Officiating Weddings In Aruba: What You Need To Know

If you're looking to officiate a wedding in Aruba, there are a few things you need to know. Firstly, all civil weddings must take place at the Civil Town House, also known as the Historical City Hall, and they can be held Monday to Friday with varying time slots. There is an additional charge for a Saturday ceremony. The documents required include copies of birth certificates, passports, witness passports, and certificates of no impediment for the bride and groom, as well as divorce or death certificates if applicable. These documents must be submitted at least one month before the wedding date. Symbolic ceremonies can also be held on the beach, but they are not legally binding. Aruba is a great choice for a destination wedding with its beautiful beaches and pleasant weather all year round.

Legal requirements for a wedding in Aruba

Aruba is a popular destination for weddings, with its idyllic beaches, pleasant weather, and accessibility from the United States. The legal requirements for a wedding in Aruba are relatively straightforward and apply differently depending on the type of ceremony held. Here is a comprehensive guide to the legal requirements for a wedding in Aruba:

Legal Weddings vs. Symbolic Weddings

You have the option to have either a symbolic or legally binding wedding in Aruba. A symbolic ceremony is when a couple legally marries in their home country and then hosts a symbolic ceremony in Aruba with family and friends. A legal wedding in Aruba, on the other hand, requires certain documents and has specific requirements that differ for religious and secular ceremonies.

Required Legal Documents

According to the Aruba Tourism Authority, the following documents are required for a legal wedding in Aruba:

• Copies of long-form birth certificates for both individuals, with raised seals, state certification, and an apostille.
• Passport picture pages or valid state-issued photo IDs for both individuals (both must be over 18).
• A witness's (aged 18 or older) passport picture page or valid state-issued photo ID (you need two witnesses at the wedding).
• A certificate of no impediment for both individuals (also called a single status report or negative statement of marriage), with an apostille.
• If either party has been divorced, a copy of the first and last pages of the divorce decree(s).
• If either party is a widow/widower, a copy of the death certificate.
• An Aruba Declaration of Marriage Intent form and an Aruba Declaration of Single Status form, which can be obtained through a wedding planner.

Religious Regulations

If you plan to have a religious wedding ceremony, additional requirements apply. For example, for a Catholic ceremony, you must provide proof of permission from your priest to marry in Aruba. Other regulations for religious ceremonies include:

• Proof that the couple has attended pre-marital counselling.
• An official declaration from the priest stating that neither party has been previously married in a church.
• A copy of the wedding certificate showing a civil marriage in their home country.
• Baptismal and confirmation certificates of both parties, along with copies of their passports or ID cards.
• The wedding must take place inside the church building.
• All documents must be submitted four months before the chosen wedding date.

Legal Marriage Timeline

There is no residency requirement or waiting period in Aruba for legal marriages. However, you must submit all documents to the Aruban government for review before mailing them to the same office at least one month before your wedding date. Obtaining the necessary documents, such as an apostille, may take several business days, so it is essential to plan accordingly.

Ceremony Location and Fees

All legal civil weddings in Aruba take place at the Historical City Hall during designated days and times, with specific dress codes to be followed. If you prefer a more traditional wedding at a location of your choice, you may opt for a symbolic wedding in Aruba. The cost of a marriage certificate from Historical City Hall is approximately $9, while a declaration of marriage is about $6. A legal wedding at the Historical City Hall ranges from $100 to $150, depending on the day. Religious ceremonies may have additional fees; for example, Protestant weddings cost $200 and include a marriage certificate.

Civil vs symbolic weddings

Aruba is a popular destination for weddings, with its stunning beaches, perfect weather, and affordability. Couples can choose to have either a symbolic or a legal wedding on the island. A symbolic ceremony is where the couple legally marries in their home country and then hosts a symbolic ceremony in Aruba with friends and family. On the other hand, a legal wedding in Aruba is a binding ceremony with specific requirements.

Symbolic Weddings

Symbolic weddings in Aruba, also known as humanist ceremonies, are performed by a wedding celebrant. This type of ceremony offers great flexibility in terms of location and content. It can be held outdoors, in a garden, on a beach, or anywhere else the couple desires. There are no legal requirements, and fees are typically lower than those for legal weddings. Symbolic weddings allow couples to express their tastes, values, and personalities without the constraints of traditional or religious ceremonies. They are ideal for couples who want an outdoor or resort wedding, who do not want a church wedding due to religious or other beliefs, or who wish to marry in Aruba but are not residents.

Civil Weddings

Civil weddings in Aruba are legal and binding ceremonies recognized by the government. All civil weddings take place in the Historical Town Hall of Aruba, and couples must adhere to specific requirements and provide various documents, including birth certificates, passports, witness IDs, and more. There are designated days and times for civil weddings, and dress codes apply. Civil weddings can be combined with a symbolic beach ceremony on the same day.

Religious Weddings

In addition to civil and symbolic weddings, religious weddings are also possible in Aruba. These include Catholic, Protestant, Episcopalian, and Methodist ceremonies, each with its own set of requirements and regulations. For example, Catholic weddings require proof of pre-marital counselling and permission from the couple's priest to marry in Aruba. On the other hand, Protestant weddings can take place in a local church or any other location of the couple's choice.

