09/15/2006 Getting Married

Discover Belize; an Official publication of Belize, 2006

In settings inspired by Mother Nature, couples can chose from rain forest, jungle, rivers, waterfalls, beautiful gardens filled with lush tropical foliage, or coconut palms serving as the marriage canopy on white sandy beaches.

Most resorts have wedding coordinators on staff to assist brides and grooms with planning and preparations for the ceremony. Both religious and civil ceremonies can be performed at any location in the country. A Belizean wedding is legal everywhere in the world and the marriage does not have to be re-registered upon returning home.

Requirements for obtaining a marriage license in Belize are simple. The following is a list of necessary documents:

License
One or both couples must be in Belize for three days prior to applying for a marriage license. A Justice of the peace must sign the marriage license. A license can be obtained in one of two ways.

Registrar General’s Office in Belize City
Telephone: 501-277-7377
Fax: 501-277-0085

Attorney General’s Ministry in Belmopan
Telephone: 501-822-2504
Fax 501-822-3390

One day’s notice is required before you apply at the Attorney General’s Ministry. Cost for non-Belizeans is US $100 per couple.

Passport
Couples must provide valid passports with date of entry stamp.

Citizenship
Proof of citizenship-a valid passport or original birth certificate including father’s name.

Proof of Divorce
An original or certified copy of divorce certificate submitted with license application.

Proof of Widowhood
A certified copy of decree or death certificate submitted with license application.

Blood
No blood test or parental consent is needed for people over 18 years of age.

Witnesses
Two witnesses (male and female) are required at the ceremony. (Hotel staff and/or other guests can be witnesses)

The resort, hotel or wedding coordinator can provide up-to-date information on requirements to assist with the application process.

Telephone the Belize Tourism Board in Belize City at 501-223-1913 or toll free at 1-800-624-0686 for information and assistance with proper contacts.