Legal requirements for getting married in Aruba

Every year, Aruba receives hundreds of inquiries about getting married on the island. Whether you choose to tie the knot on the beach, during a private sunset cruise, or at a lush tropical garden, getting married in Aruba is a wonderful way to add exotic romance to your wedding day. 

There are many properties on the island with complete banquet facilities for your reception, and many of Aruba’s fine restaurants offer elegant private rooms for special occasions. Afterward, enjoy your honeymoon here, taking advantage of the island’s breathtaking vistas and secluded hideaways to celebrate your romance. 

Couples at least eighteen years of age can get married on Aruba upon submitting standard documentation one month prior to the date of the ceremony. Documentation includes birth certificates, with a raised seal, copies of passport, IDs for the couple and any witnesses, certificate of marriage intentions, and other forms. Documents must be submitted to the Office of the Civil Registry on the island in person or by FedEx one month prior to the ceremony date.
 
The address of the Office of Civil Registry is:
Attn:  Mr. Betto Christiaans
Schoolstraat 2
Oranjestad, Aruba
Tel:  011-297-583440
Fax:  011-297-5839160

Also, couples must provide from their country of citizenship an “apostile” report (a statistics search from the Bureau of Vital Statistics) as proof that they are both single and eligible to marry.  If either has been divorced, they must submit a copy of their divorce decree and if either party has been widowed they must submit a copy of the spouse’s death certificate.  All civil ceremonies must take place inside the City Hall in Oranjestad.

CATHOLIC

1. Proof that the prospective bride and groom have attended pre-marriage preparation.
2. Permission from their home priest to get married in Aruba.
3. An official declaration stating that neither party has been previously married in a Church is also required from their local priest.
4. Copy of Wedding Certificate showing that they have been legally married in their home country.
5. Baptismal and Confirmation certificates of both parties as well as copies of their passports or I.D. Cards.
6. The proposed wedding must take place inside the Church building.
7. All documents must be submitted 4 months prior to chosen wedding date.

PROTESTANT / EPISCOPALIAN / METHODIST: 

1. Wedding ceremony can be affiliated in the local Protestant / Episcopalian or Methodist Churches or anywhere else the couple desires.
2. If married outside Aruba, copy of marriage certificate from their home country.
3. Proper attire is required for all religious blessings ( ie: No Swimsuits or Wraps for the Bride: Shorts are acceptable for the Groom).

JEWISH 

1. Both partners MUST be Jewish and need to submit a verification of Judaism from the Rabbi of their hometown.
2. The Aruban Cantor accepts Jewish status certificates from valid Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Liberal and Re-Constructionist Authorities.
3. A formal petition needs to be submitted to the Aruba Jewish Community.
4. The wedding ceremony may take place either in the synagogue or any other venue of choice.
5. The synagogue of Aruba is an independent Conservative-Reform style congregation.

AT SEA:

1. 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.