Colorful and Vibrant

90 miles north of Venezuela lies Curaçao, an autonomous country within the Royal Dutch Kingdom of the Netherlands and the “C” island in the ABC chain. Curaçao lies outside the hurricane belt and has warm, sunny weather year-round with very few showers.

A melting pot of Afro-Caribbean, Dutch, French, Latin American, Asian, and Jewish heritage, Curaçao derives its culture from the rich diversity of these groups. You can feel Curaçao’s culture in the pride and passion of the people, the mouthwatering foods and the beat of their Tumba music.

Curaçao’s architecture is colorful and vibrant, reflective not only of styles from Europe and the Netherlands, but also from the Spanish and Portuguese colonial towns and from towns throughout the Caribbean region with which Willemstad engaged in trade in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.

Curaçao has quite a picturesque harbor with the towering Koningin Julianabrug or Queen Juliana bridge, one of the highest vantage points on the island, offering a panoramic view of Punda, Otrabanda and the Schottegat. While below, the Queen Emma Bridge – a pontoon (floating) bridge that connects Punda and Otrobanda in Willemstad – is hinged and opens regularly, allowing ships to pass through. Both bridges are tourist attractions in their own right. A drive across the Queen Juliana or a stroll across the Queen Emma is certainly a must.

While on Curaçao you can choose to soak up the sun and swim at one of over 35 spectacular beaches along its southwest cove, go snorkeling or take a dive among the amazing coral reefs, walls and sunken ships. These dive sites are protected from strong currents.

Several museums display the island’s rich history and inherited traditions. The Maritime Museum shows how Curaçao’s strategic geographic location and natural harbor made it a major seafaring and commercial center.

Being on Curaçao gives you an unexplained warm, welcoming feeling of belonging. A feeling you want to share – excitement, anticipation, adventure, joy and romance. Curaçao’s arms are open and waiting to welcome you. You can see and so it all, or just sit back and enjoy a sumptuous meal, sip on a Blue Curaçao (the local liqueur) and enjoy the island with family, friends or just that special someone.

Marriage Requirements for Curacao

Curaçao is an ideal wedding venue; if you choose this option, you will have to pre-arrange a number of issues and follow certain procedures. This ensures a carefree wedding and honeymoon.

As a non-resident of the island, you can get married here if you meet the following requirements:

• You and your prospective partner must live outside Curaçao
• No later than two months before the marriage your intention to marry should be reported from the country of origin to the Civil Registry Office in Curaçao in writing (by letter). With this letter you should provide at least two possible dates and at what time of the day you want to marry. You must both sign the written request.
• In this letter, add your e-mail address and enclose the following documents:
  • Birth certificate (a copy or a comprehensive extract) of both prospective partners, not older than 1 year
  • Copy of a valid passport for both prospective partners
  • Proof that you are unmarried (via the Register Office in your area) for both prospective partners, not older than 6 months
  • If either one or both of you are divorced or a widow/widower, you need to provide the relevant documents (divorce decree or death certificate), not older than 6 months
  • Copy of valid passport of the witnesses

There are several Wedding Planners available on the island and they offer a variety of packages based on your need and your budget. You can choose one of these local Wedding Planners to plan your perfect Wedding Day.

Depending on your personal circumstances you might be requested to provide additional documents. You will have ample time to arrange for these documents.

Within two weeks after the Civil Registry Office has received and examined your documents, you will receive a message stating that all documents submitted are in order. If not, it is then determined whether the planned wedding date and time is still feasible.

Your marriage will be officially announced on the first Saturday after your marriage application and the related documents have been approved.

In order to verify the identity of the couple, it is important that you report to the Civil Registry Office in Curaçao with your passports at least 3 days before your marriage. You can also meet with the official of the Civil Registry Office that will solemnize your marriage. You can register at:

Bevolkingsregister en Verkiezingen Curaçao (Kranshi) (Civil Registry Office)
Roodeweg 42
Willemstad, Curaçao
Telephone: (+5999) 4341600
Fax: (+5999) 4618166
Email: info.bsbv@gobiernu.cw

The total cost for the above documents is approximately US $176.00.

Important Links for Curaçao

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

Entry Requirements for Curaçao

https://www.curacao.com/en/questions/customs-and-immigration/what-documents-do-i-need-to-enter-curacao

How to Get to Curaçao

https://www.curacao.com/en/questions/location/how-do-i-get-to-curacao

Places to Stay in Curaçao

https://www.curacao.com/en/where-to-stay

Things To Do in Curaçao

https://www.curacao.com/en/things-to-do

Getting Around Curaçao

https://www.curacao.com/en/questions/getting-around

Events in Curaçao

https://www.curacao.com/en/events

Dining in Curaçao

Signature Dishes to try: https://www.curacao.com/en/category/food-and-drink
Restaurants in Curaçao: https://www.curacao.com/en/category/food-and-drink