Getting married in the British Virgin Islands

A remote paradise for those who want a real wedding away from it all

Why get married in the British Virgin Islands?

Getting married in the British Virgin Islands means leaving the crowds behind and discovering one of the most romantic spots in the world. Deserted beaches and spectacular scenery are the hallmark of these islands, whose deep waters and sheltered bays offer some of the best sailing in the world. The hotels tend to offer most activities as there is little to do except swim, sunbathe and relax.

More than 40 islands, rocks and cays make up the island group. Best known islands Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke. Lying nearly 100 kilom (sixty miles) east of Puerto Rico and directly northeast of St John, the islands are home to just twelve thousand people.

What kind of wedding ceremony can I have in the British Virgin Islands?

You can choose to get married on the deck of a yacht, on a deserted, sun kissed beach, in a church of your choice, under a gazebo by the sea or in a tropical garden.

If you wish to be married in a church the wedding banns must be published on three consecutive Saturdays or Sundays in the church of your choice; you will also need to make arrangements with the Minister in advance. You can get married in a church by special licence, arrangements for which must also be made with the minister.

Is it wedding weather?

What’s the flight time?

9.5 hours

What’s the time difference?

GMT ‐4

Do I need a visa to enter the country?

No.

What’s the wedding paperwork?

• Residency You must be resident in the Islands for a minimum of three working days before you wedding can take place.
• Proof of ID Your original birth certificates and valid 10‐year passports.
• Divorced If you are divorced you must produce your Decree Absolute with the court stamp.
• Widowed If you are widowed you must provide the original copy of your deceased spouse’s death certificate.
• Age restrictions To marry in the British Virgin Islands without parental consent you need to be at least 18.

How do I obtain a marriage licence?

As soon as you arrive in the British Virgin Islands you can apply for a marriage licence at the Attorney General’s Office (see Where can I find further information?). Your licence will take three days to process and is valid for three months upon issue.

You’ll need to have two people to witness and sign your application form for the licence. These witnesses do not have to be the same as those present at your marriage ceremony (you may request BV Islanders to be your witnesses at the Attorney General’s Office and at your wedding ceremony).

Having applied for your licence you should then go to the Registrar’s Office to schedule an appointment for the date and time you want to be married. If you arranged your wedding slot before you travelled, you must confirm it once you have been to the Attorney General’s office.

Where can I find further information?

BVI Tourist Board
15 Upper Grosvenor Street
London, W1K 7PJ
Tel: 020 7355 9585
www.bvitourism.com

Attorney General’s Office
2nd Floor Central Administration Complex
Road Town
Tortola

Registrar’s Office
PO Box 418
Road Town
Tortola
British Virgin Islands
Tel: 00 284 494 3701/3492

BVI Tourist Board
2nd Floor, Akara Building
DeCastro Street
Road Town
Tortola
British Virgin Islands
Tel: 00 284 494 3134
www.bvitourism.com

Disclaimer

confetti makes reasonable efforts to obtain data from reliable sources and to keep the contents reasonably accurate. However, specifications and requirements may change and confetti cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the content or information. We strongly advise you to consult other sources of information including the embassies or consulates of the countries in question or local lawyers.