Getting married abroad in Barbados?

Barbados is one of the most popular locations for couples getting married abroad. It’s easy to see why. The warm, tropical weather on the island is idyllic for a wedding abroad.

There are loads of options for your ceremony abroad too: you could marry on the beach, in the shade of a palm tree, on a boat, in a church or even in a synagogue.

Another important reason why it’s so popular to hold a wedding abroad in Barbados is the convenience and ease with which it can be arranged.

What kind of ceremony can I have for my wedding abroad in Barbados?

Holding your ceremony abroad in Barbados provides the option of either a religious or a civil ceremony.

If you want to hold your wedding abroad in a Catholic church in Barbados there are a few things you need to sort out beforehand:
You’ll need your local bishop to send the following documents to the Bishop of the diocese of Bridgetown (if you are booking your wedding abroad as part of a package or through a wedding planner they may be able to organise this for you):

  • A pre-marital enquiry completed and signed by both of you. You can get one of these from your parish priest.
  • Baptismal certificates, issued within the last six months.
  • A freedom to marry statement, signed by your parish priest.
  • A certificate of participation, certifying you have taken part in a programme of preparation for marriage.
  • Testimonial letters from your bishop.
  • Permission to marry or a Dispensation from Disparity of Cult, issued by the bishop of the Catholic party (in the case of a mixed religious marriage).
  • In the event that a previous marriage was contracted by either party - a Death Certificate or a Declaration of Nullity is required.

Your bishop should send these documents to The Bishop of the Diocese of Bridgetown. The address is available below in the ‘Useful contacts’ section.

How long does it take to get there from the UK?

Around 8.5 hours.

What are the legalities of holding my wedding abroad in Barbados?

It’s really easy to hold your wedding abroad in Barbados. Unlike with some wedding destinations there is no required waiting period or minimum length of stay that you have to fulfill before the wedding

There are a few things you need to know about when planning your wedding abroad in Barbados though:

1. You need a marriage licence to hold your wedding abroad in Barbados

Application for a marriage licence must be made by both parties in person at the office of the Ministry of Home Affairs in the capital city Bridgetown. You will require:

  • Valid passports or birth certificates.
  • Return tickets.
  • If either party was divorced, an original Decree Absolute or a certified copy of the Final Judgment.
  • If either party was previously married and widowed, a certified copy of the Marriage Certificate and Death Certificate in respect of the deceased spouse.
  • Where necessary, all documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation.

2.You don’t need a visa to get married abroad in Barbados.

3. Two witnesses are also required at your ceremony abroad in Barbados. If you don’t have any guests your hotel or wedding planner will help with this.

4. If either of you is under 18 you will need to be accompanied by a parent.

Useful contacts

Bishop of the Diocese of Bridgetown
St Patrick's Presbytery
PO Box 1223
Jemmotts Lane
Bridgetown
Barbados

Ministry of Home Affairs,
Level 5, Post Office Building,
Cheapside
St Michael
Barbados
Tel: 001 246 228 8960
www.barbados.gov.bb