Thanks to its unspoiled beaches, colorful reefs, pristine rainforest, historic forts and quaint hotels, Tobago offers countless possibilities for romantic weddings and delightful honeymoons. Tobago also offers the perfect location for your dream wedding. Getting married in Tobago presents an unforgettable opportunity to get married on a Paradise Island. Many of Tobago’s hotels specialize in wedding packages and the island’s event planners can help with arrangements or plan your wedding from beginning to end.
Many hotels and guesthouses in Tobago offer a special wedding service and you can request religious and non-religious ceremonies. Whether you would like a relaxed and festive reception under clear blue skies, top-class hotel accommodation or a formal event, the choice is up to you. All you need to do is make sure that you contact one of the hotels that specializes in wedding services.
Marriage Laws in Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad & Tobago considers marriage to be the union of a man and woman as husband and wife. There are four kinds of marriages recognized in Trinidad and Tobago:
- Civil Marriage
- Hindu Marriage
- Muslim Marriage
- Orisa Marriage
Civil, Muslim and Orisa marriages must be performed by a licensed Marriage Officer. Marriage Officers are ordained ministers of a recognized religious denomination or organization. Civil marriage is the most common form of marriage in Trinidad and Tobago and can be performed by a Marriage Officer, Warden or the Registrar General. All Christian marriages performed in a church are considered civil marriages, provided the presiding minister is a licensed Marriage Officer.
Age Requirements for Marriage
Under Civil Marriage law you must be 18 years of age to marry in Trinidad and Tobago, but exemptions may be granted on religious grounds. The minimum age for Muslim marriages is age 12, and the minimum age for Hindu marriages is age 16. For further information, please contact the Registrar General.
Marriage Requirements
A Tobago wedding is an experience you will never forget! Its natural beauty and Caribbean warmth make it the perfect place to tie the knot. Non-resident couples can get married in as little as three days with a Special Marriage License. To acquire a special license you must meet the following requirements.
- Both parties must be non-residents of Trinidad & Tobago.
- They must reside in Trinidad & Tobago three days before getting married. ( The arrival date does not count )
- If divorced, the original or notarized copy of decree absolute must be presented.
- If widowed, please bring the original death certificate.
- Proof of name change where name differs from documents.
- Persons under the age of 18 must have documented consent from a parent or legal guardian.
- Documents in languages other than English must be accompanied by certified English translations.
- The cost for a marriage license is TT$62.50. You must also pay an additional TT$25.00 to obtain a certified copy of the Marriage Certificate. (This is subject to change.)
Non-residents require a special license in order to get married in Tobago. In order for non-residents to apply for a special marriage license, they have to be a minimum of 3 days in Trinidad and Tobago, which does not include the arrival day. The cost of the special marriage license is TT$300.00 ( Subject to change ) and it is valid for 6 months from the date of issue.
The Marriage Certificate
Once both parties present the required documents, and pay the appropriate fees, they can obtain the marriage certificate at the following addresses:
Registrar General’s Office
Jerningham Street, Scarborough
(868) 639 3210
Warden’s Office
TIDCO Mall, Scarborough
(868) 639 2410
The Special License is TT$300, from the Warden’s Office and the Marriage license costs TT$62.50 from the Registrar General’s Office. Please note that it can take around a week from the time of application till you finally get the documents. When applying for a wedding license, you will be required to make an affidavit or statutory declaration declaring that you are single and free to marry.
