Having a Friend or Family Member Officiate in Jamaica?

[ssleenyc]

I always thought I would get married very traditional, in a church. I'm so happy and excited about doing destination in jamaica but looks like that won't be happening.

 

If I'm not doing church, I would rather be married by a friend or family member who did one of those online officiant things than by a stranger in Jamaica.

 

Does anyone know if this is possible in Jamaica?

[Banana11]

I don't believe that is possible. The person marrying you has to be certified or something like that by the Jamaican government. We were just married in Ocho Rios and had the best minister! He was a last minute fill in when our original person didn't show up. I was so impressed with him, especially because he had to rush over at the last moment. He gave a beautiful ceremony and palm blessing for us! His name is Rev. Garland Black.

[marshall1980]

I'm getting married at the RIU Mo Bay & considering having my FI cousin perform our ceremony. The WC said that this would be fine, but a Jamaican officiant has to present during the ceremony and for the signing of the certificate. They are willing to work with us to incorporate this into our ceremony. Hope that helps!

[pugmomjenn]

I think the previous poster is correct...you can have your own officiant but you also have to have a Jamaican officiant as well for it to be official. Good luck!

[JUSTUSTWO]

I recall a few ROR brides using their own officiciants as well. You should definitely check with the WC at the resort that you chose.

[ErinB]

If you get married before or after legally, you can have anyone symbolically marry you.

 

If you still want to be married in Jamaica, the Jamaican officiant has to stand at the altar and witness the ceremony and he has to be the one the actually say 'I pronounce you man and wife'

[JenniferSS]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ErinB If you get married before or after legally, you can have anyone symbolically marry you. If you still want to be married in Jamaica, the Jamaican officiant has to stand at the altar and witness the ceremony and he has to be the one the actually say 'I pronounce you man and wife'

Absolutely correct!!

[ashrose]

Yeah... I chose not to get married in Jamaica for the exact reason -- I wanted to fly someone in to officiate and wanted them to actually pronounce us man and wife....

 

We'll just visit Jamaica later I suppose.

[trina0724]

We are having my BIL officiate, but we are getting legally married in the states first.

[spunkypnay]

I am doing the same thing. I am getting married in the states first. We will then do a renewal of vows package which generally costs much less than a wedding. My FI best friend who is a pastor will then marry us in Jamaica. Great idea, you don't have to wait 3-6 months or so to receive your wedding certificate.