Aruba Beaches Weather

How to get married in Aruba

Blessed with a year-round sunny climate, an 11km-long stretch of powder-white sand, a vibrant nightlife scene and expansive Las Vegas-style high rise resorts, Aruba is the perfect Caribbean wedding destination – ideal for that long dreamt of beach wedding!

Aruba marriage requirements

The legal requirements for getting married in Aruba are relatively straightforward.

However, before you can have a religious or beach ceremony, you must hold a Civil Ceremony in the Oranjestad Town Hall, Aruba (or provide proof that you are already legally married in the country of your permanent residence).

Most Aruba resorts have an event coordinator or a wedding planner on site who can help with any paperwork.

Marriages performed in Aruba are internationally recognised and legally binding.

Residency requirement

No minimum required, but it is recommended to arrive at least one or two days before the civil service or ceremony to meet in advance with your planner to review the details.

Required documents for civil ceremony

Ensure that all documents are in your legal name, and provide affidavits in cases where you are known by another name. Originals or certified copies of all documentation are required. All documents in a language other than English, must be translated and notarized.

Documents required for a legal wedding in Aruba, include…

  • Valid Passports
  • Birth Certificates, with apostille (state certification)
  • Decree Absolute bearing a seal of the Court of Divorce, if either party is divorced
  • Death Certificate of deceased spouse, if either party is widowed
  • Certificate of No Impediment for bride and groom : an affidavit, or a letter from a clergyman, lawyer, or Registry on official letterhead attesting to the fact that the parties involved have not been married previously.
  • If a name has been changed by Deed Poll, proof is necessary
  • If either party is under 21 evidence of parental consent is required in the form of an affidavit
  • Two witnesses over the age 18, with passport picture pages or valid state issued picture ID. Local witnesses can be provided for a fee if the bride and groom are traveling alone.

All documents must be faxed for review and then submitted by courier at least 30 days prior to your wedding date. This may be handled by your wedding planner - coordinator.

Oranjestad Town Hall provides the legal civil service from Monday through Friday (10am - 11:30am & 2pm - 3:30pm); closed on Wednesday afternoons. The Saturday service can be performed between 10 am and 12 noon, but costs more.

Required documents for religious ceremony

Even if you are planning a religious ceremony in Aruba, legal requirements must take place beforehand. For a religious ceremony, the additional requirements

  • All documents must be submitted 4 months prior to chosen wedding date
  • Proof of attending pre-marriage counseling
  • Permission from own priest to be married in Aruba
  • Local priest must also provide official declaration that neither party has been previously married in a church ceremony.
  • Copy of Wedding Certificate showing couple 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
  • Wedding must take place inside a Catholic Church building.

The couple should contact one of the following churches before arriving in Aruba: St. Franciscus Parish Church, Irausquinplein 3, Oranjestad, Aruba. (Phone +297-582-1434); or St. Anna Parish Church, Noord 16, Oranjestad, Aruba. (Phone +297-587-1409; Fax +297-587-8554)

For a Protestant, Episcopalian or Methodist Ceremony…

  • The wedding ceremony may be conducted in a church building, at the host hotel, on the beach, or anywhere the couple prefers
  • If legally married outside Aruba, a copy of Marriage Certificate from country of citizenship must be provided
  • Proper attire – no swimsuits nor wraps for the bride. However, the groom may wear long shorts.

For more information: Protestant Church, Wilhelminastraat 1, Oranjestad (Phone +297-582-1435).

For a Protestant, Episcopalian or Methodist Ceremony the fee is typically USD$200, which includes the Marriage Certificate. Non-Protestants can be married by the Protestant Church.

For a Jewish Ceremony…

  • Each person must provide verification of Judaism from their hometown rabbi
  • The Aruban Cantor accepts Jewish status certificates from valid orthodox, conservative, reform, liberal and re-constructionist authorities
  • A formal petition must be be submitted to the Aruba Jewish Community
  • The wedding ceremony may take place in any other location

The synagogue of Aruba is a conservative-reform style congregation

The petition to the Aruba Jewish Community should be submitted to the following address: Israelische Gemeente-Bet Israel, A. Lacle Blvd. 2, Box 2, Aruba (Phone +297-582-3272; email ledaneps@setarnet.aw )

Marriage Certificate

All couples receive a certified Marriage Certificate from the Registry General’s Office.

Apostille of Marriage Certificate

European Union citizens (except the United Kingdom and Ireland) may need to have their Registered Marriage Certificate apostilled (or authenticated).

This does not apply to citizens of United States, Canada, Australia or New Zealand. Citizens of Asian countries, South and Central America should check with their Civil Registrar/Marriage Officer as to whether an apostille is required for your country.

Fees

USD$100 for Civil Service, Marriage Licence & Certificate, USD$150 surcharge for Saturday civil service. Religious ceremony between USD$200 and USD$300. The Catholic Church does not charge a fee, however, they ask for a donation to the Church. Local witness, if required – USD$75 per person.

Marriage licence

Subsequent to the ceremony, receipt and registration of the marriage, the couple will receive the Certified Marriage Certificate with an apostille within 12 weeks from the date of the wedding.

Wedding planners

Many hotels offer comprehensive assistance to couples planning their destination wedding in Aruba.

For more information contact your hotel or visit the wedding portal at Visit Aruba to learn more about top wedding venues, recommended wedding consultants and service providers. Alternatively, visit your nearest Aruba embassy or consulate for more information.

Please note: while accurate at time of publication this information is for guidance purposes only and liable to change without notice. Please check with your wedding planner at your resort of choice or the relevant embassy of the country in which you intend to marry for up-to-date details before your wedding.

More about Aruba…

Sights Activities
Getting Around Get There

Latest update: How to get married in Aruba: 6 May, 2022

Advertising