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Motto: "Open for Happiness"
Language: Dutch, Papiamento
Currency: Aruban Florin (AWG)
Airports: Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA)
Known for: Shopping, Nightlife/Casinos, Watersports
Official Tourism Website: aruba.com
Drives on the: Right Side
Calling Code: +1 297

Open for Happiness

Aruba stands apart from the typical Caribbean destination with its cactus-studded landscape.

Lying outside of the hurricane belt, Aruba sees about 20-inches of rainfall annually. Visitors can always expect to be embraced by the island’s warm sunny weather. Aruba’s people are just as warm, friendly and welcoming to visitors to their island which lies 18 miles off the coast of Venezuela. With year-round temperatures in the mid 80’s, Aruba is known for its long beaches with powdery white sands.

Modern hotels offer every amenity. Restaurants serve local and world-class culinary delights to suit every palate; and nightlife includes cabaret, cocktails bars and casinos.

The island’s Dutch Colonial heritage is ever-present in the country’s brightly colored architecture. In the capital city of Oranjestad, you could visit several of these buildings including City Hall, the Aruba Archaeological Museum, Fort Zoutman and even the Royal Plaza Mall.
Love to shop? Aruba offers some of the best shopping in the Caribbean and the Royal will be much more than an architectural wonder.

Why not make Aruba the perfect choice for your destination wedding? Say “I do” at sunset on the beach; choose a lush tropical garden; say it poolside, or at a banquet facility. Whatever your choice, we can make your Wedding Day in Aruba a most memorable and perfect experience.


Marriage Requirements for Aruba

Couples can choose between a Civil and a Religious Marriage. And while it is not mandatory to have a Wedding Planner, it is highly recommended. There are professional Wedding Planners in Aruba who can take care of the paperwork as well as every other detail of your wedding leaving you worry-free while making you Wedding Day the most exceptional and memorable day of your life, as it should be.

The Civil Wedding

It is now possible to hold your civil weddings in Aruba. The wedding would be held in the Historical City Hall (“Civil Town House”). Couples who wish, may also receive a religious blessing after a civil marriage or simply organize a romantic celebration on the beach, a resort or place of their choosing.

The following documentation is required from both parties:

  • Long Form Birth Certificate which includes parent names. The birth-certificates must have a raised seal and needs to be submitted to the Secretary of State Office for an Apostille.
  • Certificate of No Impediment (also known as “single status report” or “negative statement for marriage”).
  • If married before, a Final Divorce-Degree with an Apostille; or Death Certificate with an Apostille is required.
  • Copies of the passport picture page showing the holder is 18 years of age or older.
  • Copies of the passport picture page of two (2) Witnesses, minimum 18 years of age. If the bride and groom are traveling alone, witnesses can be provided locally by a wedding planner.
  • The Aruba Declaration of Marriage Intent Form (application form provided by your wedding planner).
  • The Aruba Declaration Single Status Form of Bride and Groom (application form provided by your wedding planner)

Please Note:

  • Bathing suits, shorts, cut-offs and slippers are not allowed at the civil ceremony.
  • All documents must be faxed or emailed for review and then sent by mail or courier (e.g. FedEx) at least one (1) month before the desired date for the wedding. Please contact your wedding planner or wedding coordinator.
  • The Civil ceremony can take place on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10.00am to 11.30am and from 2.00pm to 3.30pm and on Wednesdays from 10.00am to 11.30am and from 11.00am to 1.00pm. It may also be possible to have the ceremony on Saturdays at an additional cost.

For questions or further details, please contact:

Office of Civil Registry
Schoolstraat 2
Oranjestad, Aruba
Phone +297 522-3676 (Oranjestad)
Fax +297 583 9160
Email: info@censo.aw

Religious Ceremonies

With the adequate planning and submission of required documentation, religious ceremonies can also be performed on the island.

Catholics

  • A written consent must be presented stating that both parties have attended pre-marital counseling and have permission from their pastor to marry in Aruba.
  • An official statement by the pastor is required in which he declares that neither party has previously been married in a Church.
  • A copy of the Marriage Certificate that shows that the couple has been married by a civil authority in their country of origin.
  • Certificates of baptism and confirmation from both bride and groom, as well as copies of both passports or other valid identification documents.
  • The wedding ceremony must take place in a Catholic Church.
  • Both parties must submit all these documents 4 months prior to the chosen wedding day.

Protestants, Episcopalians, Methodists:

  • The wedding can take place in any local Protestant, Episcopalian or Methodist Church, or at any other location of your preference.
  • Provide a copy of the Marriage Certificate from your country of origin.
  • You are required to dress appropriately for all “Religious Blessings” for example the bride cannot marry wearing bathing suit or shorts, shorts are acceptable for the groom.

Jewish

  • Both parties must be Jewish and must submit a certificate issued by the Jewish Rabbi from their place of origin.
  • The Aruba Jewish Cantor accepts Jewish status certificates from valid Orthodox authorities, Conservative, Reform, Liberal and Reconstructionist.
  • You need to make a formal request to the Jewish Community of Aruba.
  • The ceremony can take place within the Synagogue, as well as any other place of your choice. The Synagogue of Aruba is in a separate conservative-reformist style congregation.
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