For more complete information please take a look at Getting Married in Belize (https://ambergriscaye.com/pages/town/marriage.html).
You must reside in Belize for three days before you can apply for a
minister’s license to marry. One day’s prior notice is needed. You will
need proof of citizenship (certified copy of birth certificate, signed
by a public notary, which includes father’s name) ; proof of divorce if
applicable (certified copy or original certificate of divorce); copy of
death certificate for widow or widower. You don’t need a blood test or
parents consent if over 18. The ceremony is performed by the Registrar
General in Belize City or by a Justice of the Peace in other areas. The
General Registry can be contacted at Telephone 501-2-77377, Supreme
Court Building, Belize City.
http://BelizeWeddings.com is a great resource.
Legal Requirements - Registry Department
Most hotels will help with your arrangements
including securing a minister or officer of the court to perform the
ceremony. However, if you wish to make these arrangements on your own,
please contact the Registry Department before you leave home to secure
a licensed person and court date to perform a legal ceremony.
Your marriage in Belize will be valid internationally.
1. Both parties must be in Belize at least three days before applying for a marriage license.
2. Forms can be obtained from two locations: General Registry, Supreme
Court Building, Belize City and Attorney General Office, Belmopan.
3. Forms must be completed and signed in the presence of a Justice of the Peace (J.P.). Ask for J.P.s in your area.
4. Completed forms along with the following must be presented to General Registry or Attorney General:
-Proof of Citizenship in the form of an ID card or Passport
-Photocopies of your passport showing your picture and date of entry into --Belize
-Proof of Marital status, if widowed or divorced
-Marriage license fee (US $100)
5. The normal approval time is one week
6. Two witnesses who can be local volunteers willing to help, must
accompany couples who have a legal ceremony in court. Cost: US $5
LEGAL COSTS
Marriage license - $100 US
Legal ceremony in court - $5 US
Religious officer - Varies (donations to the churches and schools welcome)
Registry Department Contact Information
Registry Department
Treasury Lane
Belize City
Telephone: 011-501-227-7377
Fax: 011-501-227-0181
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday 8 am - 12 nn | 1 pm - 5 pm
DOING IT ON YOUR OWN
To get the festive elements of your wedding organized you can choose to
do it yourself or request the assistance of your resort, hotel or tour
operator. With most hotels offering personal service yours is sure to
have some experience in making these arrangements. There are often
often wedding and honeymoon packages complete with accommodations for
the happy couple and as many family and friends that wish to come
along,someone licensed to perform the ceremony, catering, room service
and decorations to your specifications.
With the paperwork and legal ceremony complete in Belize City, you can
have your dream wedding in whatever setting you choose, using anyone as
your minister. Remember this is where you get to be creative and have
fun.
RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES
Belize has a wide variety of religious denominations including: Roman
Catholic, Anglican, Episcopalian, Methodist, Faith Assembly of God,
Jehovah’s Witness, Baptist, Mormon, Mennonite and Hindu.
HELPFUL TIPS
1. Request a fax of the marriage license application from the Registry
Department before your arrival for your personal revision.
2. Be present at the Registry Department to make your application as
early as you can, especially if you have a short stay in Belize.
3. If you have guest and family coming for the wedding, ask hotels to
provide itineraries for your honeymoon and a separate one for the rest
of the party.
4. Once you have some details on what you want your wedding to be like
- i.e. # in your party, length of stay, type of ceremony, where you
want to honeymoon, and any special requirements, we encourage you to
request quotations and packages from a variety of providers. We would
be happy to forward your request for direct responses to you if you
complete the form on our contact page.
5. There are very few traditional bridal shops in the country so either
bring your wedding attire or choose from colorful tropical attire in
the local gift shops. However, remember that there are less shopping
choices the further away you get from the main towns.
6. If you plan to get married at an Archaeological Reserve, (Maya
Ruins, sites), please fax a letter requesting permission one week
before the ceremony. Letters should be faxed to the Commissioner of
Archaeology, Mr. George Thompson, at 822-3345. Please include the date
and time of ceremony; names of bride, groom; priest or Justice of the
Peace; and site of ceremony.
Please contact the Department of Archaeology at telephone # 522-2227 or
822-2106 and fax # 822-3345 for conditions for weddings being held at
archaeological parks in Belize.
|