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Cultures and faiths · Caribbean weddings

What are the legal requirements for getting married in the Caribbean as a UK couple?

Answered by the UK Wedding Websites editorial team · Updated 2026-10-12

Short answer

Each Caribbean island sets its own rules, so you must follow the local process where you marry rather than UK notice. Check GOV.UK and the island's registry for current requirements before you travel.

There is no single rule for the whole Caribbean. Every island has its own registry and its own forms, fees and waiting periods. Some islands ask for a licence before you arrive, while others let you apply once you are there. Most require passports, birth certificates and, if you were previously married, proof that the marriage ended.

You may also need documents to be certified or apostilled in the UK before travel. Some islands impose a residency period, meaning you must be on the island for a few days before the ceremony. Others offer faster routes for weddings booked through a licensed venue or planner.

Your marriage will be recorded under local law, not UK law. On returning home, check how to register or record the marriage with UK authorities. Because these rules vary and can change, confirm the exact steps on GOV.UK and with the island's register office before you book flights.

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