Barbados does not require advance notice to get married, so you can say "I do!" on the day of your arrival if you like. The law allows an official marriage ceremony to take place as soon as a license is obtained. No hassle, no waiting>LOVE it!
>> Getting the License
>> Arrangements
>> Fees
>> Picking the Perfect Spot
>> Churches
>> Romantic & Exotic
>> Getting Married on a Cruise
Getting the license
Having a wedding in an exotic destination often means your mired in paperwork. Not so in Barbados. It's almost as easy as Las Vegas, but oh so much more beautiful.
Application for a marriage license must be made by both parties in person, at the office of the Ministry of Home Affairs in Bridgetown (Tel: 246-228-8950)
Documents Required:
- Valid Passports or the original or certified copies of the applicants' birth certificates;
- If either party was married previously and widowed , a certified copy of the marriage certificate and death certificate in respect of the deceased spouse;
- If either party was divorced , an original decree absolute or a certified copy of Final Judgment not decree Nisi.
N.B. All documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
>> return to top
Arrangements:
Arrangements should be made with a Marriage Officer (a Magistrate or a Minister of religion authorized to be a Marriage Officer) prior to the completion of an application form for the license. A letter from the Marriage Officer who has consented to perform the marriage ceremony should be presented at the time of filing the application.
The Bajan marriage license was crafted back in the 1800s and retains the quaint charm of its English origins.
Unmarried women who are not widowed or divorced are called spinsters, but don't be offended: The term spinster actually dates back to the 14th century, referring to women who spun thread for a living > from thread spinner to dream weaver.
An unmarried man who is not widowed or divorced is called a bachelor–did you know that comes from a term meaning knight in training, or vassal farmer? So, you don't have your shining armor just yet.
The custom of naming your father and his occupation is to ensure that you are who you say you are, and to differentiate between people who had the same name> Mary Smith, daughter of John Smith, Tanner as opposed to the Mary Smith, daughter of John Smith, Tailor. Citing your occupation and residence was for the same reason: John Doe, Blacksmith, In the valley, as opposed to the John Doe, Blacksmith, On the hill. It's sweet really, and makes your Marriage certificate an important historical document.
A marriage may be solemnized immediately after the issue of the license.
>> return to top
Fees:
- Bds$150.00 cash and a $25.00 stamp
Separate fees are payable to the Court and to the Magistrate in respect of civil marriage ceremonies.
- On the Beach - Bds$350.00
- At the Court - Bds$250.00
>> return to top
Picking the Perfect Spot
Whether you choose a church, synagogue, sandy beach or sugar mill, the fantasies that fill your dreams and float in your imagination exist in resplendent reality somewhere on the island. Let us help you find it.
>> return to top
Churches
| The Abundant Life Assembly
Bank Hall House
Bank Hall
St. Michael
Barbados
Tel: (246)427-9166
|
The Anglican Church
Diocesan Office
Mandeville House
St. Michael
Barbados
Tel: (246)426-2762 |
African Methodist Episcopal
C/o Presiding Elder
Upper Collymore Rock
St. Michael
Barbados
Tel: (246) 427-1046
|
The Methodist Church
James Street Church Office
James Street
Bridgetown
Barbados
Tel: (246) 436-6859 |
Bridgetown Diocese of Roman Catholic Ch.
St. Patrick Presbytery
P.O. Box 1223
Jemmotts Lane
St. Michael
Barbados
Tel: (246)426-3510
|
The Moravian Church
Calvary Office
Roebuck Street
St. Michael
Barbados
Tel: (246) 426-2337 |
Salvation Army
Divisional Headquarters
Reed Street
Bridgetown
Tel: (246) 426-2467
(246) 228-1361
|
New Testament Church of God
River Road
St. Michael
Barbados
Tel: (246) 426-1359 |
Church of the Nazarene
District Office
Eagle Hall
St. Michael
Barbados
Tel: (246) 425-1087
|
People’s Cathedral
Bishop’s Court Hill
St. Michael
Barbados
Tel: (246) 429-2145 |
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints
West Indies Mission
14 Walkers Terrace
St George
Barbados
Tel: (246)429-1385
|
Wesleyan Holiness Church
District Headquarters
Whitepark Road
St. Michael
Barbados
Tel: (246)429-3692 |
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses
Crusher Site Road
St. Michael
Barbados
Tel: (246) 424-9170
|
Pentecostal Assemblies of W. I.
P.O Box 23 W
Worthing
Christ Church
Barbados
Tel: (246) 429-7378
|
Eastern Caribbean Conference of Seventh Day
Adventists
Brittons Hill
St Michael
Barbados
Tel: (246) 429-7234 |
Baptists Churches of Barbados
Baptists Convention
Emmanuel Baptists
President Kennedy Drive
St. Michael
Barbados
Tel:(246) 426-2697 |
JEWISH SYNAGOGUE
There is no Rabbi in Barbados and non-Jews are not allowed to use the Synagogue. Those who would like to get married in the Synagogue must bring their own Rabbi. There is a rental fee of US$1,500. Contact: Jimmy Altman – altman@caribsurf.com
>> return to top
Romantic & Exotic:
Sunbury Plantation House,
located in the tranquil St. Philip countryside, is a living monument to 17th century plantation life. Carefully restored and lovingly cherished by its owners, Mr. and Mrs. Melville have filled the house and grounds with echoes of the past, from carriages to carts to canopied beds. The great house, together with the landscaped gardens and Mahogany Woods, evoke the graceful romance of a bygone era.
http://www.barbados.org/sunbury.htm
http://www.barbadosgreathouse.com/functions.cfm
Fisher Pond Great House
The magnificent 350-year-old Fisher Pond great house, near the east coast of Barbados, is the epitome of old-world charm. The landscape offers a perfect setting for a garden altar, with terraces(?) for a delectable brunch (EVENING AVAILABLE?) and dancing. The original furnishings from the plantation era make an ideal backdrop for classic and elegant photographic memories.
Flower Forest
Perhaps your dream wedding is set in a secret garden, walking on a winding path heady with clusters of heliconia, orchids and begonias three feet high with leaves the size of your hand; surrounded by brilliant color, lush bloom and the scent of damp soil–a lovely metaphor for the growth and blossoming of your life together, not to mention the exciting possibility of an unexpected guest–a green monkey dropping in to join the proceedings.
www.barbados.org/sightseeing/flowerforest/
Orchid World
Orchids are usually seen in a wedding bouquet, but here you can be standing in the middle of the bouquet! A waterfall, a coral grotto and the abundance of exotic orchids (which symbolize wealth, love, and beauty, amongst other lovely sentiments) make this a bewitching spot for a memorable wedding.
www.barbados.org/sightseeing/orchidworld/
>> return to top
Getting Married on a Cruise
>> return to top
|
Home
