Getting Married in Aruba
Every year, Aruba receives hundreds of inquiries about getting married on the island. Whether you choose to tie the knot on the beach, during a private sunset cruise, or at a lush tropical garden, getting married in Aruba is a wonderful way to add exotic romance to your wedding day.
There are many properties on the island with complete banquet facilities for your reception, and many of Aruba's fine restaurants offer elegant private rooms for special occasions. Afterward, enjoy your honeymoon here, taking advantage of the islands breathtaking vistas secluded hideaways to celebrate your romance. and a great many of Aruba's best resorts and hotels offer all-inclusive honeymoon packages, and the island itself is simply perfect for newlyweds. Here is a sample of some of Aruba's most romantic spots:
- The scenic vistas of the California Lighthouse, which looks out over Aruba's windward coast and the rugged California dunes from the northwestern tip of the island.
- The intimate beauty of Baby Beach, at the southeastern tip of the island. A stunning spot for a private beach rendezvous.
- The dazzling beauty of the waters of Arashi Beach, on the northern side of the island. A beautiful snorkeling site.
- The exotic sand dunes of Boca Prins, on the northeastern shore.
- The tropical surrounds of Andicuri, a coconut grove and picnicking spot with a magnificent island view.
- The private coastal islands of the Renaissance resort and De Palm.
- The secluded cove of Spanish Lagoon, once the haunt of early island pirates.
- The wonder of the Natural Bridge, with the surf pounding against the rocks or dipping into the Natural Pool, or Conchi.
- Under a Divi tree at sunrise, sunset, or any other time.
- The broad panorama from Yamanota Hill, the highest point on the island.
Photographers
There are several excellent photographers in Aruba many of whom specialize in wedding photography. If you're looking for a photographer please feel free to Contact Us!
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 apostille (state certification).
- Valid passport for Bride and Groom.
- Witness (18 years up) with valid passport.
- 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). Apostilles are required for "negative statement of marriage". Certificate cannot be older than 6 months.
- If either party has been divorced a (complete) copy of the divorce decree(s) is required.
- If either party is a widow(er) copy of death certificate is required with apostille.
Office of Civil Registry
Schoolstraat 2
Oranjestad, Aruba
Phone +297 522 3676 (Oranjestad)
info@censo.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.
- No weddings can be held outside of the church building.
The couple should contact one of the following churches BEFORE coming to Aruba:
St. Franciscus Parish Church,
Irausquinplein 3,
Oranjestad, Aruba.
Phone +297 582 1434
St. Anna Parish Church
Noord 16,
Oranjestad, Aruba.
Phone +297 587 1409
Fax +297 587 8554
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.
Phone +297 582 1435.
Synagogue
Requirements:
- Both partners MUST be 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
Phone +297 582 3272
ledaneps@setarnet.aw
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At Sea
A boat captain is not authorized to officiate a wedding according to Dutch laws. This applies for international waters as well as in port. The only exception to this rule is if he has been given authority by the country under whose flag the ship is registered.