Everything You Need to Know About Getting Married in Trinidad + Tobago

31 Dec

If you’re planning getting married in Trinidad and Tobago, congratulations! Having just gone through the process myself in 2024, I know it can feel a little overwhelming, but I’m here to make it as easy as possible for you. Let’s break it down step by step so you can focus on enjoying your special day.

Getting Married in Trinidad and Tobago

Step One: Obtaining Your Marriage License

The first thing on your to-do list is applying for your marriage license. Both you and your partner must visit the District Revenue Office (DRO) nearest to where you live. For us, living in Port of Spain, this was located on the 2nd Floor of the Ministry of Finance building in Port of Spain. You can find a list of other DRO locations here.

What You’ll Need:

One form of ID (driver’s permit, ID, or passport)
Divorce certificate (if previously married)
Death certificate of previous spouse (if widowed)
Address of applicants (ensure it matches your ID)
Occupation of applicants
$10.00 TTD (exact change)

For Non-Residents: If you’re not a Trinidad and Tobago resident, you’ll need your passport and proof of local residence for at least seven days prior to application. For both parties who are non-residents, check out the list of required documents for a Special Marriage License.

The clerks at the DRO will fill out the application for you. Once completed, keep your receipt. Your “banns” (a notice of your intent to marry) will be posted for one week. If no objections are lodged, return to the DRO with your receipt, pay another $10 TTD, and collect your marriage license.

Tips:

Only one partner needs to collect the license, or you can authorize someone to pick it up for you.
Take a picture of your receipt—trust me, it’ll save you if you lose the original!
The license is valid for six months, so plan your wedding accordingly to avoid renewal fees.

Now that you’ve checked off this step, it’s time to get ready for your big day!

After the Ceremony

Once you’ve exchanged vows and signed the registry with your two witnesses, your officiant will typically send your marriage documents to the Registration House of the Ministry of Legal Affairs. It’s always good to confirm with your officiant or planner who’s responsible for this step.

To obtain your official marriage certificate, visit the Registration House about a week after your wedding. The cost is $25.00 TTD, which you’ll pay upon collection.

Gaby Marie Photography | Trinidad + Tobago Wedding Photographer

Getting married in Trinidad and Tobago is a beautiful experience, and now that you know the steps, you can relax and enjoy the process. As someone who’s been through it myself, I’d love to help you capture every moment of your wedding day.

Reach out to learn more about my wedding photography packages and availability!