Destination Weddings

FAQs

Questions

As you start to plan your special destination wedding day ceremony, you will no doubt have many questions. My answers will give you a lot more information and details to support you in your planning.

GENERAL

WILL THE CEREMONY YOU CONDUCT BE LEGALLY BINDING?

Yes in the USA.

Not in the UK or rest of the world.

WHERE DO WE GET LEGALLY MARRIED?

The choice is yours. Either marry before leaving for your destination wedding or when arriving at the destination. (more details below.)

If you are a British citizen you can get legally married and obtain a British marriage license in a UK registration office prior to traveling to your destination.

You can get legally married in your destination location in a brief service prior to my conducting your celebratory ceremony.

HOW LONG IS THE USUAL UK REGISTRATION OR OVERSEAS SERVICE?

It is usually all over in 15 minutes.

HOW LONG IS A CEREMONY CONDUCTED BY YOU AS AN INDEPENDENT CELEBRANT?

My ceremonies are personal and bespoke for every couple. Couples may include any number of extras and additions to their ceremony. Therefore the ceremonies I help you create can be as long as you want!

WHO MAKES THE MARRIAGE APPLICATION AND DEALS WITH THE LEGAL PAPERWORK?

You are responsible for obtaining all the necessary documents and fulfilling the requirements of marriage in your country of residence or destination.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HAVING A BRITISH MARRIAGE LICENSE?

This is for you to decide. Complications of authenticity could arise in the future if you have a foreign marriage license. Couples sometimes have regrets.

HOW DO I FIND OUT THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE COUNTY IN WHICH I WANT TO MARRY?

Start with a google search! Or seek the guidance of the destination venue Wedding Planner; they may well have guidelines to offer you.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE ME TO SORT THE NECESSARY PAPERWORK TO MARRY OVERSEAS?

Each country has its own laws and requirements, so check these thoroughly.

DO I HAVE TO VISIT THE BRITISH EMBASSY WHEN I GET TO MY DESTINATION?

Check local laws and regulations.

DO I HAVE TO BE RESIDENT IN THE DESTINATION COUNTRY I AM PLANNING TO MARRY IN, PRIOR TO MARRYING LEGALLY?

Once again it is your responsibility to check the regulations and rules that are applicable to the country of destination and your own circumstances.

BARBADOS

WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS?

You will get wet! Weddings in Barbados are generally conducted outdoors with a necessary contingency, should it rain. It does rain in paradise! It does also dry quickly and is never cold! Couples often choose the cooler location of an old plantation house or a botanical garden.

CAN WE MARRY AT SUNSET?

Yes. However if you choose sunset the ceremony should commence before dusk so that the perfect photographs can take place in the sunset after the wedding ceremony. Timing is essential.

DO WE HAVE TO BE RESIDENT ON THE ISLAND PRIOR TO OUR MARRIAGE?

There is no minimum stay required in order to be married in Barbados.

WHERE DO I HAVE TO GO FOR A BAJUN MARRIAGE LICENSE?

Once on the island, you must both present yourselves to the Registrar General’s Office in order to obtain a marriage license.

WHAT DOCUMENTS DO WE NEED TO BRING WITH US?

Prior to arriving in Barbados check online what documentation is required.

For Legal Weddings, make sure to bring all necessary documentation with you to Barbados.

Passports or Certified Copies of Birth Certificates
Father’s Full Name for the Bride and Bridegroom
Valid Driver’s License or Identification Card
If Divorced, the Original Divorce Decree (must have notary’s seal)

Evidence of return airline or cruise tickets may be required.

Other circumstances may require additional documents.

HOW LONG DOES THE PROCESS TAKE TO ACQUIRE A MARRIAGE LICENSE AT THE REGISTRY?

The process will take approximately 30 minutes. However, this does depend on the number of couples applying on any given day.

WHO CONDUCTS THE MARRIAGE?

Usually a local marriage officer is appointed to you or a registered minister.

Most locations offer both civil and religious ceremonies.

