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Getting
Married in Antigua
Fees:
The registration fee of US$40 must be paid in person at the
courthouse in the government building on Queen Elizabeth Highway.
The application fee for the special marriage license is US$150,
and the Marriage Officer's fee is US$50.
The
Ministry of Legal Affairs is open Monday to Thursday, 8:30
am to 4:30 pm and on Fridays from 8 am to 3 pm. Flights which
arrive into Antigua after 3 pm will not permit couples to
get to the Ministry of Justice in time to apply for the Special
Marriage License. In such cases, the couple can arrange for
the marriage to take place either the next day after completing
the application process, or, on any available day thereafter.
Documents:
You both will need valid passports as proof of citizenship.
Make certain your passport has not expired.
If either of you have been previously married, then bring
along the original divorce decree. A widow(er) must bring
both the original marriage and death certificates. These documents
must have the raised seal from the court, because photocopies
are not acceptable.
It
is essential that original documents are taken to the hotel
and anything not in English must be translated into an English
document, which is to be signed and stamped by a solicitor
stating that they are true translation of the original.
Are
there any other legal requirements?
Both parties must be over 15, if under 18, written authorization
from your parents or guardians is required. It is important
that all documents presented are original or certified 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?
The marriage is both legal and binding. Additionally, consent
must be expressed by both parties to accept each other as
husband and wife.
Contact
Caribbean Info. Office for your Antigua hotel reservations
and to reserve your wedding date. We will assist with all
the arrangements for a romantic wedding ceremony.
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