Belizean Marriage: Legal In The Us?

Belize is a popular destination for weddings, with its tropical jungles, mountains, beaches, and coral reefs. The country has a simple process for getting married, and marriages performed in Belize are internationally valid. However, there are some legal requirements that must be met, and it is important to consider whether a marriage in Belize will be legally recognized in one's home country. In this case, the question is whether a marriage in Belize will be legal in the United States.

Marriage in Belize is internationally recognised

Belize is a popular destination for weddings, with its beautiful beaches, ancient Mayan pyramids, pristine forests, and tropical jungles. It is no surprise that many couples choose to tie the knot in this exotic Caribbean-style location. And the good news is that marriages performed in Belize are internationally recognised. So, if you're planning a destination wedding, rest assured that your marriage will be valid not only in Belize but also in your home country and anywhere else in the world.

The Legal Requirements

To get married in Belize, there are a few legal requirements that must be met. Firstly, couples must be in the country for at least three days (72 hours) before they can apply for a marriage license. This application is then submitted to the Registrar's Office, along with the necessary documents, which include 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. The application process usually takes one day, and there is no requirement for a blood test.

The Ceremony

Once the license is obtained, the wedding ceremony can take place. The marriage must be performed by either a Senior Justice of the Peace, a boat captain, or a Minister of a registered church. Two witnesses, typically a male and a female, are also required to be present. After the ceremony, the marriage must be registered with the Registry Department to ensure its validity.

Recognition in the United States

If you're a citizen of the United States and planning to get married in Belize, you may be wondering if your marriage will be recognised back home. The answer is yes. Marriages performed in Belize are legally binding and recognised in the United States. So, you can have your dream destination wedding in Belize, knowing that your marriage will be valid and legal when you return home.

In conclusion, Belize offers a unique and exotic backdrop for your wedding day, and with the knowledge that your marriage will be internationally recognised, you can focus on creating lasting memories in this beautiful country.

The requirements for getting married in Belize

Belize has become 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. The requirements for getting married in Belize are straightforward and relatively simple. Here is a detailed guide to the requirements:

Residency Requirement:

Firstly, couples must meet the residency requirement. This entails spending a minimum of three days (72 hours) in Belize before submitting their marriage license application. This can be done through the Registrar General's Office in Belize City or the Attorney General's Ministry in Belmopan.

Application Process:

The application process itself takes one day and requires the following documents:

• Proof of citizenship: A valid passport or original birth certificate with a raised seal or signed by a notary public.
• Divorce or widowhood proof (if applicable): This includes an original or certified copy of the divorce or death certificate.
• Senior Justice of the Peace as a witness: A Senior Justice of the Peace must witness the signing of the application.
• Two witnesses: Both a male and female witness are required to be present at the ceremony.

Marriage Ceremony:

After the application is processed, the license to marry will be granted. The wedding ceremony must be performed by either a Senior Justice of the Peace, a boat captain, or a Minister of a registered church.

Registration:

Following the marriage ceremony, the marriage must be registered with the Registry Department. This process takes approximately 10 weeks, after which the marriage certificate will be mailed.

Additional Information:

There is no requirement for a blood test or parental consent if both partners are over 18 years of age. The cost of the license for non-residents is $100 per couple, with an additional administrative fee of $5. Same-sex marriage, unfortunately, is still illegal in Belize.

The application process for a marriage license

Marriages in Belize are legal in the United States. The application process for a marriage license in Belize is relatively simple and straightforward. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to obtain a marriage license:

• Residency Requirement: One or both parties must be in Belize for at least one day before applying for a marriage license. The specific requirement may vary, with some sources stating a minimum of three days of residency.
• Choose a Licensing Authority: Marriage licenses can be obtained from either the Registrar General's Office in Belize City or the Attorney General's Ministry in Belmopan.
• Notice Period: If applying at the Attorney General's Ministry, provide one day's notice before submitting your application.
• Application Submission: Submit the completed application form, along with the required documents, to the chosen licensing authority. The application form must be signed and stamped by a licensed Justice of the Peace (JP).
• Application Processing Time: The processing time for the application is typically one day. After this period, you can pick up your license to marry.
• Required Documents:

• Valid passports with the date of entry stamp.
• Proof of citizenship: This can be 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: Provide proof of divorce (original or certified copy of the divorce certificate) or a certified copy of the death certificate if widowed.
• For minors: Provide a certified copy of the birth certificate, along with the required consent forms signed by parents or guardians.
• For naturalized Belizeans: Provide a certified copy of the nationality certificate.

• Witness Requirement: A Senior Justice of the Peace must witness the signing of the application.
• Application Fee: The cost of the license varies depending on the residency status of the applicants. For couples where both parties are non-Belizean, the fee is $200 or $250, according to different sources. If one or both applicants are Belizean, the cost is $50. An additional administrative fee of $5 may apply.
• Payment Process: Pay the application fee at the Treasury only after receiving provisional approval of your application.
• License Collection: After your application is approved, you can collect your marriage license within one or two days.
• Ceremony Requirements: The wedding ceremony 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, must be present at the ceremony.
• Marriage Registration: After the wedding ceremony, ensure that the marriage is registered with the Registry Department.

The ceremony and who can officiate it

The wedding ceremony can take place in a variety of locations in Belize, including on a beach, in a garden, on a private island, underwater, or at a religious site such as a church or temple. The ceremony can also be held on a catamaran, with the wedding party and marriage officer scuba diving.

The marriage must be officiated by either a Senior Justice of the Peace, a boat captain, or a Minister of a registered church. A Justice of the Peace must also sign the marriage license, along with two witnesses (one male and one female).

The registration of the marriage

Marriages performed in Belize are generally considered valid in the United States. However, it is important to note that each US state has its own marriage regulations, so it is recommended to contact the relevant state's attorney general to confirm the validity of your marriage certificate.

Now, for the registration of the marriage in Belize. The first step is to ensure that you and your partner meet the residency requirements. 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. If you are a resident of Belize, you can simply go to the register together and fill out the application. For those near Belize City, applications must be made at the Registrar General's Office.

The application process itself takes one day and requires several documents, including proof of citizenship (passport or birth certificate), proof of divorce or widowhood (if applicable), and the presence of a Senior Justice of the Peace to witness the signing of the application. After the one-day processing period, you can pick up the license. The cost of the license for non-residents is $100 per couple, or $50 if one of the spouses is a Belizean national, plus a $5 administrative fee. It's important to note that the marriage ceremony 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.

Once the marriage ceremony has been performed, the marriage must be registered with the Registry Department. This step ensures that your marriage is officially recognized and recorded by the Belizean government. You can download the Belize Marriage License Application and scan and email it to the relevant ministry. Overall, getting married in Belize is a relatively straightforward process, and with the increasing popularity of destination weddings, it is becoming a sought-after choice for couples seeking an exotic Caribbean-style location.

Frequently asked questions