Jamaican Wedding
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At one time this was no more than a fleeting dream many brides-to-be would have as they stressed their way through the seemingly endless decisions associated with a traditional wedding at home.
These days, more and more couples are opting for a Jamaican wedding in paradise where the emphasis is on them and not the “details”. But how legal is it?
If your intention of going to Jamaica is to get married, then there are some things you need to make sure that you have in order beforehand.
First of all, you must be over the age of 18. If one or both of you are under 18 then written parental consent must be supplied for whoever is underage.
Both the bride and groom must also supply a birth certificate which shows their nationality, and father’s name.
If either the bride or the groom (or both) has been married before then additional paperwork that proves they are now free to remarry must be shown, such as a death certificate, or a certificate of divorce.
There are other restrictions as regards place, and time of marriages but the legal paperwork is very straightforward.
If you are staying at a hotel, it would be advisable to put your arrangements in the hands of their wedding planner. They will ensure that all the formalities are completed, that you obtain your license on time, and can be married when you want. They can also advise on such things as venue, and if necessary even secure you the services of a photographer or someone to video the marriage.
As long as you comply with all the local necessities, and obtain your license, you can find yourself married in less than 48 hours!
Remember, if you get married in Jamaica, you’re legally married! The marriage is recognized by the US, so don’t do something that you’ll regret later.
Destination Weddings In Jamaica Checklist - 5 Steps You Must Take Before Saying "I Do"
By Dottson Bando
Every year there are thousands of destination weddings in Jamaica. In fact, according to the Jamaica Tourist Board, during 2002 over 10,000 tourists got married in Jamaica!
Yes, couples from all over the world come anticipating... and finding... the most romantic place on earth to say "I Do". If you're contemplating tying the knot in our breathtakingly beautiful island (and need information about the paperwork involved), continue reading to see the 5 steps you must take before getting married in Jamaica.
[1.] The first thing to do is call the Ministry of National Security & Justice about 4 weeks before arriving in Jamaica. You'll need to do this in order to arrange for a marriage license. (The cost of a marriage license is 4 thousand Jamaican dollars - that's currently about US$60 - US$65.) You may contact the Ministry at (876) 906-4923. Opening hours are Monday to Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (All times are Eastern Standard Time and Daylight Saving Time is not observed.)
[2.] Next you'll need to sort out all your documentation for your marriage license. Bring along certified copies of your birth certificate which must include your father's name. You'll need proof of divorce if applicable and a certified copy of the deceased spouse's death certificate if you're a widow or widower. If you're under 18 years old you'll need your parent's written consent.
[3.] Make arrangements with a certified Marriage Officer to conduct the ceremony. There are non-denominational Marriage Officers who will marry you and your fiance/fiancee at the location of your choice. Fees range from around $50 - $250 USD. You'll need 2 witnesses but the Marriage Officer can usually provide witnesses for you.
[4.] You'll need to arrive in Jamaica 24 hours before the time you plan on getting married. It's the law. Use this time to contact your Marriage Officer and iron out any last minute details.
[5.] On your special day, meet your Marriage Officer and make your wedding in Jamaica legally binding.
There you have it! Follow the 5 steps outlined in the checklist above and you too can be officially married in Jamaica.
Please note that Jamaica does not require a blood test in order to issue your marriage license. Also, some hotels have wedding coordinators who will do everything for you... except marrying your intended spouse! There are packages which include all expenses associated with the ceremony and sometimes the wedding coordinator doubles as the Marriage Officer. Prices of packages will vary so shop around first.
[Dottson Bando specializes in sharing well-researched travel information for prospective and returning vacationers to Jamaica. To learn more about destination weddings in Jamaica... and to get instant access to practical information for planning your vacation, visit: http://www.Jamaica-Dream-Vacation.com ]
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
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