Legal Requirements For A Bermuda Marriage
In order to get married in Bermuda couples must have their ‘Notice of Intended Marriage’ published in the Bermuda newspapers. The ‘Notice of Intended Marriage’ form (see below) should be sent to the Registrar General together with the correct payment. Copies of final divorce decrees must accompany the form for all divorced persons. No blood tests or health certificates are necessary.
The notice is published by the Registry staff in 2 of the local newspapers. A period of 14 days must elapse from the date of receipt of the notice before the Registrar General can issue the license to marry. The marriage licence can be issued on or after the 15th day provided no formal objection has been raised to the intended marriage. The marriage license must be issued within 3 months of the date of receipt of the ‘Notice of Intended Marriage’ by the Registrar General and remains valid for 3 months from the date of issue.
The wedding can take place:
- By appointment in the Registry’s marriage room (10:00 and 16:00, Mon – Fri, 10:00 – 12:00 Sat). The marriage room has seating for up to 12 guests (more if standing).
- In a church or other place with the consent of the clergyman
Two witnesses, over 18, must be present at the ceremony. The Registry can supply these Monday to Friday only.
For church ceremonies there are 2 important points to consider:
- Divorced persons cannot be married in any of the Roman Catholic churches in Bermuda. However, church weddings for divorcees can sometimes be arranged by special request with the minister concerned at other churches, such as Anglican, Methodist etc.
- Catholics not normally resident in Bermuda cannot be married in Catholic churches in Bermuda except under exceptional circumstances, such as people who have family ties in Bermuda or have lived in Bermuda previously.
The marriage certificate is mailed within 1 month of the date of marriage.
Notice of Intended Marriage
The 'Notice of Intended Marriage' form can be downloaded from the Department of Tourism's website.