CHANGES TO BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS’ MARRIAGE LAW MAKES DESTINATION WEDDINGS EASIER FOR VISITORS
Tortola, British Virgin Islands, September 13, 2012 – Saying, “I do” just became easier for couples heading to the British Virgin Islands (BVI) for their nuptials: Brides and grooms can now get married 24 hours after arriving to the Territory!
On September 3, the BVI Government made significant changes by amending the Marriage Act (Cap 272): Residency requirements for ‘Special Licence’ were shortened from three (3) days to one (1) day, a new fee schedule was introduced, and the steps to obtain a licence were all transferred to the Civil Registry for a ‘One Stop Shop’ process.
Couples even have the choice of beginning their wedding application online before arriving in the BVI, by submitting their information through the Government’s new Civil Registry Information System (CRIS) at www.crisvi.gov.vg.
Prior to the improvements made to the Act, couples were tasked with stopping at three different locations to obtain the necessary documentation for the marriage licence application. Through these new changes, couples can complete the entire process at the Civil Registry where they will provide proof of their identity (passport) and marital status (original certified copies of Decree(s) Absolute for divorced spouses or original Death Certificate(s) of deceased spouse(s); apply for their licence, obtain a marriage certificate and present two witnesses.
The Special Licence fee is $220 and the Ordinary Licence is $120.
Additional fees are applicable based on the bride and groom’s wedding specifications: $220 for the Registrar-General or marriage officer to perform the ceremony, $120 for the ceremony to be held in the Civil Registry building and $25 for a certified copy of the marriage licence.
In the BVI, couples have many options for getting married and locations abound for conducting wedding ceremonies that are representative of the couple’s personality and style. The stunning group of islands and cays offer idyllic backdrops such as beaches, churches, yachts, hotels, villas, resorts, private islands, historic ruins, national parks, the Civil Registry, and many more to suit their tastes. There are also many experienced wedding, and event planners available to supply their requests. (For additional information visit the BVI Tourist Board website: www.bvitourism.com)
To apply in person for a marriage licence or any service surrounding the subject of marriage, please visit the Civil Registry and Passport Office, which is located upstairs of Burhym Electrical Services in Wickham’s Cay, Road Town, Tortola. The office is opened Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or telephone (284) 468-3442 for more information.
You can find more information at the CRPO's website:
http://crisvi.gov.vg/netdata/db2www.pgm/c2_public_mr.ndm/overview
Contact Paradise Connections for your honeymoon yacht charter and also inquire about captains who can perform weddings...
