All applications by Ministers of Religion for appointment as Marriage Officers must be submitted in writing to the Registrar General. Also, a checklist stating additional requirements can be located on the RGD website or you can visit any of the RGD offices.
A Marriage Officer is a Minister of Religion appointed to conduct marriages, while a Civil Registrar, shall be an ex officio Marriage Officer”. You do not have to be a Minister of Religion to become a Civil Registrar, however only Ministers of Religion can apply to become a Marriage Officer.
This certificate is used only by a Civil Registrar (non-religious). A notice of not less than seven (7)
clear days must be given by the parties intending to get married.
This licence can be used by both Civil Registrars and Marriage Officers. It is obtained from the Ministry of Justice. This licence requires no notice and can be obtained usually within one working day of application.
This can be used by both Marriage Officers and Civil Registrars. The Special Marriage Licence is
used with the criteria listed below:
This is used only by Marriage Officers along with the following listed below:
This is known as the “Death Bed Marriage”, different registers are used for this purpose. The marriage is only done when one of the parties believe he or she is at the point of death. The marriage is done only if both parties give consent in the presence of two witnesses. The marriage CANNOT take place if he or she is under the age of 21 years, unless he or she is a widower or widow.
No, a Marriage Officer cannot use another Marriage Officer’s register. He or she must only use a Register that was issued to him/her by a representative from the RGD.
No, the Marriage Act states that a Marriage Officer must be in charge of a congregation or having supervision over several congregations for the church to which he or she belongs. If you resign as Pastor, you must report this to the RGD immediately in writing.
Yes, there may be more than one Marriage Officers can be assigned to a church.
Yes, however only if a gazetted Marriage Officer is present for ceremony and he records the marriage details in his Marriage Register.
All marriage licences or authorities must be used within three (3) month after the date it was issued. Should it expire before it is used; the intended parties are required to obtain a new licence/authority.
No, the couple must present his or her birth certificate for documentation purposes for the wedding. If the individual(s) does not have a birth certificate a marriage cannot be done.
The bride would indicate the surname being used on her current documents. She would state if she is using the maiden name or the previous married name.
No, only local addresses are required.
For local divorces you can check the Registry at the Supreme Court for its validity.
All Marriage Duplicate Registers must be sent in within 24 hours after the marriage ceremony. If the marriage is conducted on a Saturday or Sunday, it is the next business day.
No, the applicant must be a resident of Jamaica and having a church and is in charge of a congregation on the island. Once he/she meets this requirement, an application must be made to the RGD for appointment as a Marriage Officer for the island of Jamaica.
No, you must still submit recommendations, from current Marriage Officers.
If you don’t find the answer to your question through the FAQs, please email us.
