St. Maarten

Motto: "Always Progressings"
Language: Dutch, English
Currency: Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG)
Airports: Princess Juliana Int'l Airport (PJIA)
Known for: Butterfly Farm, Colonial Architecture, Duty Free, Night-Life
Official Tourism Website: vacationstmaarten.com/
Drives on the: Right side
Calling Code: +1-721

Always Progressings

Deceptively small but rich in contrast, Dutch St. Maarten blends bustling beach life with peaceful hillside charm. Wide sun-drenched shores and vibrant nightlife give way to quiet roads and serene interior landscapes. By night, the island comes alive with glittering casinos and pulsing nightclubs, while the hills offer tranquil escapes.

St. Maarten is the Dutch half of a shared island with French St. Martin, offering a unique bicultural experience. Hotels, luxury resorts, and fine dining are plentiful, making it a lively yet romantic destination for couples.

St. MaartenExplore historic landmarks like the Courthouse on Front Street, Fort Amsterdam, and the island’s charming museums and shops. Cupecoy Beach is known for its dramatic cliffs and caves, while Maho Bay draws windsurfers and sunset chasers. With 36 beaches, from Dawn Beach to Guana Bay, every shoreline has its own personality.

Inland, Loterie Farm offers guided hikes through the island’s last intact tropical forest, with fruit trees, medicinal herbs, and echoes of the island’s plantation past. Adventurers can hike Cole Bay Hill or bike the island’s scenic trails.

The surrounding waters are ideal for scuba diving, including a visit to the famed 1801 British Frigate wreck. Boating culture thrives, from the popular 12-meter yacht racing challenge to catamaran sunset cruises, deep sea fishing, and even submarine tours.

When the sun sets, the Dutch side comes alive with entertainment—casinos, discos, bowling alleys, and bars playing everything from techno to reggae. And for food lovers, it’s no wonder the island is called the “Gastronomic Capital of the Caribbean.” With over 300 restaurants ranging from beachside BBQ to high-end French fare in Grand Case, every craving is met with world-class flavor.

Whether you're here for the adventure, the cuisine, or a magical beachfront wedding, St. Maarten is where vibrant culture meets Caribbean romance.

Marriage Requirements For St. Maarten

The following notarized original documents must be submitted to the Registrar with your request:

A full abridged birth certificate to prove the legality of the same. The birth certificate must have an “Apostille” stamp which can be obtained from the City Hall.

  • In the event persons are not of Dutch nationality, a valid passport is required.
  • Address of both parties.
  • Duration of stay on St Maarten.
  • Unmarried persons must present a declaration of marital status not older than 3 months.
  • If widow(er), a death certificate.
  • If divorced, a divorce certificate or a final judgment decree.
  • For minors, permission of the parents is required.
  • Names of parents, maiden names of mother including place of birth and birth date.
  • Professions of the bride, the groom and the parents.
  • 6 (six) witness if the marriage is performed outside of the Marriage Hall. Non-Dutch witnesses must present a valid passport or a birth certificate with a picture I.D.
  • Original documents other than Dutch or English need to be translated into the Dutch language (i.e. a French or Spanish document must be translated into Dutch, not English).

The cost for contracting foreign marriages is US$275.55 and includes civil ceremony, marriage books, stamps and certificates.

Couples planning on getting married on St. Maarten must be at least 18 years of age. Requests must be submitted at the least 14 days prior to the scheduled ceremony to be conducted by the Registrar.

Chief Registrar
Census Office
Soualiga Road
Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Fax: + 599-542-4267

Important Links For St. Maarten

To learn more about The Bahamas, please see the important links below:

Travel Requirements

https://www.bahamas.com/tourism-reopening

How to Get to St. Maarten

https://www.bahamas.com/getting-here/flying

Places to Stay

https://www.bahamas.com/hotels

Things To Do

https://www.bahamas.com/plan-your-trip/things-to-do

Events

https://www.bahamas.com/events

Dining

https://www.bahamas.com/plan-your-trip/restaurants

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