Though it has issued more than 4,000 marriage licences up to August this year, the Ministry of Justice has sought to remind members of the public that the document does not represent legal proof of marriage.

For that, a couple must obtain a marriage certificate through the Registrar General’s Department (RGD).

In a release, the justice ministry noted that the Minister’s Marriage Licence only authorises a marriage officer to officiate a wedding ceremony.

“The Minister’s Marriage Licence is issued by the Ministry of Justice before a wedding and is void if the marriage is
not solemnised within three months, whereas the Marriage Certificate is issued by the RGD after the wedding and bears no expiry date,” the justice ministry said.

There is no cost associated with obtaining a Minister’s Marriage Licence. However, there is a stamp duty fee payable to the Stamp Office, located at 111 Harbour Street, Kingston.

Couples applying for the Minister’s Marriage Licence are required to submit the stamped Minister’s Marriage Licence form along with the relevant supporting documents to the justice ministry’s Customer Service Area for the licence to be issued.

Applications that are submitted by noon on business days can be processed within the same day, as long as all requirements are met and supporting documents are satisfactory.

For the period January to August 2021, the justice ministry issued 4,052 Minister’s Marriage Licences to citizens
and tourists who got married in Jamaica.

The justice ministry also noted that the Marriage Register, which a couple receives following the wedding ceremony, is not a legal document.

“This document cannot be used to conduct business. The couple must, therefore, obtain the Marriage Certificate, which indicates legal proof of marriage, at a cost from the RGD.”

Information about additional documents used to solemnise marriages in Jamaica can also be found on the RGD’s website.

Couples who are getting married soon can visit the ministry’s website, moj.gov.jm, for information on how to apply for the licence.