Required documents for a legal wedding

To have a legal wedding in Aruba, you must submit the following documents:

• Copies of long-form birth certificates for both individuals, with raised seals and state certification or an apostille (an additional authentication of a document before use in another country).
• Passport picture pages or valid, state-issued photo IDs for both individuals (both individuals must be over 18 years of age).
• A witness's (aged 18 or over) passport picture page or valid, state-issued photo ID (you must have two witnesses at the wedding).
• A certificate of no impediment for both individuals (also referred to as a single status report and, in some states, a negative statement of marriage); apostilles are required for a negative statement of marriage. The certificate cannot be older than 6 months.
• If either party has been divorced, a copy of the first and last pages of the divorce decree(s).
• If either party is a widow/widower, a copy of the death certificate with an apostille.
• An Aruba Declaration of Marriage Intent form and an Aruba Declaration of Single Status form (both of which can be obtained via a wedding planner).

All documents must be faxed or emailed to the Aruban government for review and then sent by mail or courier at least one month before the desired wedding date.

Additionally, if you are having a religious wedding ceremony, you must submit the following:

• 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, from their local priest.
• A copy of the 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 ID cards.

These documents must be submitted to the chosen church at least four months before the wedding date.

Religious wedding requirements

To have a religious wedding in Aruba, you must first hold a Civil Ceremony in the Oranjestad Town Hall. This is a legal requirement that must be completed before the religious ceremony can take place.

Catholic Ceremony

For a Catholic ceremony, the following requirements must be met:

• All documents must be submitted four months before the chosen wedding date.
• Proof of attending pre-marriage counselling.
• Permission from your priest to be married in Aruba.
• An official declaration from your local priest stating that neither party has been previously married in a church ceremony.
• A copy of your wedding certificate showing that you have been legally married in your home country.
• Baptismal and confirmation certificates of both parties, as well as copies of their passports or ID cards.
• The 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, St. Anna Parish Church.

Protestant, Episcopalian or Methodist Ceremony

For a Protestant, Episcopalian or Methodist ceremony, the following requirements must be met:

• 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 the marriage certificate from the country of citizenship must be provided.
• Proper attire is required – no swimsuits or wraps for the bride. However, the groom may wear long shorts.
• The fee is typically USD $200, which includes the marriage certificate. Non-Protestants can be married by the Protestant Church.

Jewish Ceremony

For a Jewish ceremony, the following requirements must be met:

• 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 submitted to the Aruba Jewish Community.
• The wedding ceremony may take place in any location.
• The synagogue of Aruba is a conservative-reform style congregation.
• The petition should be submitted to the following address: Israelische Gemeente-Bet Israel, A. Lacle Blvd. 2, Box 2, Aruba.

Wedding venues in Aruba

Aruba is a popular destination for weddings, with its stunning beaches, perfect weather, and affordability. The island is located outside the Caribbean's hurricane belt, ensuring beautiful weather all year round.

Aruba offers a variety of venues for weddings, from beach settings to indoor ballrooms. Here are some of the top wedding venues on the island:

• Eagle Beach: Consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the world, Eagle Beach offers pristine white sand and Aruba's famous Fofoti trees as a backdrop for your wedding. It is also home to stylish low-rise boutique hotels for guest accommodations.
• Palm Beach: Palm Beach is a family-friendly beach that stretches for seven miles and is dotted with high-rise resorts. It offers easy access to the town of Oranjestad and other attractions.
• Oranjestad: The capital city of Aruba, Oranjestad, is filled with colourful colonial architecture, nightlife, historic museums, galleries, and high-end shopping. It is a great option for couples who prefer an indoor wedding or a hotel/resort wedding.
• Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino: This resort, located in the heart of Oranjestad, offers an exclusive wedding experience surrounded by stunning beaches and azure waters.
• Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino: Located in Palm Beach, this resort offers a tropical and relaxing getaway for your wedding. It features a Caribbean beach with white sand and clear blue waters.
• The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba: A luxury resort located in Oranjestad, The Ritz-Carlton offers a range of breathtaking settings for your wedding, including the beach, pool, lawn, or ballroom.
• Divi Aruba: An all-inclusive resort located near the 18th-century Fort Zoutman, Divi Aruba offers oceanfront settings such as the famous Eagle Beach and The Links at Divi Aruba, surrounded by swaying palm trees.
• Hilton Aruba Caribbean Beach Resort & Casino: This resort is situated on a white-sand beach in Oranjestad and provides a romantic setting for your wedding. It also features a casino and several dining options.
• Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort, Spa and Casino: Located in Palm Beach, this beachfront resort offers a magical setting for your wedding, with white sands, crystal clear waters, and lush gardens.

These are just a few of the many wedding venues available in Aruba. The island also offers all-inclusive wedding packages and independent wedding planners to help create a custom event that suits your needs and preferences.

Frequently asked questions