Getting Married in Antigua

If you are considering a wedding or renewing your vows in paradise, here are a few handy facts about legal requirements for getting a marriage license here in Antigua.

Special License:

1. Valid passport, or birth certificate and valid ID picture: e.g. driver’s license or state issued ID (UK / European residents, beware, the latter refers to US citizens; lose your passport and you can not marry!)
2. Proof of Status: Single – a declaration is signed within Antigua and Barbuda - Divorced – Original Decree Absolute which includes the seal of the court where the Decree is issued – Widow / Widower – Marriage Certificate and Death Certificate of husband / wife
3. Application form is filled out and signed at the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs in St. John’s
4. All applicants must be over the age of 18 years old. If under, then written parental consent must be obtained
5. There is NO waiting time in the country in order to obtain a Special License
6. The petition for a Special License shall be accompanied by a fee of
   US$ 150.00
7. Both party must be present at the time of the application

Ordinary License:

1. Valid test passport, or birth certificate and valid ID picture: e.g driver’s license or state issued ID (UK / European residents, beware, the latter refers to U.S citizens; lose your passport and you can not marry!)
2. Proof of Status – Single – a declaration is signed within Antigua and Barbuda or letter stating status by some person well known in the community - Divorced – Original Decree Absolute which includes the seal of the court where the Decree is issued or certified copy of Decree which includes the seal of the court where the Decree is issued – Widow / Widower – Marriage Certificate and Death Certificate of husband / wife
3. Application form is filled out and signed at the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs in St. John’s
4. All applicants must be over the age of 18 years old. If under, then written parental consent must be obtained
5. One of the parties must be resident in Antigua and Barbuda for a period of 15 days immediately preceding the date of the application for a license
6. The petition for an Ordinary License shall be accompanied by a fee of EC$ 100.00
7. Both parties must be present at the time of application

Ceremony:

1. The wedding is performed by the Registrar, Deputy Registrar, Assistant Registrar or any of the marriage Officers
2. The day selected for the ceremony depends upon the parties
3. There is a registration fee of EC$ 100.00 or US$ 40.00 to be paid at the Registrar’s Office
4. If the wedding ceremony is to be performed outside of the Courthouse, please note that there is a marriage officer fee of US$ 100.00
5. Ceremonies can be performed between the hours of 6:00 am and 8:00 PM
6. Every marriage must be solemnized or celebrated in the presence of two or more credible witnesses

Change of Name:

If a change of name has taken place in the case of any applicant, then the Deed Poll under which this was done must be produced.