Government Procedures for Marrying in St. Maarten

  1. A full abridged, birth certificate of both parties, proving the legality of same. These documents should be provided with a legalization and Authentication stamp commonly known as an “Apostille Stamp”.

  2. The “long version” Birth Certificate always has the names of your parents listed on the birth certificate! Including maiden names. If not it is not valid for the marriage application!!!!!

  3. Apostille Stamps are obtained from ones birthplace secretary of state office. If you are uncertain about the location of these offices, please let us know and we shall forward the relevant address to you.

  4. Unmarried persons must present a declaration of marital status (unmarried certificate) not older than 3 months. This can be obtained from a notary and is a sworn letter which states that you have never been married. This letter is stamped and signed by the notary and the applying couple, and must be Authenticated (Apostille).

  5. Persons wishing to be married must be 18 years or older

  6. Physical Addresses of both parties are required

  7. Duration of length stay on the Island of St. Maarten

  8. Names of Parents as well as the Maiden name of mothers

  9. Date and Place of birth of both Parents

  10. Professions of Bride, Groom as well as the Parents

  11. Six witnesses if marriage is performed outside of Marriage hall.

  12. Six witnesses have to present a clear copy of passport and birth certificate and list their profession.

  13. Witnesses must be 18 years and older, witnesses can be provided.

  14. If widowed a death certificate with Apostille stamp

  15. If divorced, an Original divorce certificate or a final judgment decree with an Apostille Stamp.

  16. Persons of foreign Nationality require a valid passport


    ALL DOCUMENTS HAVE TO BE ORIGINALS; DOCUMENTS MAY BE KEPT IN THE GOVERNMENT ARCHIVES.
 
These documents should be in the possession of the wedding planner, no later than (2) two months prior to the actual wedding.

(ALTHOUGH THERE IS NO RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS ON THE DUTCH SIDE WE SUGGEST BEING ON THE ISLAND 48 HOURS PRIOIR TO THE CEREMONY, PLEASE CONTACT US FOR SPONTANEOUS WEDDING INFORMATION)