Belize Wedding License: All You Need To Know

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. Getting a marriage license in Belize is a relatively simple process. Couples must be in the country for a minimum of three days before applying for a license, and the application process only takes one day. The cost of the license varies depending on the residency status of the couple, with lower fees for those who have been domiciled in Belize for at least three days prior to the wedding. In addition to the application form, couples must provide valid passports, proof of citizenship or birth certificates, and proof of divorce or widowhood if applicable. With its diverse natural beauty and easy marriage license procedure, Belize offers a hassle-free destination for couples seeking an exotic wedding experience.

Residency requirements

To get married in Belize, you must be in the country for at least three days (72 hours) before submitting your marriage license application. This is a requirement for both residents and non-residents.

If you are a non-resident, you can obtain your marriage license through either the Registrar General's Office in Belize City or the Attorney General's Ministry in Belmopan. If you are applying through the Attorney General's Ministry, you must give one day's notice before submitting your application.

For residents of Belize, you can go straight to the register together and fill out the application. 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 US$100 per couple if they have been in the country for three days or more before the wedding, or US$200-250 otherwise. If one of the couple members is a Belizean, the cost is US$50.

Where to apply

To apply for a marriage license in Belize, you can go to either the Registrar General's Office in Belize City or the Attorney General's Ministry in Belmopan.

The Registrar General's Office in Belize City can be contacted by phone at (011) 501-223-5625 or 501-227-7377. Their fax number is 501-822-3390. Their email address is [email protected]. Their physical address is:

Registrar General's Office

Belize City

Belize

Central America

The Attorney General's Ministry in Belmopan requires one day's notice before you apply. They can be contacted by phone at 501-822-2504 or 501-822-0519. Their fax number is 501-822-3390. Their email address is [email protected]. Their physical address is:

6120 Racoon Avenue

Belmopan City

Belize

Central America

Once your application has been approved, you can pick up your marriage license from either office one or two days later. The license must be signed by a justice of the peace. The cost of the license for non-Belizean couples is US$200 or US$250 per couple. If one or both applicants are Belizean, the cost is US$50. If you have been a resident of Belize for three days or more before the wedding, the cost of the license is US$100.

Application processing

To start the application process, couples must be in Belize for at least three days before they can apply for a minister's license to marry. This application is then submitted to the Register General after the three-day residency period. For couples living in Belize, you can go directly to the Register together and fill out the application.

The application process takes one day and requires proof of citizenship, passport, or birth certificate. If applicable, you must also provide proof of divorce or widowhood. A Senior Justice of the Peace must witness the signing of the application.

After the one-day processing period, you can pick up the license to marry. The cost of the license for non-residents is $100 per couple, and $50 if either member of the couple is Belizean, plus a $5 administrative fee. Licenses can be obtained within two days.

The marriage 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, one male and one female.

Required documents

To get a marriage license in Belize, you will need to provide the following documents:

• A copy of a national ID for each applicant (passport or social security card) stamped and certified by a Justice of the Peace (JP) to be a true copy of the original.
• A completed application form signed and stamped by a licensed Justice of the Peace.
• All signatures must closely match the signatures on the IDs presented.
• Certified copy of the national ID of each applicant.
• If either party is under 18, a certified copy of the birth certificate and consent form signed by a parent or guardian and stamped by a JP or notary public.
• If either party is a minor, a certified copy of the birth certificate of the minor is required.
• If either party is a widow or widower, a certified copy of the death certificate of the deceased spouse is required.
• If either party was previously married, a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate is required.
• If either party is a naturalized Belizean, a certified copy of the nationality certificate is required.
• Original supporting documents and the application fee receipt upon collection of the license.

Please note that all foreign documents must be notarized by a notary public, and all copies must be signed and stamped by a Justice of the Peace stating that they are true copies of the original documents. The cost of the license for non-residents is US$100 per couple, and US$50 if one of the parties is a Belizean, plus a US$5 administrative fee.

Cost

The cost of a marriage license in Belize depends on the residency and citizenship status of the applicants. For couples where one or both parties are Belizean, the cost is $50. If both applicants are non-Belizean, the cost varies between $100 and $250 per couple.

One source states that the cost of the license for non-Belizean citizens is $250 per couple. A lesser fee of $100 is applicable if the couple has been residing in Belize for three days or more before the wedding. Another source mentions that the cost of the license for non-residents is $100 per couple, and $50 if either partner is Belizean.

An administrative fee of $5 is also applicable. The fees are to be paid at the Treasury, and only after provisional approval of the application has been received.

Frequently asked questions