Photography by Amber Media Productions www.ambermediatt.com
SO YOU have just gotten engaged or plan to marry and you are not too sure of the legal requirements before you plan the wedding. Marriage & Bliss did the research and here are some tips:
According to www.ttconnect.gov.tt “In Trinidad and Tobago, there are four kinds of marriages that are recognized in law – Civil, Orisha, Hindu and Muslim. “
In this article we will focus specifically on Civil Marriages.
“Civil marriage is the most common form of marriage in Trinidad and Tobago and can be performed by a Marriage Officer, Warden or the Registrar General. All Christian marriages performed in a church are considered civil marriages, provided the presiding minister is a licensed Marriage Officer. Under Civil Marriage law you must be at least 18 years to marry, but exemptions may be granted on religious grounds. “
Here is a step-by-step guide as to how to wed in Trinidad & Tobago for both residents and visitors under a Civil Marriage.
According to www.ttconnect.gov.tt “In Trinidad and Tobago, there are four kinds of marriages that are recognized in law – Civil, Orisha, Hindu and Muslim. “
In this article we will focus specifically on Civil Marriages.
“Civil marriage is the most common form of marriage in Trinidad and Tobago and can be performed by a Marriage Officer, Warden or the Registrar General. All Christian marriages performed in a church are considered civil marriages, provided the presiding minister is a licensed Marriage Officer. Under Civil Marriage law you must be at least 18 years to marry, but exemptions may be granted on religious grounds. “
Here is a step-by-step guide as to how to wed in Trinidad & Tobago for both residents and visitors under a Civil Marriage.
Residents
The couple is required to post banns in their nearest District Revenue Office. If the couple lives in separate areas, banns are posted in both areas.
What is required:
· A form of identification – either ID, Passport or Birth Certificate
· If divorced, original decree absolute
· If widowed, original death certificate.
Cost to post banns: $10
After 7 days, return to the District Revenue Office to collect your Marriage License. With this in hand, you can now get married.
Non-Residents
Non-resident couples can get married in as little as three days with a Special Marriage License. To acquire a special license, the couple can visit either the Registrar General’s Office in Port of Spain, or The Inland Revenue Department in Tobago. The following are required:
· Both parties must be non-residents of Trinidad and Tobago. (A non-resident is defined as someone not normally residing in Trinidad and Tobago; and for citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, they must not normally reside in Trinidad and Tobago for at least 3 years)
· They must reside in this country three days before getting married. As such, proof of entry, such as passport or airline ticket must be presented.
· If divorced, the original or notarized copy of decree absolute must be presented.
· If widowed, the applicant must provide with the original death certificate.
· Proof of name change where name differs in documents.
· Persons under the age of 18 must have documented consent from a parent or legal guardian.
· Documents in languages other than English must be accompanied by certified English translations.
Cost of license: TT $300
License can be received either on the same day or the following day.
On the day of the wedding, the newlyweds along with their witnesses sign three copies of the Marriage Certificate. The officiant keeps one copy for the church, he will give one copy to the couple and he will submit the third copy to the Ministry of Legal Affairs. About two weeks after the wedding, perhaps after you return from your honeymoon, visit the Ministry to receive the electronic version of the Marriage Certificate. Cost: $25
Sources:
www.ttconnect.gov.tt
www.gotrinidadandtobago.com
The couple is required to post banns in their nearest District Revenue Office. If the couple lives in separate areas, banns are posted in both areas.
What is required:
· A form of identification – either ID, Passport or Birth Certificate
· If divorced, original decree absolute
· If widowed, original death certificate.
Cost to post banns: $10
After 7 days, return to the District Revenue Office to collect your Marriage License. With this in hand, you can now get married.
Non-Residents
Non-resident couples can get married in as little as three days with a Special Marriage License. To acquire a special license, the couple can visit either the Registrar General’s Office in Port of Spain, or The Inland Revenue Department in Tobago. The following are required:
· Both parties must be non-residents of Trinidad and Tobago. (A non-resident is defined as someone not normally residing in Trinidad and Tobago; and for citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, they must not normally reside in Trinidad and Tobago for at least 3 years)
· They must reside in this country three days before getting married. As such, proof of entry, such as passport or airline ticket must be presented.
· If divorced, the original or notarized copy of decree absolute must be presented.
· If widowed, the applicant must provide with the original death certificate.
· Proof of name change where name differs in documents.
· Persons under the age of 18 must have documented consent from a parent or legal guardian.
· Documents in languages other than English must be accompanied by certified English translations.
Cost of license: TT $300
License can be received either on the same day or the following day.
On the day of the wedding, the newlyweds along with their witnesses sign three copies of the Marriage Certificate. The officiant keeps one copy for the church, he will give one copy to the couple and he will submit the third copy to the Ministry of Legal Affairs. About two weeks after the wedding, perhaps after you return from your honeymoon, visit the Ministry to receive the electronic version of the Marriage Certificate. Cost: $25
Sources:
www.ttconnect.gov.tt
www.gotrinidadandtobago.com
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