Skip to Main Content

Legal Requirements

 

Zoëtry Montego Bay Jamaica

Jamaican law stipulates that the wedding couple only needs to be on the island two business days (48 hours not including the arrival day) in advance. Non-legal ceremonies allow for flexibility for arrival date. Nonetheless we would advise you to come at least three days in advance to meet with the wedding coordinator and marriage officer and go through the final details regarding the wedding.  

A marriage officer recognized by the Jamaican Government must conduct the ceremony. The following documents are required for a license and is to be sent via private courier (e.g. DHL, FedEx) to the wedding coordinator to: Zoëtry Montego Bay Jamaica, Mahoe Bay, Ironshore Main Rd., Montego Bay, Jamaica at least eight weeks prior to the couple’s arrival to the hotel:  

  • Proof of citizenship – certified (or notarized) copy of Birth Certificate, which includes father’s name.  
  • Notarized copies of Bride(s) and Groom(s)’ official ID (Passports).  
  • Proof of divorce if applicable (original or notarized copies of certificate of divorce).  
  • Notarized copy of death certificate for widow or widower.  
  • Any other name legal change documents  
  • Occupation of both candidates.  
  • Full names of both sets of parents.  
  • Italian and (some European) nationals celebrating their wedding in Jamaica must notify their embassy and have a certified copy of their marriage certificate forwarded to their embassy to be legalized and translated.  
  • French Canadians need a notarized translated copy of all documents and a photocopy of the original French documents. 

After signing the Marriage Registrar forms, the Minister sends the documents signed by the couple to the Registrar General Department (Government Agency that processes marriage certificates). After the ceremony, the couple will receive a copy of the Marriage Register that the Officer will take to the Registrar General in Kingston, Jamaica in order to obtain your Official Certificate. This process takes approximately three months and will courier the documents as soon as the minister receives it from the Registrar’s Office.  

*None of the above-mentioned services are included in the Wedding Packages. Legal fees covers application of license and certificates of the government stipulated process.  

Symbolic/ Non-Legal: $300 required for Renewal of Vows Ceremonies to cover the minister and a certificate. Fees not included in any of the Zoëtry Wedding Packages. A Marriage certificate is required.