Belize Wedding Requirements: Navigating The Paperwork For Your Tropical Nuptials

Belize has become a popular wedding destination for those seeking an exotic Caribbean-style location. With its pristine beaches, lush tropical rainforests, and scenic rivers, it offers a unique backdrop for destination weddings. The country has made it relatively easy for foreigners to get married on its soil, with a straightforward process and minimal requirements. Here's an overview of the documents needed to tie the knot in Belize.

Stay in Belize for 3 days before applying for a marriage license

Belize has become a popular wedding destination for those seeking an exotic Caribbean-style location. The country offers a range of unique settings for weddings, from pristine beaches to lush tropical rainforests and ancient Mayan pyramids. It is also easily accessible from North America, with direct flights available from major cities in the US and Canada.

To get married in Belize, couples must stay in the country for at least three days before applying for a marriage license. This requirement applies to both residents and non-residents. The application process is straightforward and can be completed in one day. After the three-day residency period, couples can submit their application to the Registrar's Office, also known as the Register General's Office, in Belize City. The office's contact details are as follows:

Vital Statistics Office

Telephone: (011) 501-223-5625

Address: Supreme Court Building, Belize City

The application process requires several documents to be presented, 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. There is also a cost associated with obtaining a marriage license. For non-residents, the fee is US$100 per couple, while it is US$50 if one of the couples is a Belizean citizen. An additional administrative fee of US$5 also applies. It is important to note that the marriage must be registered with the Registry Department after the wedding ceremony.

Overall, getting married in Belize is a relatively simple process, and the country's diverse and exotic locations make it an attractive choice for destination weddings.

Submit the application to the Registrar's Office

To submit the application to the Registrar's Office, you must first ensure that you meet the residency requirements. Couples must be in Belize for at least three days (72 hours) before their marriage license application can be processed.

On the first business day after this three-day residency period, the marriage application can be submitted to the Registrar's Office. The application must be submitted in person by both applicants to either the Registrar General's Office in Belize City or the Attorney General's Ministry in Belmopan. It is important to note that if applying at the Attorney General's Ministry, one day's notice is required before submitting the application.

The application form must be filled out by both applicants and signed and stamped by a licensed Justice of the Peace (JP). Along with the completed application form, couples must provide valid passports with an entry stamp and proof of citizenship. This can be in the form of an original birth certificate with a raised seal, signed by a notary public, and including the father's name, or a valid passport.

If either party was previously married, proof of divorce or widowhood is required. This can be in the form of an original or certified copy of the divorce or death certificate. All documents must be certified and stamped by a Justice of the Peace, stating that they are true copies of the original documents.

The application process typically takes one day, and there is a processing fee involved. For couples where one or both individuals are Belizean, the cost is $50. If both applicants are non-Belizean, the cost is $100 for residents and $200 or $250 for non-residents. The license to marry will be ready for pickup one or two days after approval.

Provide proof of citizenship

To get married in Belize, you must provide proof of citizenship. This can be done by presenting your original birth certificate or a valid passport. The birth certificate must have a raised seal or be signed by a notary public and include the name of your father. If you are a naturalized Belizean, you will also need to provide a certified copy of your nationality certificate.

It is important to note that all foreign documents must be notarized by a notary public. This means that if you are using a birth certificate or passport from another country, it must be certified as a true copy by a notary public.

In addition to proof of citizenship, you will also need to provide a copy of your national ID, such as a passport or social security card, which has been stamped and certified by a Justice of the Peace (JP). All signatures on the application form must closely match the signature on the ID presented.

If you are a minor, additional documents are required, including a certified copy of your birth certificate and consent forms signed by your parent(s) or guardian. If you are a naturalized Belizean minor, you will also need to provide a certified copy of your nationality certificate.

By ensuring that you have the correct documentation, you can smoothly navigate the process of providing proof of citizenship when applying for a marriage license in Belize.

Pay the license fee

To obtain a marriage license in Belize, you must pay the license fee. The cost of the license depends on the residency status of the couple. If one or both applicants are Belizean, the cost is $50. If both applicants are non-Belizean, the cost is $200 according to the Attorney General's Ministry of Belize. However, some sources state that the cost for non-residents is $100 per couple, with a reduced fee of $50 if the couple has been domiciled in Belize for at least three days before the wedding. There is also an additional administrative fee of $5.

The fees are to be paid at the Treasury, but applicants are advised not to pay until they have received provisional approval of their application. Once the application is approved, the marriage license can be obtained within one to two days.

Have the right officiant and witnesses

The wedding ceremony in Belize must be performed by either a Senior Justice of the Peace, a boat captain, or a Minister of a registered church. A Senior Justice of the Peace is also required to witness the signing of the application. If you are staying at a hotel, the hotel staff can be witnesses, and there are usually guests who are willing to stand in as witnesses too.

The wedding ceremony requires two witnesses, one male and one female. If you are travelling alone, don't worry, as hotel staff and/or guests are usually happy to be witnesses.

Frequently asked questions