Is Your Caribbean Destination Wedding Legal?

Thinking about tying the knot in the Caribbean? You're not alone–and you're not wrong to wonder: Will my wedding actually be legal? In this video, I walk through the paperwork, the loopholes, the unexpected rules (hellp, residency requirements!), and what to do if all that red tape just isn't your vibe.

Hit play 👇🏼 and let's unravel the mystery together.

If you've ever typed “Is my destination wedding legal?” into Google, congrats–you're ahead of the game! And if you haven't? Well… let's fix that.

Here's a lighthearted (but legally-minded) look at what makes your Caribbean “I do” legit–or just lovely for the photo album.

The Short Answer: Yes, Your Wedding Can Be Legal.

As long as you follow the rules of the country where you're getting married, your destination wedding is most likely recognized here in the U.S. (Keyword: most.)

Still unsure? Call your home state's Attorney General's office. They're the legal grown-ups in this situation.

✅ Documents You (and Your Fiance!) Will Probably Need:

Valid passports (plural!)
Photo IDs
Official birth certificates
Divorce papers (if applicable)
Death certificate of a prior spouse (if applicable)
Possibly blood test results (surprise!)

💡 Pro Tip: Double-check the expiration date on your passport. Six months out = safe zone.

🌴 Residency Rules & Red Tape

Not all islands play by the same rules. Some (like Turks & Caicos) require you to be on island for 48 business hours before you can legally wed. Others? You might need an express fee. Or a witness. Or both.

And some islands (we see you, Saint Martin) require a public banns announcement before the big day–think of it as an old-school wedding spoiler alert.

💍 What If You Just Want to Skip the Paperwork?

You're not alone. Many couples opt for a symbolic ceremony abroad and do the legal part at home–before or after.

That dreamy destination wedding still looks, feels, and photographs like the real thing… because it is. Just not legally.

Just know that not all resorts allow symbolic weddings. (Sandals, for instance, doesn't–except in Curacao. But not on a Sunday. Yes, really.)

✈ Travel Tips You'll Thank Me For Later

Check your passport now. Like, right now.
Remind your guests to do the same–loudly and often
Make your wedding website crystal clear about travel documents
And yes, get travel insurance. You may never need it, but if you do, you'll be so glad you did.

Final Thoughts

Destination weddings are magical. But legal? That's up to the fine print. Whether you go all in or go symbolic, the most important thing is that your celebration reflects you.

Got questions? Leave them in the comments or reach out–I'm here to help.

💬 Want to chat one-on-one about your destination wedding plans?
Head over to HitchedAway.com/call and let's talk.

Happy Planning. 💛