Many wedding couples choose to be legally married in the United States, preceded or followed by a symbolic wedding ceremony in resort with family and friends. Symbolic weddings are less costly, and a great choice for busy couples that prefer to bypass gathering and completing the documentation required for a legally-binding ceremony in a foreign country.
The table below has been designed to provide a general guide of the documentation, etc. that is required for legally-binding marriage ceremonies in Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. Other restrictions or requirements may apply, or requirements may change, so for the most accurate and current information, be sure to check with the embassy/consulate of the country in which you are marrying (contact information provided below). Information is valid for US citizens only, at the time of printing (October 2012). Apple Vacations does not accept and expressly disclaims any responsibility arising from your reliance on the information provided on the table above.
General Guide of requirements for legally-binding ceremonies at a glance: | |||
| All documentation below must be notarized | Mexico | Jamaica | Dominican Republic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valid U.S. Passport | original & copies | • | • |
| Picture ID (in addition to passport) | original & copies | ||
| Entry Visa or Tourist Card (obtained at resort airport) | original & copies | ||
| Birth Certificate | original & copies | copy | original |
| Minimum Residency Requirement | 4 working days | 2 working days | 2 working days |
| Minimum Age Requirement | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| Local Blood Test | • | ||
| Proof of Divorce (min. date requirements apply) | • | • | • |
| Certified death certificate (min. date requirements apply) | • | • | • |
| Documents translated into local language | • | • | |
| Single Status Declaration (obtain at D.R. Consulate in U.S.) | • | ||
| Completed application for Civil Marriage | • | • | • |
| ID of Witnesses (passport, picture ID, tourist card) | original & copies | • | |
| Documentation of adoption/name change | • | • | • |
Information is valid for US citizens only. The information above has been obtained from the official government websites listed below. Apple Vacations does not accept and expressly disclaims any responsibility arising from your reliance on the information provided on the table above.
Note: Documentation described above must be sent to resort at approximately 4 weeks prior to arrival. Please check with your wedding coordinator. When marrying in a foreign country, it may take several months to receive your marriage certificate by mail.
Official website of Mexico Tourism: visitmexico.com
The U.S. Mexican Consulate in
Washington, D.C.
Phone: (202)736-1000
http://portal.sre.gob.mx/usa
Official website of the Jamaica Tourist Board: visitjamaica.com
Embassy of Jamaica, Washington D.C.
Phone: (202) 452-0660
Email: firstsec@jamaicaembassy.org
www.EmbassyofJamaica.org
Official website of Dominican Republic Tourism: godominicanrepublic.com
Dominican Republic Consulate,
Washington D.C.
Phone: (202) 332-7670
For instructions on how to apply for a marriage license, call the local offices of the Department of Health:
Hawaii (Big Island) - (808) 974-6008
Kauai - (808) 241-3498
Oahu - (808) 586-4544
Maui - (808) 984-8210
Molokai - (808) 553-3208
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