar General’s Department (RGD) Jamaica⁠.

As a Jamaica Wedding Specialist, you may also want to advise couples to start the documentation process at least 4–8 weeks before their wedding date to avoid delays.