Belizean Marriages: Legally Binding In The Us?

Belize has become a popular wedding destination for couples seeking an exotic Caribbean-style location. It offers a range of natural wedding sites, from pristine beaches to lush tropical rainforests and candle-lit caves. The procedure for getting married in Belize is straightforward: couples must be in the country for a minimum of three days before applying for a minister's license to marry, which costs $100 for non-residents and $50 if either individual is a Belizean. The application process takes one day and requires proof of citizenship, passports, birth certificates, and proof of divorce or widowhood. Weddings must be performed by a Senior Justice of the Peace, a boat captain, or a Minister of a registered church, and there must be two witnesses, male and female. Marriages in Belize are recognized and legal worldwide.

Belize marriages are legal worldwide

Belize is a popular wedding destination for couples seeking an exotic Caribbean-style location. The country offers a range of unique settings for weddings, from its pristine beaches and lush tropical rainforests to ancient Mayan pyramids. It is also easily accessible from major cities across North America, making it a convenient choice for couples from the USA and Canada.

The process of getting married in Belize is relatively straightforward and the weddings are recognised and legal worldwide. Here are the requirements for a legal marriage in Belize:

• One or both parties must be in the country for a minimum of three days before applying for a marriage license.
• The marriage application must be submitted to the Registrar's Office on the first business day after the three-day residency period.
• The application process requires proof of citizenship (passport or birth certificate), proof of divorce or widowhood (if applicable), and a Senior Justice of the Peace to witness the signing of the application.
• After the one-day application processing period, the license to marry will be ready for pick-up.
• The wedding ceremony must be performed by either a Senior Justice of the Peace, a boat captain, or a Minister of a registered church, and must be witnessed by two people, a male and a female.
• There is no requirement for a blood test or parental consent if both partners are over 18 years of age.
• The marriage must be registered with the Registry Department after the wedding ceremony.

The cost of the marriage license for non-residents is typically US$100 per couple, plus a small administrative fee. The entire process, from application to registration, can be completed within a few days, making Belize an attractive option for couples seeking a small, intimate wedding in a tropical paradise.

The application process

Marriages in Belize are internationally valid. The procedure for a couple to get married in Belize is as follows:

Firstly, couples must be in the country for a minimum of three days before they can apply for a minister’s license to marry. This application is submitted to the Register General after the three-day resident period. For couples living in Belize, they can simply go to the register together and fill out the application. For those near Belize City, applications must be made with the Registrar General’s Office in Belize City.

The cost of the license for non-residents is $100 per couple, and $50 if either individual is Belizean, plus an administrative fee of $5. A blood test is not required, and consent from a parent is not necessary if both partners are over 18 years of age. The marriage must be registered with the Registry Department after the marriage ceremony has been completed. Marriage applications can be scanned and emailed.

Requirements for marriage

Marriages in Belize are recognised and legal in the US and all over the world. Here are the requirements for getting married in Belize:

• Couples must be in the country for a minimum of three days (72 hours) before applying for a minister's license to marry. This can be obtained through the Registrar General's Office in Belize City or the Attorney General's Ministry in Belmopan.
• The application process is one day and requires proof of citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate. If applicable, proof of divorce or widowhood is also required. A Senior Justice of the Peace must witness the signing of the application.
• Weddings must be performed by either a Senior Justice of the Peace, a boat captain, or a Minister of a registered church.
• There must be two witnesses, a male and a female.
• The cost of the license for non-residents is $100 per couple, plus a $5 administrative fee. If one person in the couple is a Belizean, the cost is $50.
• A blood test is not required, and consent from a parent is not needed if both partners are over 18 years old.
• The marriage must be registered with the Registry Department after the ceremony.

The ceremony

Belize has become a popular wedding destination for couples seeking an exotic Caribbean-style location. The country offers a range of picturesque settings for your ceremony, from pristine beaches to lush tropical rainforests and candle-lit caves. Whether you prefer a beachfront wedding overlooking the azure Caribbean Sea or an adventurous wedding in the jungle or on a Mayan temple, Belize has something unique to offer.

To ensure a legally binding wedding ceremony in Belize, there are a few requirements to meet. These include providing certified birth certificates, completing the Marriage License Form, and submitting copies of passport pictures and the date of entry to Belize. If either member of the couple has been previously married, a Certified Divorce Decree must be provided and submitted to the Belize Registry.

The procedure for obtaining a marriage license in Belize is straightforward. Couples must reside in the country for at least three days before applying for a minister's license to marry. This application is then submitted to the Register General. The application process takes one day and requires proof of citizenship, passports, birth certificates, and, if applicable, proof of divorce or widowhood. A Senior Justice of the Peace must witness the signing of the application. The cost of the license for non-residents is US$100 per couple, plus a US$5 administrative fee.

Belize offers a variety of resorts and venues that cater to destination weddings. Many resorts provide dedicated wedding planners and creative teams to guide you in creating your dream wedding. From intimate beachfront affairs to lavish celebrations, you can expect meticulous planning and seamless execution to bring your vision to life.

Some resorts offer all-inclusive wedding packages that take care of all the details, from floral arrangements to wedding cakes and entertainment. These packages often include a wedding coordinator, marriage license handling, private wedding locations, floral decorations, bridal bouquets, artisan cakes, champagne toasts, photographers, and more.

Registering the marriage

Marriages performed in Belize are legal and recognised in the US. Here is a step-by-step guide to registering your marriage in Belize:

• Residency: Couples must be in Belize for a minimum of three days before applying for a marriage license. This is a requirement for both residents and non-residents of Belize.
• Application: After the three-day residency period, the couple can submit their application to the Register General. For residents, this involves going to the register together and filling out the application. Non-residents must apply through the Registrar General's Office in Belize City. The contact number for the Vital Statistics Office is (011) 501-223-5625.
• Application Processing: The application process takes one day. Both parties must provide proof of citizenship, which can be a passport or a birth certificate. If applicable, proof of divorce or widowhood is also required. A Senior Justice of the Peace must witness the signing of the application.
• License Collection: After the processing period, the couple can pick up their license to marry.
• Marriage Ceremony: The wedding must be performed by a Senior Justice of the Peace, a boat captain, or a Minister of a registered church. Two witnesses, one male and one female, are required to be present at the ceremony. If the couple is travelling alone, hotel staff or other guests may be willing to act as witnesses.
• Marriage Registration: After the marriage ceremony, the marriage must be registered with the Registry Department.

The cost of the marriage license for non-residents is US$100 per couple, plus a US$5 administrative fee. If one of the parties is a Belizean national, the cost is reduced to US$50. Obtaining the license typically takes one to two days. It is not necessary to have a blood test or parental consent if both individuals are over 18 years of age.

Frequently asked questions