Couples wishing to tie the knot during a vacation or a cruise ship stop may apply for a special licence, and marriages can be performed as soon as applications have been processed.

The Deputy Chief Secretary's office handles applications on Grand Cayman (tel: 244 2222), and the District Administration office handles applications for Cayman Brac and Little Cayman (tel: 948 2222).

The application, which must be signed by both bride and groom, should give full names, occupations, permanent addresses and any current temporary address. It must also name the marriage officer who will perform the ceremony, state whether either party has been previously married, and confirm that there is no lawful hindrance to the intended marriage.

The couple may choose to bring the required documents to the specified government office and make the application in person. Or, working with their marriage officer, they may fill out and sign the form, provide the necessary documents, and then turn the process over to the officer for completion.

Documents Required:

• Proof of identity, such as an original or certified birth certificate or passport
• Cayman Islands international embarkation/disembarkation card or ship's boarding pass
• Certified or original copies of divorce decrees/death certificates

The fee of CI$160 must accompany the documents. Applications should be filed at the Deputy Chief Secretary's office, on the third floor of the Government Administration Building, Grand Cayman or at the District Commissioner's Office, Government Administration Building, Cayman Brac.

The licence must be produced to the marriage officer performing the ceremony and becomes void if not used within three months.

Age

The minimum age of legal marriage in the Cayman Islands is 16. However, anyone under 18 must have consent if he or she has not been married before. Consent can be given by the father or, if the father is deceased, by a lawful guardian. If there is no guardian, an unmarried mother may give consent.

All marriages must be attended by a marriage officer and by two other witnesses and must take place between 6am and 8pm.

Note: live music is not permitted to be played on Sundays in places licensed to sell alcoholic beverages.