HOW LONG IS AN NORMAL MARRIAGE SERVICE?

Everything is usually done and dusted in 15 minutes!

DO THE LEGAL MARRIAGE SERVICES CONTAIN RELIGIOUS CONTENT?

Without exception they will! Barbados is a very religious island boasting over 300 churches!

WILL I GET TO MEET THE MINISTER PRIOR TO MY MARRIAGE?

It is highly unlikely.

WILL I NEED TO ARRANGE MY OWN WEDDING PLANNER?

Most hotels will have their own wedding planners who have the contacts and island expertise to help tailor a ceremony in Barbados. Planners will handle everything to meet your needs and arrange everything for you and your guests — from hair and makeup, to flowers, cake and music.

USA

WHO IS PERMITTED TO MARRY AND SOLEMNISE A WEDDING IN THE USA?

A marriage may be performed by regularly ordained clergy, judiciary, State of Florida notaries, the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Deputy Clerks or a registered officiant.

ARE YOU A REGISTERED OFFICIANT?

Yes most defiantly. I was ordained and licensed to perform legal marriages in the USA on 2nd March 2017.

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU HOLD TO PERMIT YOU TO LEGALLY MARRY US IN NORTH AMERICA?

As a registered minister with ULC No: 967 228-27 I am able to conduct a legal wedding in most States of America. There are just a few exceptions, regulations vary between states and these need to be checked by each couple. This is fully recognized in the UK as a legal marriage.

ARE YOU CLASSIFIED AS A WEDDING OFFICIANT IN THE USA?

I am officially recognized as a member of the ULC, Universal Life Church and have rights and privileges to perform all duties of the ministry, most importantly, legal weddings.

ARE YOU A MINISTER?

Yes. It is the licensed term for register officiants of ULC in the USA.

WHAT ARE THE TERMS OF ISSUANCE APPLICABLE FOR COUPLES MARRYING IN THE USA?

Applicants must be eighteen (18) years old to obtain a marriage license. Sixteen (16), and Seventeen (17), year olds must have both parents’ consent. If they are younger, parental consent of a County Judge and proven pregnancy may apply, depending on the age and situation. Both applicants must appear in person at the time of application.

WHAT HAPPENS IF ONE OF YOU HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY MARRIED?

If either applicant has been previously married, the exact date of the last death, divorce, or annulment must be provided. You should bring a copy of your divorce decree with you at the time of application.

WHAT IS THE TIME LIMIT AND EXPIRY OF A MARRIAGE LICENSE?

The license must be used within sixty (60) days from the “effective date”.

WHAT IS THE COST OF A MARRIAGE LICENSE?

A marriage license costs $93.50 (Approx. £70)

HOW IS THE LICENSE RECORDED?

After the marriage, Glenda will return the signed license, (within ten 10 days), to the marriage license section. There is no record of the marriage until that license is received, and is recorded in the Official Records. A certified copy will then be sent to the newlywed couples, by mail. The original license is sent to the OFFICE OF VITAL STATISTICS in that State

WHAT IS THE ADVANTAGE OF USING A WEDDING OFFICIANT SUCH AS YOUR SELF, OVER ANY OTHER LEGALLY QUALIFIED PERSON?

will be brief and impersonal, rather similar to an English registration service marriage. Glenda has all the skills, experience, knowledge to be able to create, write and deliver a heartfelt romantic ceremony with the couple at its heart.

WHAT LEGAL WORDS HAVE TO BE SAID BY US OR THE OFFICIANT TO ENSURE WE ARE LEGALLY MARRIED IN THE EYES OF THE LAW?

“…by the power vested in me (Glenda Procter) as a ULC minister by the state of Florida (or other)” I pronounce you husband and wife.”

AT WHAT POINT IN THE PROCEEDINGS DO WE ACTUALLY BECOME HUSBAND AND WIFE?

,When Glenda Procter signs the paperwork. The license then has to be filed with the county the ceremony took place within an allotted time. The county will then issue you a marriage certificate which is what signifies and is evidence that you are legally married.