Is a Caribbean wedding legally recognized in the US?

PandaNYC · February 9, 2010

If I am getting married in Turks & Caicos, how do I go about getting my marriage legally recognized in the US? Do I need to take the paperwork somewhere? Anyone have a clue? I live in New York City. Thanks!

JanineA · February 10, 2010

Hi Panda it is my understanding that marriages performed outside of the US are legally binding and recognized within the US by presenting you certificate of marriage. You will be given a certificate of marriage in TC which you can then register here in the US or not. I know that here in Miami I can register mine at the County Clerk's office but not sure what the procedures are in NY. I did a bit of a search and I think that if you try contacting the Marriage Bureau at the Office of the City Clerk for New York City they may be able to answer any questions you may have. If you live outside of the five boroughs the phone number is 212-NEW-YORK. If you live within the boroughs simply dial 311.

Here is a link to their website City Clerk's Office - Marriage Bureau

I hope you find all the info you need. Good Luck!

JanineA · February 10, 2010

The reason I said you can register it or not is because in Miami you have the option also of not registering and simply presenting your TC marriage certificate whenever asked for it. Of course with the growing suspicion of most agencies it is advisable that you register it and use the US registered copy to do any name changes etc. Once it has an official govt seal from the issuing country, in this case TC it is usually not questioned though. New York may not share the same policy as I have found NY and DC to always be a bit stricter in policy.

Kristy! · February 12, 2010

I was able to do everything in NY with my St. Lucia marriage certificate. It'll be recognized, no need to worry about it.

capt2bspv · August 12, 2010

Thank you for asking this question, I was about to ask it. We are getting married in Antigua.

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Thanks Ladies.

Girasole · August 22, 2010

I live in PA & got married in T&C but when I got back & called our County Clerk they informed me we didn't need to do anything. To change everything over we just showed our T&C marriage license.

mistibuard · September 20, 2010

I guess all of us BDW brides really think a lot. I must say that this particular question has popped into my head once or twice as well.

WeddingDayStory · August 3, 2016

Hi brides!

Here's some info about the marriage licenses and their validity internationally:

Validity Outside of Mexico:
"Your Marriage Certificate will be valid world-wide, BUT you should
get your certificate 'legalised' in Mexico to ensure it is legally
accepted when you get back home. The process is the reverse of getting
your Native documentation legalised by the necessary authorities (e.g.
Foreign Office) for marriage in Mexico (see below); The registry
office in Mexico will tell you where this can be done locally."
http://usmarriagelaws.com/search/caribbean/mexico_city/index.shtml

http://www.mexicolaw.com/Marriage%20in%20Mexico.htm

Though that's specific to Mexico, where we operate, you can find general info here for US citizens getting married elsewhere: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/abroad/events-and-records/marriage.html

Good luck tying the knot!