Tips for St. Maarten Destination Weddings

If you are looking for a destination wedding in St. Maarten, here are a few tips to keep in mind before getting hitched.

First, you must submit requests at least 14 days before the ceremony to be conducted by the Registrar. You also must arrive on the island one week before the wedding date. Marriages are performed Monday through Saturday. A $410 fee is put in place, which includes civil ceremony, marriage book, stamps and certificate.

In addition, the following notarized documents must be submitted to the Registrar:

1. A full abridged birth certificate for the bride and groom. Documents should have an "Apostille" stamp, which can be obtained at the Secretary of State's Office.

2. Addresses and professions of the bride and groom.

3. Declaration of marital status, no older than three months.

4. Names of parents, their dates of birth, and places of birth, mothers' maiden names, and the parents' professions.

5. If a widow, a death certificate is necessary, and if divorced, a divorce certificate or a final judgement decree with ‘Apostille’ stamps.

The bride and groom must have six witnesses if the marriage is performed outside of the Marriage Hall and two witnesses if the ceremony takes place in the Marriage Hall. Foreign witnesses must present a valid passport or birth certificate with valid photo identification.