Aruba Marriage Requirements
The information below outlines the marriage requirements for getting married in Aruba
Civil Legal Requirements:
The following list is the legal requirements for marriage in Aruba. Subsequent lists outline the specific requirements based on the religious preferences of the wedding party.
- Couple must provide from their Country of Citizenship an "apostile" report proof that they are both single and eligible to marry.
- Each person must submit their birth certificate with a raised seal.
- If either party has been divorced they must submit their divorce decree
- If either party has been widowed, they must submit their death certficate.
- Couple must be holders of valid passports and submit with their application, copies of the pages showing all relevant details.
- Copies of the passport pages of their witnesses must also be submitted (if couple does not have any witnesses, we will provide them at an additional fee).
- All documents are to be faxed for review to the office of Civil Registry (below) and then submitted by courier (i.e. FedEx) at least one (1) month prior to desired wedding date.
- All civil ceremonies must take place before the church wedding, either in the US or in Aruba. Civil ceremonies are conducted inside the City Hall (Bureau Burgerlijke Stand) in Oranjestad
- Ceremonies are performed Wednesdays through Fridays.
- Times are from 9:30 am - 12:00pm.
CATHOLIC:
Couples must provide:
- Proof that the prospective bride and groom have attended pre-marriage preparation.
- Permission from their priest to get married in Aruba.
- An official declaration stating that neither party has been previously married in a Church is also required from their local priest.
- A copy of Wedding Certificate showing that they have been legally married in their home country.
- Baptismal and Confirmation certificates of both parties as well as copies of their passports or I.D. Cards.
- The proposed wedding must take place "inside" the Church building.
- All documents must be submitted 4 months prior to chosen wedding date.</li></ol>
PROTESTANT/EPISCOPALIAN/METHODIST:
- Wedding Ceremony can be affiliated in the local Protestant / Episcopalian or Methodist Churches or anywhere else the couple desires.
If Married outside Aruba, copy of marriage certificate from their home country
Both partners MUST bet Jewish and need to submit a verification of Judaism from the Rabbi of their hometown
- The Aruban Cantor accepts Jewish status certificates from valid Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Liberal and Re-Constructionist Authorities.
- A formal petition needs to be submitted to the Aruba Jewish Community.
- The wedding ceremony may take place either in the synagogue or any other venue of choice.
- The synagogue of Aruba is an independent Conservative-Reform style congregation.
AT SEA:
A boat captain is not authorized to officiate a wedding according to Dutch laws. This applies for international waters as well as in port.
The only exception to this rule is if he has been given authority by the country under whose flag the ship is registered
Registrars Offices
The registrar's office should be contacted for specific rules regarding planning your destination or beach wedding in Aruba. They will also provide information regarding marriage licenses and marriage certificates.
Office of Civil Registry Attn: Mr. Betto Christiaans Schoolstraat 2 Oranjestad, Aruba
Tel: 297 583 4400 Fax: 297 583 9160
Email: pivaruba@setarnet.aw
Visit the Aruba Wedding Directory
