The Cayman Islands government makes it easy for couples to get married while visiting the Island. Couples should select their wedding celebrant (Civil Registrar/Marriage Officer) in advance and provide a letter of authorization, proof of age and marital status (legal divorce decree or death certificate), the International Embarkation/Disembarkation card from the airline or cruise ship and two witnesses over 18 years of age.
Affidavits
The Cayman Islands are a popular wedding location among American couples. Couples who plan to marry here must follow a few legal processes, which include having Banns of Marriage published and obtaining a Special Marriage Licence. Affidavits are a key component of this process and help verify that the information in the document is true and correct. Affidavits are important documents that can be used in a variety of situations. They are sworn under oath by the deponent and must be signed by a notary public or designated authority. In addition, the deponent may need to prepare multiple copies of the affidavit for record-keeping and submission to concerned parties or leaders.
Non-residents of the Cayman Islands who wish to marry in the country must submit several documents, including a letter from their wedding celebrant confirming their appointment, original passports showing citizenship and age (or photo ID), proof of marital status, a valid divorce decree or death certificate (if applicable) and immigration department card. Those who arrive on cruise ships docked in the Cayman Islands can get married on the same day that they land. The wedding ceremony can occur at different wedding venues in the Grand Cayman Islands, fitting the couple’s vision for their big day. A typical wedding includes the traditional toasts and cake cutting before the couple is pronounced husband and wife.
Banns of Marriage
The Banns of Marriage may seem archaic these days, but they play an important role in the legal process that must take place before you can get married in the Cayman Islands. The banns are a public notice proclaiming your intention to marry. It gives any person who has an objection the opportunity to make that known. You can proceed with your wedding ceremony if the banns are read and no one objects. Your Civil Registrar/Marriage Officer (or wedding celebrant) will publish the banns for seven business days before your ceremony. Non-residents must obtain a special marriage license to be married in the Cayman Islands. The marriage license costs $250 and should be arranged through your celebrant before you arrive on the Island. You will also need certified copies of your passports, proof of age (passport or birth certificate), and proof of marital status (legal divorce decree or death certificate if applicable). You will also need to submit your Immigration slip, which you receive upon arrival on the Island.
Your marriage celebrant will arrange for a copy of your Registered Marriage Certificate to be obtained from the General Registry office in George Town (1st Floor, Citrus Grove Building, Goring Avenue). This document is the official record of your marriage. It includes information about your wedding, the raised seal of the Registrar General’s Office, and the Cayman Islands coat of arms as a watermark. It is your legal marriage certificate and should be kept safe with other important documents.
Non-Resident Marriage Licence
For visitors to the Cayman Islands who wish to marry, a Special Marriage Licence must be obtained. It can be arranged as soon as you arrive on-Island and costs CI$200. The process is fairly easy, and once you have selected your wedding celebrant (a Civil Registrar/Marriage Officer) during the initial consultation, they will assess your documentation to ensure that all is in order and then arrange to apply for the license. When applying for a license, you must produce two forms of identification. These include your passport or a valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state or federal ID, etc.). You must also supply details of previous marriages, including complete divorce decrees or death certificates for deceased spouses. Once your application is approved, you must wait 24 hours before the ceremony. It is important as it allows time for any outstanding documents to be produced. Having a lawyer in your corner to help you get all of the legal requirements for getting married in the Cayman Islands squared away is essential.
Marriage Certificate
For many brides-to-be, getting married on a picturesque white sand beach fulfills a lifetime’s dreams. However, a legal process must be followed before such a ceremony occurs. Several steps must be taken, regardless of whether you are a resident or just visiting the Cayman Islands. A couple must select a marriage officer (Civil Registrar or Marriage Officer) to conduct their ceremony. A list of marriage officers is available from the District Commissioner’s office. The celebrant must check that all the required documents are in order and signed by both parties.
The celebrant will also require proof of citizenship for both parties and, if relevant, evidence that they are not otherwise forbidden from getting married in addition to a valid photo ID. The couple must also provide a Decree Absolute or Death Certificate to change names on their official documentation, such as passports, driver’s licenses, and bank accounts. Once all the necessary documents are completed, they must be sent to the City Clerk’s office by certified mail for processing. The physical marriage certificate is then sent to the couple. It is important to remember that this is an official document and should be treated as such and stored securely.