Belize Court Marriage: All You Need To Know

Belize is a popular wedding destination for those seeking an exotic Caribbean-style location. The country offers a range of unique wedding venues, from pristine beaches to lush tropical rainforests and ancient Mayan pyramids. Getting married in Belize is a straightforward process, with a few key requirements to keep in mind. Couples must be in the country for at least three days before applying for a marriage license, and the application process typically takes one day. Various documents, including proof of citizenship and marital status, are required, and the marriage must be witnessed by a Senior Justice of the Peace and two other witnesses. With its relaxed atmosphere, beautiful scenery, and hassle-free legal process, Belize is an ideal destination for couples seeking a unique and memorable wedding experience.

Marriage license requirements

To obtain a marriage license in Belize, couples must follow these requirements:

• Residency: Couples must be in Belize for at least three days before applying for a marriage license. This requirement can be waived by applying for a Special License for an additional fee if you are unable to meet the residency period.
• Application Submission: On the first business day after the three-day residency period, the marriage application should be submitted to the Registrar General's Office in Belize City or the Attorney General's Ministry in Belmopan. A one-day notice is required before applying at the Attorney General's Ministry.
• Required Documents: Both parties must provide valid passports with an entry stamp and proof of citizenship. If either party was previously married, proof of divorce or widowhood, such as a divorce certificate or death certificate, is necessary. All documents must be originals or certified copies with a raised seal.
• Application Processing: The application process takes one day. The cost of the license for non-residents is US$100 per couple, while a lower fee of US$50 applies if one of the parties is a Belizean. An additional administrative fee of US$5 is also charged.
• Witnesses: Two witnesses, a male and a female, are required to be present during the signing of the application and the marriage ceremony.
• Officiant: The marriage ceremony must be performed by a Senior Justice of the Peace, a boat captain, or a Minister of a registered church.
• Registration: After the marriage ceremony, the marriage must be registered with the Registry Department. The registration process takes approximately 10 weeks, after which the marriage certificate will be mailed to the couple.
• Age Requirement: Parental consent is not required if both partners are over 18 years of age.

The marriage license process in Belize is relatively simple and straightforward, allowing couples to focus on their wedding plans and enjoy their time in this exotic Caribbean destination.

Where to apply for a marriage license

To apply for a marriage license in Belize, couples must be in the country for at least one or three days before they can apply for a license. The application is submitted to the Registrar General's Office in Belize City, with a phone number of (011) 501-223-5625 or (501)-227-7377. Alternatively, you can apply at the Attorney General's Ministry in Belmopan, with a phone number of (501)-822-2504. If applying at the Attorney General's Ministry, one day's notice is required.

The application process requires proof of citizenship, a valid passport with an entry stamp, or a birth certificate. If either party was previously married, proof of divorce or a death certificate is necessary and must be submitted with the application. The application must be signed and stamped by a licensed Justice of the Peace (JP). The cost of the license for non-Belizean couples is US$250.00 per couple, while a lesser fee of US$100 is applicable to couples who have resided in Belize for three or more days before the wedding.

Documents required for the application

To obtain a marriage license in Belize, couples must provide the following documents:

• Valid passports with an entry stamp.
• Proof of citizenship, such as an original birth certificate with a raised seal or signed by a notary public, including the father's name, or a valid passport.
• If either party was previously married, proof of divorce (original or certified copy of the divorce certificate) or a certified copy of the decree or death certificate is required if the applicant is a widow or widower.
• Proof that both parties are above the age of 18. A blood test or parental consent is not required if both partners are over 18 years of age.
• Two witnesses, a male and a female, are required to be present at the ceremony.

All documents must be presented in their original form. However, certified copies with a lifted seal of the original documents are also acceptable.

The marriage application can be submitted to the Registrar General's Office in Belize City or the Attorney General's Ministry in Belmopan. The cost of the license for non-residents is $100 per couple, plus a $5 administrative fee. If either party is a Belizean, the cost is reduced to $50. The application process takes one day, and the license can be picked up one or two days after approval. The marriage must be registered with the Registry Department after the ceremony.

Who can officiate the wedding

A legal wedding in Belize must be performed by a Senior Justice of the Peace, a boat captain, or a registered minister. The Senior Justice of the Peace must also witness the signing of the marriage application.

The cost of the marriage license for non-Belizeans is US$250 per couple, while a lesser fee of US$100 is applicable to couples who have been domiciled in Belize for three or more days before the wedding. The cost of the license for Belizean citizens is US$50.

If you are staying at a wedding resort, the staff will be able to help you get your license and find an officiant.

Registering the marriage

After the marriage ceremony, the marriage must be registered with the Registry Department. This can be done by submitting the application form, which can be scanned and emailed, along with the required documents to the relevant office. The cost of the license for non-residents is $100 per couple, plus a $5 administrative fee. The cost is $50 if either member of the couple is Belizean.

The marriage license application process takes one day. The application must be submitted in person to the Registrar General's Office in Belize City or the Attorney General's Ministry in Belmopan. One day's notice is required before applying at the Attorney General's Ministry. A marriage license can be picked up one or two days after it is approved and must be signed by a justice of the peace. The total processing time for the marriage registration is about 10 weeks, and your certificate will be mailed to you thereafter. Weddings around the Christmas holidays will require more processing time.

For couples who are unable to be in the country for three days prior to their license application, it is possible to apply for a Special License for an additional fee.

Frequently asked questions