Famous for its beautiful beaches, Antigua makes for a truly romantic destination wedding.
The islands of Antigua & Barbuda offer a choice of settings, from tropical hilltop gardens to gorgeous white sand beaches fringed by gently swaying palm trees – ideal for that long dreamt of beach wedding!
There are three simple steps to getting married in Antigua: Visit the Ministry of Justice located on lower Nevis Street in downtown St. John’s with your valid passports, complete the application and pay the applicable fees, then confirm a date and time for the ceremony with a Marriage Officer.
Marriages performed in Antigua are internationally recognised and legally binding.
None, in order to obtain a Special Marriage Licence; but 15 days for an Ordinary Licence.
There are two types of marriage licences available in Antigua & Barbuda. For most visitors, the Special Licence is the easier option.
For a Special Marriage Licence, there is no waiting time. The application fee is USD$150. Both parties must be present at the time of the application.
For an Ordinary Marriage Licence, one of the parties must be resident in Antigua & Barbuda for a period of 15 days immediately preceding the date of the application for the licence.
Additionally, you need a Proof of Status – Single declaration signed within Antigua and Barbuda stating single status by some person well known in the community. The ordinary licence registration fee is USD$37.
Ensure that all documents are in your legal name, and provide affidavits in cases where you are known by another name. Originals (or certified copies) of the following documentation are required.
All documents must be in English; if not, they must be translated and notarized.
Documents required for a legal wedding in Antigua, include…For a church wedding you need permission from the church authorities where you wish to be married. Some churches require pre-nuptial consultations. Allow some extra time if planning a church ceremony.
European Union citizens (except the United Kingdom and Ireland) may need to have their Registered Marriage Certificate apostilled (or authenticated).
This does not apply to citizens of United States, Canada, Australia or New Zealand. Citizens of Asian countries, South and Central America should check with their Civil Registrar/Marriage Officer as to whether an apostille is required for your country.
USD$240: consisting of registration fee – USD$40, application fee for Special Marriage License – USD$150, Marriage Officer's fee – USD$50 (or USD$100 if the wedding ceremony is to be performed outside of the Courthouse). Certified copy of the marriage certificate – USD$10.
Many hotels offer comprehensive assistance to couples planning their destination wedding in Antigua.
Further information: Contact Antigua and Barbuda Department of Tourism or the Marriage Co-ordinator, Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs (Tel: (268) 562-0381/462-0017/19 ).
If you are overseas and need a marriage licence call the office directly and for instructions on how to apply. You will need to provide the groom's name, the bride's maiden name, place of marriage (hotel, etc), and date of marriage.
Please note: while accurate at time of publication this information is for guidance purposes only and liable to change without notice. Please check with your wedding planner at your resort of choice or the relevant embassy of the country in which you intend to marry for up-to-date details before your wedding.
Latest update: How to get married in Antigua: 13 January, 2023
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