Who Can Perform A Legal Wedding Ceremony in Tobago

[Rochelle R.]

Does anyone know who can perform a legal wedding ceremony in Tobago? Can someone other than a minister perform ceremonies? My husband to be and I would prefer any of the following: a rabbi, a government official, a judge, or a humanist leader. Thanks - any assistance would be most helpful!

[Patrick Dankou]

Hello Rochelle,
worry not, a very nice government official is available here in Tobago for weddings. His name is Mr. Orville Jordan and he is the District Registrar of Marriages for the ward of Tobago

[Rochelle R.]

Do you know where Mr. Orville Jordan marries people? Is it in a government building, or will he travel to a location...such as a beach or some other spot? Also, does he only marry people during certain hours or days?

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Rochelle

Weddings conducted by Mr Jordan, the Registrar, can only be conducted at the Registrar's Office in Scarborough. I've never seen the office, but I don't imagine that its the most romantic/attractive of venues. Weddings conducted by a priest or minister can be conducted almost anywhere, subject to agreement with the priest or minister. Ceremonies can only take place after 6am and before 6pm.

As anywhere in the world, different priests and ministers have different styles and place different emphasis on the religious side of things. It is best to discuss your requirements with an experienced and knowledgeable wedding coordinator/planner who really knows the local wedding scene. I strongly commend you to Marie Dilworth of Tobago Weddings. You can email her on [email protected]. I am sure that Marie has come across your situation before and can advise accordingly.

You may find some general questions answered on our Wedding page (in the Information section of the main site) for general information that may answer some of your questions.

[Glyn Kirpalani]

Hi, you (may!) have chosen the best island for a wedding, as my personal experience last year bore out. If I could make a suggestion it would be to email Marie at http://www.tobagoweddings.com - she is friendly and will give you free initial advice. Also, we paid our resort manager (Villas at Stonehaven) to coordinate our wedding, since at that time we lived in the UK and any 4-5* hotel/resort will offer that service in-house - where did you have in mind to stay? However, if you are planning to stay in a smaller or eco type/villa accommodation I cannot recommend using a wedding coordinator highly enough - the fees for a basic ceremony package are very reasonable and ou will want the stress taken from your hands on a special day. I believe there may only be one independent coordinator on the island - Marie (?). I am unsure if Mr Jordan would work outside normal hours, but someone else will answer this - or try TW. Hope it goes well, regards Glyn

[Marie Dilworth]

Hello Rochelle
There are a number of Ministers that can perform your wedding ceremony anywhere on the island and will be guided by your wishes on its content. The Marriage Warden can only perform the ceremony at the Warden's Office in Scarborough - a functional office in Inland Revenue... not the most romantic setting! At the moment, I don't know of any other person who is able to officiate at a wedding ceremony who is not a Minister.
I'll check on judges!
Marie, Tobago Weddings