Bermuda’s marriage laws and legal requirements are relatively straightforward. Visitors should encounter little difficultly completing the necessary paperwork.
The island also has a number of wedding planners that can help with the process.
Notice of Intended 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 can be downloaded from the official Department of Tourism website here. The form needs to be printed on white legal size paper (8.5 inches by 14 inches).
The form can also be requested from the Registrar General. The telephone number to call is 441-297-7709.
The completed form should be sent to the Registrar General together a cheque or bank draft or international money order payable to the Accountant General, Hamilton, Bermuda. The fee is currently $341 ($310 for the licence and $31 for the marriage certificate). For credit card payments contact the Registrar General.
Registrar General
Government Administration Building
30 Parliament Street
Hamilton HM12
Bermuda
Copies of final divorce decrees must accompany the form for all divorced persons. No blood tests or health certificates are necessary.
If either party to the intended marriage is under 18 years old, written consent must be obtained from both parents, the parent with custody, or legal guardian. The consent must be certified by a notary public.
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.
Wedding Ceremony
Two witnesses aged 18 or over need to witness and sign the marriage certificate.
Bermuda’s wedding laws allow marriages to take place in hotels, beaches, and other public places. Some of the more popular locations are listed here.
The wedding can also 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). The fee is $225. Registry staff can act as the witnesses on weekdays as long as advance notice is provided.
There are plenty of churches available for a fee. For church ceremonies please note:
- 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 cost of the marriage certificate is included in the fee sent with the Notice of Intended Marriage. The marriage is legal worldwide.
Other Legal Issues
- Gay marriages are not permitted in Bermuda.
- It’s technically possible to bring your own minister. Paperwork including a temporary work permit is required. If you really wish to go down this road, a local wedding planner with detailed knowledge of the procedures is advisable.