There is no minimum stay or waiting period in Barbados. Both parties must apply in person for a marriage licence at the Ministry of Home Affairs and Information, by appointment.

• Non-nationals: valid passports and/or birth certificates, plus proof of lawful entry into Barbados.
• Barbadian nationals: original birth certificates and identification as specified in the Ministry's official guide.
• Divorced: an original Decree Absolute or Final Judgment, or a copy certified by a Notary Public. A Decree Nisi is not accepted.
• Widowed: the Ministry asks for the original marriage certificate and the deceased spouse's original death certificate.
• Officiant: arrange an authorised Marriage Officer or Magistrate beforehand. Bring the officer's originally signed letter or the Magistrate's official note confirming the ceremony; include the couple's names, wedding date, time and place.
• Translations: documents not in English, except passports and identification cards, need an English translation certified by an authorised Notary Public, not a Justice of the Peace.
• Immigration status: bring the relevant original status documents or passport endorsements if applicable; work-permit holders must show their valid permit documentation.

The licence lasts three months. The wedding date cannot fall after the permitted visitor stay or work permit expires.

Under-16s cannot legally marry in Barbados. Applicants aged 16–17 must confirm the applicable consent and court requirements with the Ministry; adults aged 18 or over do not need parental consent. Ask your chosen church about any additional religious paperwork.

Sources: Government marriage-licence guide, Barbados Judicial System and Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.. Reviewed 5 October 2026; confirm your circumstances before booking.

The Government's marriage guide lists these Magistrate's ceremony fees in Barbados dollars (BDS$/BBD):

• Non-nationals: BDS $250 within the court; BDS $350 outside the court.
• Nationals: BDS $100 within the court; BDS $125 outside the court.

These are separate from the marriage licence and stamp duty. Confirm your applicable category and the complete ceremony charge with the Registration Department or Magistrate before booking.

The Government's general fee schedule also lists civil solemnisation at BDS $50 for its citizen/permanent-resident/immigrant category and BDS $100 for the other category. It does not explain how that charge relates to the court fees above, so do not assume it is an additional charge or a complete ceremony price.

Sources: Government marriage guide and official fee schedule.

All amounts below are Barbados dollars (BDS$/BBD), not US dollars. The current Government guide lists:

• Visiting non-national couples without qualifying Barbados citizenship or residence: BDS $200 licence fee plus BDS $25 stamp duty, totalling BDS $225.
• If either party is a Barbadian citizen or resident: BDS $200 licence fee plus BDS $10 stamp duty, totalling BDS $210. Confirm your status category with the Ministry; the fee schedule specifies citizens, permanent residents and immigrants.
• Special licence arrangements: an additional BDS $100, where approved, for weekends, public holidays or other special circumstances.

The Ministry specifies cash for the licence fee; stamps are available there. Older official material shows a lower national licence fee, so confirm the current amount when booking your appointment.

Marriage certificates are obtained separately from the Registration Department: BDS $10 per certified copy for nationals and BDS $20 for non-nationals.

Other charges in the official fee schedule apply only where relevant. For its citizen/permanent-resident/immigrant category versus other couples, respectively: publication-of-banns certificate BDS $40/$75; a medical certificate under section 35 BDS $25/$50. Lodging an objection costs BDS $150 in either category. These are not a list of documents or charges every couple must obtain or pay. See the ceremony-fee section for civil solemnisation and Magistrate's charges.

Sources: Government marriage-licence guide and Government marriage-certificate service.

Confirm the documents, eligibility and fees for your circumstances with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Information before making wedding arrangements.

Jones Building, Webster's Business Park, Wildey, St. Michael, Barbados
Appointments/general enquiries: +1 (246) 535-7260
Marriage Licence Desk: +1 (246) 535-7267
E-mail: haffairs@mha.gov.bb

The Government guide lists weekday office hours of 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. and online appointment slots from 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Book an appointment rather than relying on walk-in service. Use the appointment link in the official marriage-licence guide, or call the Ministry.

For certificates and questions about a Magistrate's ceremony fees, contact the Registration Department on +1 (246) 535-9700 or registrarsupremecourt@barbados.gov.bb. See the official certificate service.

A wedding planner can help coordinate your venue, photographer, accommodation and marriage-licence paperwork. Both parties still need to attend the Ministry's licence appointment in person.

Explore the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. wedding-planner directory to find local help with your wedding arrangements.