Destination Wedding: Foreigners Marrying In Belize

Belize is a popular destination for weddings, with its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, ancient Mayan pyramids, and Caribbean Sea views. The country has made it easy for foreigners to marry on its soil, with a simple process and minimal requirements. So, can two foreigners get married in Belize? The short answer is yes. Both foreigners and Belizean nationals can legally marry in Belize, with civil marriages recognised internationally and various types of marriages performed, including civil, religious, traditional, and symbolic weddings. There are a few prerequisites, such as a minimum residency period of three days before applying for a marriage license, but overall, the process is straightforward and attractive for those seeking an exotic wedding location.

Marriage requirements for foreigners

Belize is a popular destination for weddings, with its beautiful beaches, ancient Mayan pyramids, lush tropical rainforests, and crystal blue Caribbean waters. The country has made it easy for foreigners to get married on its soil, with a straightforward process and minimal requirements. Here are the key things that foreigners need to know about getting married in Belize:

Residency Requirements

Foreigners who wish to marry in Belize must fulfill the residency requirements. They must reside in the country for at least 72 hours (3 days) before filing a petition to obtain a marriage license. This requirement is the same for both foreign and Belizean nationals.

Documents and Identification

To apply for a marriage license, both partners must provide proof of citizenship and identification. This can be in the form of a valid passport or a birth certificate. If applicable, proof of divorce or widowhood, such as a divorce decree or death certificate, is also required. Foreign spouses must also provide proof of address. All documents must be original and may need to be translated into English by an accredited translator if issued in another language.

Application Process

After completing the residency requirement, the couple can apply for a marriage license at the Registrar's Office or the Register General's Office. The application process is typically completed within one day. The cost of the license for non-residents is US$100 per couple, plus a small administrative fee.

Witnesses and Officiants

For the marriage to be official, the ceremony must be performed by an authorized officiant, such as a Senior Justice of the Peace, a boat captain, or a Minister of a registered church. Additionally, two witnesses, typically one male and one female, are required to be present during the marriage registration.

Registration and Certificate

After the ceremony, the marriage must be registered with the Registry Department. The process of obtaining the official marriage certificate can take up to 10 weeks. Couples can provide their contact information to have the certificate mailed to them if they are unable to collect it in person.

Same-Sex Marriage

It is important to note that, as of the information's publication date, same-sex marriage is still illegal in Belize.

Overall, getting married in Belize as a foreigner is a relatively simple process, and the country's natural beauty and ease of access make it an attractive choice for destination weddings.

The application process

To get married in Belize, couples must follow these steps:

• Residency requirement: Both partners must be in Belize for at least 72 hours (3 days) before applying for a marriage license. This is a requirement for foreign spouses.
• Application for a marriage license: After the 3-day residency period, the couple can submit their application to the Register General. For those living in Belize, both partners can go to the register together and fill out the application. For those near Belize City, applications must be made in person at the Registrar General's Office in Belize City. The application process is typically completed in one day.
• Required documents: The application requires proof of citizenship or residency, passports or birth certificates, and proof of divorce or widowhood, if applicable. A Senior Justice of the Peace must witness the signing of the application.
• License fee and processing time: The cost of the license for non-residents is US$100 per couple, plus a US$5 administrative fee. The license can usually be obtained within two days.
• Marriage ceremony: The marriage ceremony must be performed by a Senior Justice of the Peace, a boat captain, or a Minister of a registered church.
• Witnesses: Two witnesses, typically one male and one female, are required for the marriage ceremony.
• Marriage registration: After the ceremony, the marriage must be registered with the Registry Department.
• Marriage certificate: The marriage certificate is typically processed and sent to the couple within 5-10 weeks.

It is important to note that while Belize recognizes civil, religious, traditional, and symbolic weddings, only civil marriages are recognized and protected under the country's marriage laws. Additionally, same-sex marriages are not legally recognized in Belize.

Costs and fees

The cost of the marriage license for non-residents in Belize is US$100 per couple, plus a US$5 administrative fee. If either person getting married is a Belizean national, the cost of the license is US$50. The license can be obtained within two days.

There is no requirement for a blood test, and parental consent is not needed if both partners are over 18. The marriage must be registered with the Registry Department after the ceremony.

The cost of the wedding ceremony itself will depend on the couple's preferences and budget. A religious ceremony will be subject to the fees of the religious institution, while a civil ceremony will be less expensive. The final cost will depend on factors such as the location, the size of the wedding, the food and drink, and the attire of the couple.

Belize has become a popular destination for weddings, with its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and ancient Mayan pyramids providing a unique and exotic backdrop for the wedding ceremony. Many resorts and hotels offer wedding packages, and there are also "Romance Packages" that provide discounts on paperwork and accommodation for those choosing to honeymoon in Belize.

All the necessary services for a wedding, such as photographers, bakers, florists, and stylists, are available locally.

Residency requirements

To get married in Belize, both partners need to be in the country for at least 72 hours before they can apply 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, a passport or birth certificate, proof of divorce or widowhood, and a Senior Justice of the Peace to witness the signing of the application. The cost of the license for non-residents is $100 per couple, plus a $5 administrative fee.

