How long does the paperwork take?

[Ruth]

Here comes a kind request for some advise from those of you who have already been lucky enough to get married in Tobago. My fiancé and I are heading off for our big dreamtrip to Tobago in just over one month, with the grand plan to get married during our stay.
However, when reading under the "Weddings-section", I got a little bit worried and wanted to ask for clarifications on some of the facts there. We
were planning to opt for a civil ceremony with just the two of us, and as far as I understand this can only take place in the Registrar General's Office in Scarborough. However, what worried me is what was said about timings: "Marriage Licence: Available from the following offices on production of all necessary documentation. The Special Licence is TT$300, from the Warden's Office and the Marriage Certificates (two) are T$37.50 from the Registrar General's Office. Please note that it can take around a week from application to get them. " The big question is now whether the week long wait refers to both the Special Licence and the Marriage Certificates, or just the latter??? We will only be on the island for 9 days (and I understand that we have to be there for three full days before we can even apply) and I would be so disappointed if we can't get the paperwork in place before we leave.

Has anyone got any hints on how we make sure to get the licence on
time? We have considered using the service of a wedding organised, but her quote was simply not within the budget we have for this trip. Any tips on when to visit the Warden's Office and whether it is wise/possible to make appointments for this or the ceremony already from home?

The last question will be whether anyone can recommend a good photographer and how to get hold of him/her?

All information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Tony Gibson]

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Rolling Eyesoll:
Ruth,
May I ask how you got on, my fiancee and I are planning to do exactly what you described in 2007 and have the same questions.
Also, do you know if you can use the registrar as in the UK.

[Linda P]

Hi Ruth and Tony,

We were married in Tobago last year so hopefully I can be of some help to you. You have to be in Tobago for three days, not counting the day of arrival before you can apply for your license. We applied for the license at the wardens office, you need passports, air tickets, birth certs and divorce papers if applicable. We were taken into an office where we filled in some forms, then the lady (not sure what her position was) filled out the license for us. This is valid for 6 months, you can marry pretty much anywhere as far as I am aware, and do not need to have decided on the location when you obtain the license.

We were married on the beach at Black Rock by a local Minister, we signed the register and then he posted the Marriage certificates to us in England as they would not have been ready before the end of our holiday. I think the Minister charged us about $400tt, for the service, certificates and postage.

I hope this has been of some help,

Linda

[Gill M]

Hi Tony

Well Linda has given you the wedding information for Tobago so all the best to you and your fiancee and have a wonderful day.

My husband and I got married in Barbados and we didn't use a wedding co-ordinator - just did "our thing" and it was brilliant. One website we did use and found really helpful was
http://destination-weddings-abroad.com
For around £7.50 you can download all the different options for where you wish to marry plus a load of tips and a copy is also sent by "snail" mail.

Gill M

[Linda P]

Hi Ruth and tony,

Forgot to mention, if you look further down the listings in this topic you will see a more detailed report of our wedding 'Our DIY tobago wedding'.

As I said before if you need to know anything else I will do my best to help.

Linda