How to get married in Bermuda

The island of Bermuda makes for a truly romantic destination wedding.

Bermuda offers a choice of gorgeous white- and pink-sand beaches fringed by gently swaying palm trees – ideal for that long dreamt of beach wedding!


Bermuda marriage requirements

Getting married in Bermuda is relatively straightforward. Bermuda’s wedding laws allow marriages to take place in hotels, beaches and other public places.

Couples have a huge choice of locations for both the wedding ceremony and reception.

Marriages performed in Bermuda are internationally recognised and legally binding.


Residency requirement

None.


Marriage licence

In obtain a license to marry in Bermuda, couples must complete and submit a Notice of Intended Marriage to the Registrar General two weeks prior to the wedding.

The license is valid for three months and can be picked up at the Registrar's office by you or a designated person.

The Notice of Intended Marriage form may be downloaded from the Registry General (Tel: 441-297-7709 or 441-297-7707).

Complete the form and mail it along with a cashier's check or bank draft made payable to the Accountant General, Hamilton, Bermuda, in the amount of USD$368 back to the Registrar General. Certified copies of final divorce decrees or death certificates, if applicable, must also be included.

The Notice of Intended Marriage is published in two local Bermuda newspapers (taken care of by the Registry staff).


Required documents

Ensure that all documents are in your legal name, and provide affidavits in cases where you are known by another name.

Originals of all documentation are required. If you’re unable to obtain an original Decree Absolute / Death Certificate you may provide a certified true copy.

All documents must be in English; if not, they must be translated and notarized.

Documents required for a legal wedding in Bermuda, include…

  • Valid Passport as proof of citizenship
  • Decree Absolute bearing a seal of the Court of Divorce, if either party is divorced
  • Marriage and Death Certificate of deceased spouse, if either party is widowed
  • Parental consent if either party is under 18 years of age
  • Statutory Declaration certifying that both parties are unmarried (or) Certificate of No Legal Impediment (available at your local embassy or consulate)
  • Notice of Intended Marriage
  • Two witnesses are required for the ceremony

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.


Wedding ceremonies

The wedding may be a religious ceremony performed by a registered Marriage Officer (clergy) or a civil ceremony officiated by the Registrar General or an Assistant Registrar General at the Registry General Office.

Civil ceremonies can take place by appointment in the Registry’s Marriage Room (10:00 and 16:00, Mon – Fri, 10:00 – 12:00 Sat) that has seating for up to 12 guests (more if standing). The fee is USD$245. Registry staff can act as the witnesses on weekdays as long as advance notice is provided. One week’s notice is required for reserving a date and time for a marriage ceremony.

Church ceremonies may be held in a church or other location with the consent of a member of the clergy. Expect to pay a small fee. Clergy of several Protestant denominations perform church weddings for foreigner visitors, and some are willing to officiate outdoor weddings as well.

Catholic wedding ceremonies can be held only in a church. While divorced persons cannot be married in a Roman Catholic church, it's possible for other faiths, such as Anglican, Methodist etc., after making a special request to the minister concerned.


Fees

USD$368.00 (includes Marriage Certificate)


Wedding planners

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

For more information contact your hotel or check out the useful website at Bermuda Department of Tourism where you can find top wedding venues, check out a list of recommended wedding consultants and service providers, as well as also downloading a Notice of Intended Marriage form.

Further information: Contact the registrar at the office of the Government of Bermuda Registry General (Tel: 441-297-7709 or 441-297-7707).


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.


Latest update: How to get married in Bermuda: 13 May, 2022



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