Magical Marriages and Nautical Nuptials

Magical Marriages and Nautical Nuptials

Idyllic “I Do's" Begin Here

Due to the BVI’s overwhelming natural beauty, our corner of the world has long been one of the most aspired-to wedding destinations in existence. Countless happy couples have exchanged heartfelt vows on our shores surrounded by sunshine, sand, and the bluest skies on Earth.

When you begin your journey together as one surrounded by the life-affirming majesty of the British Virgin Islands, you aren’t just experiencing a blissful beginning. You’re setting the tone for a harmonious life. Imagine saying your “I do”s enveloped in grandeur on one of our secluded beaches, toes in the sand beneath swaying palms. Or at a gala reception at one of our palatial luxury resorts. Perhaps even on the deck of a yacht as it gently glides through our jewel-toned Caribbean waters. 

Now, stop imagining — and start planning. Our outdoor and indoor venues, professional staff, spectacular services and endless amenities offer every happy couple the destination wedding of their dreams.

Read on for what you need to know to begin.

A British Virgin Islands marriage licence isn’t at all difficult to obtain, and the certificate is valid internationally. You can begin your licence application online. Click here and follow the simple instructions to submit your application to the marriage officer of your choice.

You may also register in person. Couples wishing to wed in the BVI are welcome to apply for a marriage licence at the Registrar-General's Office, which is situated in the Burhym Building, 49 DeCastro St., Road Town, Tortola. Click here for directions.

The Registrar-General's Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A marriage licence takes one (1) working day to process. Once the BVI government has granted a licence, it remains valid for three (3) months from the date it is signed.

Types of Licenses

  • Special License: To qualify for a special license, you must be present at the time of application and plan to be a resident/present in the Virgin Islands for at least one day. A special license requires the presentation of a US$220 postage stamp to the Registrar-General. The stamp is available from the Registrar-General's Office, or the Post Office.
  • Ordinary License: If you have been resident in the Virgin Islands for 15 days or more, you must present a US$120 postage stamp — available from the Registrar-General's Office or Post Office — to the Registrar-General.

In addition, couples must also: 

  • Show proof of your identity, resident status and day of arrival via your passport the day you arrived in the Virgin Islands.
  • Show proof of martial status (including certified copies of Decree(s) Absolute for divorced spouse or Death Certificate(s) of deceased spouse).
  • Have two persons to witness and sign your application for the license (please note that these two witnesses CAN be, but need not be the same two witnesses who are present at your marriage ceremony). Also, please note that you can always request persons in the Virgin Islands to be witnesses at the Registrar-General's Office and at your marriage ceremony.

Once the license has been applied for, couples should then schedule an appointment for the date and time they propose to be married. If the couple has arranged for their appointment from abroad, they will need to confirm it at the Registrar-General’s Office at this time.

For further details, please write or call:

Registrar-General
P.O. Box 3199 Road Town,
Tortola British Virgin Islands VG1110
Tel: (284) 468-3442
Fax: (284) 494-2783
Email: info@crisvi.gov.vg or infocris@gov.vg
Website: www.crisvi.gov.vg

Ceremonies Performed by the Registrar-General

Weddings are performed by the Registrar-General outside their office between the hours of 9:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and inside the office between the hours of 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

At the Registrar-General’s office couples will be required to complete an application form showing their names as shown on their official travel documents, as well as ages, occupations, marital status, and the names of two witnesses (these two witnesses must be present at the Ceremony). Please be careful to accurately spell the names of the witnesses. Any correction of an error ex post facto will attract a charge of US$15. Couples must then also indicate the proposed venue for the marriage ceremony.

If you wish to be married at the Registrar-General’s Office, this can be arranged for a fee of US$340. If you wish the Registrar-General to perform your Wedding Ceremony outside the office, the fee is US$220. All cheques should be made payable to the ACCOUNTANT GENERAL. 

If the Registrar-General is required to leave Tortola and go to one of the adjoining islands of the Virgin Islands to perform the ceremony, the couple, will be required to pay the Registrar-General’s transportation to that Island. Fees for Ferry Services range from US$20 one-way to US$40 round-trip.

If the couple wishes to be married in the church of their choice, arrangements must be made in advance with the officials of the church in question. Couples can also be married in a church via special marriage license, but those arrangements must also have to be made with church officials. Wedding Banns must also be published on three (3) consecutive Saturdays or Sundays within the church. 

If you plan to be married in the BVI, it is highly recommended that you travel with your driver’s license and/or birth certificate in addition to your essential travel documents (passports, visas, etc.). Also, all documents showing your marital status MUST BE ORIGINALS, or CERTIFIED AS TRUE COPIES of the original.

The BVI’s marriage certificates with the Registrar-General’s seal are official legal documents. You may, however, wish to check with your local authorities in the event that the certificate requires to be legally authenticated by means of an apostille. If apostilles are required, these can also be prepared at the Registrar-General’s Office on payment of US$40.

Applicable Fees (in USD)

  • Marriage license: $120.00
  • Special marriage license: $220.00
  • Marriage performed in the Registrar's Office building: $120.00
  • Each general search for a particular entry:
  •    (i) Search by applicant: $20.00
  •    (ii) Search by staff of Civil Registry: $50.00
  • Each certified copy: $25.00
  • Issuance of any certificate or making an record of any fact not otherwise provided for: $40.00
  • Correction of each error or omission: $15.00
  • Issuance of a certificate of publication of banns: $35.00
  • Marriage celebrated by a Civil Marriage Officer: $220.00
  • For Government Medical Officer for Certificate in respect of a clinical marriage (where a special visit is not required): $30.00
  • For Government Medical Officer for Certificate in respect of a clinical marriage (where a special visit is required): $40.00
  • For late arrival for wedding outside the office by Registrar General: $75.00