Turks & Caicos Legal Requirements

TammyWright · September 9, 2006

Getting Married in Turks and Caicos Islands:

There is a residency period of 72 hours before an application for a Turks and Caicos Marriage License can be made to the Registrar General for Special Licenses. There is a $50.00 License fee. The wedding ceremony for can then take place at any time after the marriage license application has been granted. Processing of license takes 2-3 days.

The application for the Turks and Caicos Marriage License must be made by a Marriage Officer. This is usually a pastor or minister that has a government license to perform marriage ceremonies. Your wedding coordinator or hotel will typically arrange this for you. In addition, the marriage must be performed by a Marriage Officer.

This is what you will need to provide:

All ORIGINAL documents must be presented to the Turks and Caicos Marriage Officer by the person completing the forms.
Original documents to be presented in person are:

Passport
Original Birth Certificate
proof of marital status - If single a sworn affidavit is required.

If one of the parties is a divorcee, then a Divorce Decree is required, either the original or a notarized copy, sealed by a Court Clerk.

In the case of a Widow/Widower a Death Certificate of the previous spouse is required. In the case of change of name by Deed Poll or Adoption, then proof is required.

If under the age of 21, then consent of one or both parents or guardian, in the form of an affidavit stamped by the Notary Public. The marriage parties must not be within the prohibited degree of relationships to each other. Include a letter stating both parties occupations, marital status, age as of last birthday, present address of residence and fathers full name.

For church weddings, Ministers may require proof of membership. Please be advised that any Passports or documentation written other than in English should be translated in advance and notarized by the applicable consulate. This information may be subject to change. Please verify with a Turks and Caicos wedding official before planning your marriage in Turks and Caicos Islands.

For further details contact:

Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
Main Office 649-926-2800
Pastor Leslie Myers 649-941-6730 in Providenciales