How to Get Married in the British Virgin Islands

Obtaining Your Marriage License: Upon arrival, you can apply for a marriage license at the Attorney General’s office, located in the Central Administration Complex in Road Town, Tortola.

After application for a license, go to the Registrar’s Office in Tortola (weekdays 9-3:30); the office is located above the Post Office. The registrar also serves as marriage officer and will request the names, ages, and occupations of the two parties and the names of two witnesses. You’ll also need to pay the registrar’s fee ($35 for an office wedding and up to $100 outside the office). If your wedding is taking place off Tortola, you’ll also have to pay for transportation (which can as much as $40.)

Church Weddings: Church weddings can be arranged, but you must publish banns on three consecutive Saturdays or Sundays in that church and make arrangements with the minister.

Cost: The costof the marriage license is $110. (That cost drops to $50 if you’ve been in the BVI 15 days or more.)

Paperwork Requirements: Bring a passport or original birth certificate and photo ID as well as proof of divorce or death of former spouse if applicable.

Blood Tests: No blood tests are necessary.

Waiting Period: You’ll need three days for processing of the license.

Witnesses: You’ll need two witnesses present at the signing of the license application and the marriage ceremony. The witnesses don’t have to be the same for both activities, however, and if the two of you are traveling alone, you can ask local residents, hotel employees, or even someone in the Attorney General’s office to be your witnesses.

For More Information: For more information, contact the Registrar’s Office, PO Box 418, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands; tel. 284.494.3701, extension 5001.

The British Virgin Islands’s official website has an excellent section with more on wedding regulations as well as information on local photographers, churches, and wedding planners; see www.bvitouristboard.com/weddings/rules.php3

Related Pages:

• wedding regulations in other destinations

Note: Lovetripper.com provides the above information for guidance purposes only. Couples should verify all information with the consulate from their respective countries and with the local offices before making any plans.