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Getting
Married in Antigua Fees: The registration fee
of US$50 must be paid in person at the courthouse in the government building on
Queen Elizabeth Highway. The application fee for the special marriage license
is US$150, and the Marriage Officer's fee is US$50. The Ministry of Legal
Affairs is open Monday to Thursday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and on Fridays from 8 am
to 3 pm. Flights which arrive into Antigua after 3 pm will not permit couples
to get to the Ministry of Justice in time to apply for the Special Marriage License.
In such cases, the couple can arrange for the marriage to take place either the
next day after completing the application process, or, on any available day thereafter.
Documents: You both will need valid passports as proof
of citizenship. Make certain your passport has not expired. If either of
you have been previously married, then bring along the original divorce decree.
A widow(er) must bring both the original marriage and death certificates. These
documents must have the raised seal from the court, because photocopies are not
acceptable. It
is essential that original documents are taken to the hotel and anything not in
English must be translated into an English document, which is to be signed and
stamped by a solicitor stating that they are true translation of the original. Are
there any other legal requirements? Both parties must be over 15, if under
18, written authorization from your parents or guardians is required. It is important
that all documents presented are original or certified original by the issuing
departments or offices. Ensure that all documents are in your legal name,
and provide affidavits in cases where you are known by another name. Your marriage
must also be solemnized or celebrated in the presence of two or more witnesses,
apart from the Marriage Officer. (Just ask a guest or two to do this for you).
Is the marriage ceremony legal? The marriage is both legal and
binding. Additionally, consent must be expressed by both parties to accept each
other as husband and wife. Contact Caribbean Info. Office for your Antigua
hotel reservations and to reserve your wedding date. We will assist with all the
arrangements for a romantic wedding ceremony.  |