St. Maarten

Language: Dutch, English
Currency: Caribbean guilder (XCG)
Airports: Princess Juliana Int'l Airport (SXM)
Known for: Colonial Architecture, Duty Free, Night-Life
Official Tourism Website: vacationstmaarten.com/
Drives on the: Right side
Calling Code: +1-721

Listen to this article · 5 min 5 sec

Two Cultures, One Island

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 beautiful beaches across both sides of the island, from Dawn Beach to Guana Bay, every shoreline has its own personality.

Across the border on the French side, Loterie Farm offers guided hikes through the island’s lush 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, with reefs and wreck sites to explore with qualified local operators. Boating culture thrives, from the popular 12-meter yacht racing challenge to catamaran sunset cruises, deep sea fishing, and other locally arranged excursions.

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 a wealth of restaurants ranging from beachside BBQ to high-end French fare in Grand Case on the French side, 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

Reviewed 9 November 2026. Requirements depend on your circumstances and may change. Confirm with the official marriage authority before booking.

Submit your request to the Civil Registry at least 14 days before the proposed wedding. Do not finalize the date until the Registry confirms it.

  • Original full, detailed birth certificates no older than three years.
  • Declaration of unmarried status no older than three months, or applicable death certificate or final divorce decree. The Registry specifies a divorce document no older than three years.
  • Passport copies for both partners; addresses, professions and nationalities; parents’ names and mothers’ maiden names.
  • Passport copies for witnesses: two to four witnesses in the Marriage Hall, six at an outside venue.
  • Documents in other languages must be translated into Dutch or English.
  • Apostille or legalization requirements depend on the issuing country. Obtain certification from that country’s competent authority.

The normal minimum marriage age is 18. Any exceptional minor case requires specific legal eligibility and approvals; parental consent alone is not a general exemption. A non-Dutch partner marrying a Dutch national must follow the Registry’s interview procedure.

Marriage charges vary by the day and location of the ceremony. The Registry’s published guide lists a US-dollar range of US$178–415.25, but confirm the current total and any certificate or translation charges directly before booking. Ask for the current schedule in Caribbean guilders (XCG) or US dollars.

Arrange your legal wedding through the Civil Registry Department of Sint Maarten. The registrar must approve the documents and date; a symbolic or religious celebration does not replace the civil marriage formalities.

Use the official Register a Marriage service page for current contact and application details rather than an old overseas fax number.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR