Overview
Registering a marriage is a legal requirement that officially recognizes the union between two individuals. By registering a marriage, citizens can:
By registering a marriage, citizens can:
Obtain an official marriage certificate, which serves as legal proof of the marriage. The marriage certificate is essential for accessing various rights, benefits, and services associated with married status, such as taxation, inheritance and immigration status.
Establish the legal rights and responsibilities that come with marriage, including property ownership, spousal support, child custody, and other matters related to family law.
The marriage registration process typically involves submitting the necessary documentation and details about the marriage ceremony, officiant, and participants. It is advisable to register a marriage promptly to avoid any delays or additional fees for late registration.
Various service options are available to accommodate different timelines and needs.
Process
Who can register a marriage?
Who can register a marriage?- Marriage Officer
- Groom and bride
- Groom or bride
- Person authorised by the bride or groom
Required documents
Required documentsStandard – less than 1 year after occurrence date
- Bride’s identification document
- Groom’s identification document
- Proof of Marriage Form
- Marriage Registry issued by the Marriage Officer
- If authorised person is applying on behalf of groom or bride, then signed authorization form is needed.
Late registration: more than 1 year after marriage occurred
- Bride’s identification document
- Groom’s identification document
- Proof of Marriage Form
- Marriage Registry issued by the Marriage Officer
- If authorised person is applying on behalf of groom or bride, then signed authorization form is needed.
Some cases may be unique and require additional documentation than what is listed above. For any queries, please contact the VSU office.
Check the Services Overview page to learn more about the application process, service types, and more.
Fee Structure
Fee Structure| Service | Same-day Service Fee (BZD) | Next-day Service Fee (BZD) | Standard Service Fee (BZD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard: Less than 1 year after the occurrence date | 30 | 20 | 5 |
| Late registration: More than 1 but less than 5 years after occurrence date) | 25 | ||
| Late registration: More than 5 years after occurrence date) | 50 |
*Persons who are 15 years or younger are not eligible.
*Same-gender persons are not eligible.
*For Belizeans, only Social Security Cards and Passports are accepted. For Foreigners, only Passport and National ID are accepted. Driver’s license and Voter’s Card are not accepted.
Service Documents
These are supporting documents that you may need when accessing services. No other versions of the forms will be accepted. These include: