Weddings on Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands

More and more people are choosing Providenciales as the location of their marriage.  This article will briefly give an overview of the requirements and the process for getting married in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Choosing a Wedding Planner

Most people choose to employ a wedding planner, who will usually arrange all aspects of the event, including legal paperwork, catering, and photography.  We recommend that you use a planner to ensure that everything runs smoothly.

Alexandra Resort - Dream Weddings The condominium/resort Alexandra offers wedding packages. www.alexandraresort.com/dreamwedding.asp  (649) 946-4686

Elegant Weddings by Dee www.weddingsturkscaicos.com  1 (954) 323-8365

NILA Destinations The foremost wedding planner on Providenciales. www.nilavacations.com (649) 231-3986

Licence Requirements

The following are the requirements for obtaining a marriage licence in the Turks and Caicos:

1. Passport
2. Original Birth Certificate
3. Both parties must be in the Turks and Caicos Islands for at least 24 hours before the licence application can be made.  The ceremony can take place 48 hours after the licence is granted.
4. Poof of marital status.
   Single - Sworn affidavit stating this from the applicant's home country.
   Divorcee - Divorce Decree, either original or notarized copy sealed by a Court Clerk.
   Widow/Widower - Death certificate, either original or notarized copy.
   
5. In case of name change, either Deed Poll or adoption papers.
6. If either party is under 21, the consent of both parents or guardians is required, in the form of an affidavit stamped by a Notary Public.
7. The marriage cannot be within the prohibited degree of relationship.
8. Letters stating occupation, martial status, age as of last birthday, present address, and father's full name.
9. For church weddings, some ministers may require proof of membership.
10. The parties must produce evidence of arrival date in the Islands, usually in the form of a passport stamp.
11. A licence fee of $100.

A blood test is not necessary. Any documents not in English must be translated and notarized by the applicable consulate.

The licence must be obtained from the Registrar Office before the ceremony can take place.  If you have any questions, call the Registrar Office in Providenciales for more information.

Registrar Office - Providenciales Open Monday - Friday from 9:30 - 4:30.  Open to the public. (649) 946-2800

The Ceremony

The marriage ceremony can be conducted by a Minister or Justice of the Peace (the Marriage Officer), at a place of your choosing.

To obtain a copy of your marriage certificate, you will need to inform your marriage officer and complete the necessary forms.  A copy will then be sent to your home address.

There is no provision for marriages to be registered in the persons home country, as records are kept in the Turks and Caicos Islands.