Getting legally married (civil) in Aruba

Thanks to a new marriage law passed by the Aruba Parliament recently, couples wishing to have a legal marriage ceremony in Aruba can now do so. Following is some updated information that includes the necessary requirements to be legally married in Aruba.

The documents required are:

Copies of birth certificate for bride and groom with apostle (state certification).
Passport picture page or valid state issued picture ID for Bride & Groom.
Witness (18 years up) passport picture page or valid state issued picture ID (minimum 2 witnesses) Cayena Weddings can provide witnesses if bride and groom are traveling alone.
Certificate of no impediment for bride and groom (also referred to as a single status report and in some states called a negative statement of marriage). Apostles are required for "negative statement of marriage")
If either party has been divorced a copy of the 1st and last page of the divorce decree(s) is required.
If either party is a widow(er) copy of death certificate is required.


Office of Civil Registry
Schoolstraat 2
Oranjestad, Aruba
Tel: (297) 583-4400 (Oranjestad)
Tel: (297) 584-5433 (San Nicolaas)
Fax: (297) 583-9160 - pivaruba@setarnet.aw


Religious Regulations

The following are only a few of the regulations for some religions. Please note that non-Protestants can be married by the Protestant Church.


Catholic Church

(Must call first as this is on hold until review of procedures is complete):

Requirements:

Proof That the prospective bride and groom have attended pre-marriage preparation.
Permission from their priest to get married in Aruba. An official declaration stating that neither party has been previously married in a Church is also required from their local priest.
Copy of Wedding Certificate showing that they have been legally married in their home country.
Baptismal and Confirmation certificates of both parties as well as copies of their passports or I.D. Cards.
The proposed wedding must take place "inside" the Church building.
All documents must be submitted 4 months prior to chosen wedding date.
The couple should contact one of the following churches BEFORE coming to Aruba:

St. Franciscus Parish Church,
Irausquinplein 3,
Oranjestad, Aruba.
Tel: (297) 582-1434

St. Anna Parish Church
Noord 16,
Oranjestad, Aruba.
Tel: (297) 587-1409
Fax: (297) 587-8554

The minimum donation to the church is US $70.
No weddings can be held outside of the church building.


Protestant / Episcopalian / Methodist Churches

Requirements:

Wedding Ceremony can be affiliated in the local Protestant/ Episcopalian or Methodist Churches or anywhere else the couple desires.
If Married outside Aruba, copy of marriage certificate from their home country.
Proper attire is required for all "religious blessings"( ie: No Swimsuits nor Wraps for the Bride: Shorts are acceptable for the Groom.
The ceremony can be conducted in one of the church buildings, at the host hotel, on the beach, or anywhere the couple prefers. The ceremony fee is U.S. $200, which includes a wedding certificate. Non-Protestants can be married by the Protestant Church.

Protestant Church
Wilhelminastraat 1,
Oranjestad.
Tel. (297) 582-1435.


Synagogue

Requirements:

Both partners MUST bet Jewish and need to submit a verification of Judaism from the Rabbi of their hometown
The Aruban Cantor accepts Jewish status certificates from valid Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Liberal and Re-Constructionist Authorities.
A formal petition needs to be submitted to the Aruba Jewish Community.
The wedding ceremony may take place either in the synagogue or any other venue of choice.
The synagogue of Aruba is an independent Conservative-Reform style congregation.
The petition to the Aruba Jewish Community should be submitted to the following address:


Israelische Gemeente-Bet Israel
A. Lacle Blvd. 2,
Box 2,
Aruba
Tel: (297) 582-3272
ledaneps@setarnet.aw

Note:
bahamasgateway.net provides the above information for guidance purposes only. Couples should verify all information with the consulate from their respective countries and with the local offices before making any plans.