Getting married in Belize
Belize is an ideal wedding location. Whether you are looking for palm trees, sea, mountains, Mayan ruins, or waterfalls as your backdrop, Belize has no shortage of scenic views. The process is simple, and with some planning, you can have a beautiful wedding in a lovely Caribbean or jungle location.
Good to know:
Gay marriage is not legally recognised in Belize, though ceremonies are still performed.
How to register your marriage in Belize
You must be at least 18 years old to get married in Belize without a parent or guardian's authorisation. You have to be in Belize for at least 3 days before the license can be issued. Applications for a wedding license can be obtained at the Registrar General's Office in Belize City. Documents to be produced are:
- proof of nationality, such as a passport or birth certificate
- your passport showing the date of entry stamp
- a divorce decree or death certificate in case of a previous marriage
The marriage license should be delivered within two working days. Note that you will pay fees of about BZD200 to obtain the certificate and BZD10 for administrative costs.
Two witnesses will be required to sign the license, as well as a Justice of the Peace.
Once you have celebrated your marriage, you are required to register it with the Belize Registry Department.
Useful contact information:
Office of the Registrar General
Belize City
Tel: 011 501 223 5625
Celebrating your wedding
Different types of religious and secular marriages are celebrated in Belize. Catholic, Protestant, Anglican, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, etc. churches and temples are available for weddings. You can also get married on one of the country's beautiful beaches, on a catamaran, in a garden, on a private island, or even under water! The wedding must be officiated by a minister, a justice of the peace, or a boat captain.
Planning a wedding is no small task. If you don't want to do it all yourself, you can hire a wedding planner. Many resorts have wedding planners on staff or will recommend an independent one.
Useful links:
Group Travel wedding planners grouptravel.org/wedding-planners/belize/
Signature Belize wedding planners www.signaturebelizeweddings.com