There are no specific residency requirements for getting married in Belize, but there are residency requirements for those who wish to remain in the country as permanent residents. To be eligible for permanent residency, you must have lived in Belize for at least one year, with no more than 14 days out of the country during that time. You must also demonstrate financial stability and have a clean criminal record. Application fees for permanent residency vary according to your country of origin, ranging from $125 for citizens of Mexico and Guatemala to $2,000 for Chinese nationals. Once residency is granted, you must pay a fee of $62.50 for a residency card.

Citizenship is available for those permanent residents who have lived in Belize for five years. With citizenship comes the right to obtain a Belizean passport. Spouses of Belizean citizens qualify for citizenship after residing in Belize for one year.

Popular wedding locations

Belize has become a popular wedding destination for those seeking an exotic Caribbean-style location. The country offers a range of picturesque backdrops, from rainforests and scenic rivers to waterfalls, beautiful gardens, and pristine beaches with crystal blue waters.

Chabil Mar Villas

Chabil Mar is known for creating memorable weddings for couples who want to share their special day with loved ones in a tropical setting. The resort offers affordable wedding packages starting at $2,750 USD, which include a personal wedding planner, beach or garden ceremonial decor, a bouquet and boutonniere, a wedding cake, a bottle of champagne, minister's fees, a private pier dinner, photography services, and transfers to and from the resort. Chabil Mar is located in Placencia Village and provides easy access to diving, snorkelling, and cultural activities.

Victoria House Resort & Spa

Victoria House offers wedding packages loaded with extras, including a license, officiant fee, wedding cake, island flowers, and more. The basic wedding package during the low season costs $1,375 USD, making it a budget-friendly option.

Yok Ha Island Resort

Yok Ha Resort provides stress-free destination wedding packages that include a marriage license, officiant and fees, professional photographer, flowers, wedding cake, and a bottle of champagne. The basic package during the green season is $1,575 USD, allowing couples to splurge on additional extras.

Portofino Beach Resort

Portofino offers an all-inclusive wedding experience with its dream beach package. The package includes the ceremony, flowers, license, marriage certificate, fees, and unlimited consultations with a wedding coordinator. Couples can choose to be wed under a flower-adorned bamboo arbor or arched canopy. During the green season, this package is $1,470 USD.

Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort

Hamanasi is an excellent choice for adventurous couples seeking an exotic and affordable destination wedding. The resort offers a lush garden or beach setting, decorations, cake, planning services, and Garifuna drummers to celebrate the occasion. The basic package is $1,500 USD, providing exceptional value for money.

Laru Beya Resort and Villas

Laru Beya Resort combines a luxurious wedding with a week-long honeymoon for $4,138 during the low season. The package includes an oceanfront suite, meals, massages, cake, flowers, and a full day of snorkelling. This resort delivers a truly paradise-like experience.

Blue Marlin Beach Resort

Blue Marlin Beach Resort customises weddings to meet couples' unique needs. They specialise in sunset weddings and offer a basic package that covers flowers, photography, logistics, and assistance with obtaining a marriage license.

Coco Beach Resort

Coco Beach offers several wedding packages to suit different budgets and guest counts. The "Just the Two of Us" package is $950 USD and includes a wedding arbor, beach decor, champagne, flowers, and a cake. The "Tropical Breezes" package, at $1,200 USD, allows for up to 50 guests, while the "Caribbean Bliss" package, at $1,500 USD, accommodates up to 100 guests and treats them like royalty.

Villas at Banyan Bay

The Villas at Banyan Bay are experienced in tailoring weddings to small budgets. Couples can choose to exchange vows beneath the resort's gazebo or in the picturesque gardens. Their wedding planners are skilled at creating artful and intimate ceremonies.

Cahal Pech Village Resort

Cahal Pech Village Resort offers a private and exotic setting with a dramatic backdrop of the Belize River Valley and the Maya Mountains. Their wedding packages are unique to each couple, and they prioritise requests, arranging everything from the marriage license to the photographer, luxury suite, ceremony site, and wedding cake.

Almond Beach Resort

Almond Beach Resort provides a magazine-worthy beach or garden wedding for just $499 USD. Their basic package includes a decorated wedding arch, a bridal path strewn with flowers and shells, an officiant, and a bottle of champagne. They also offer various upgrades to enhance the ceremony and reception.

Bocawina Rainforest Resort

Bocawina Rainforest Resort is an eco-friendly enclave that provides a romantic and thrill-filled wedding experience. Their wedding planners can tailor the event to match couples' personalities, offering options like zip-lining and luxury suite or tent accommodations. The resort is nestled in a lush rainforest setting.

Ramon's Village Resort

Ramon's Village Resort is a hidden gem often chosen by celebrities and dignitaries. Their discreet and efficient staff can accommodate exotic requests and ensure that no aspect of the wedding is too extreme. They provide elegant and exclusive wedding experiences.

Thatch Caye

Thatch Caye takes a unique approach by starting with the honeymoon and then adding on a ceremony. Their "Romantic Getaway Package" can be enhanced with a wedding ceremony arranged by their skilled planners. Intimacy and privacy are paramount at this resort, which has only 12 dwellings.

Tranquility Bay Resort

Tranquility Bay Resort handles all the details of a beach wedding, whether it's a small ceremony or a grand affair with up to 100 guests. They offer competitive rates during the green season, making destination weddings accessible and affordable.

Frequently asked questions