Religious Procedures for a Catholic wedding in Jamaica for Coral Cove couples

1.     Since a wedding is a religious event, the wedding of a Roman Catholic takes place in the church building proper rather than in a hotel or other location. The reception and dinner can be arranged at Coral Cove after the ceremony.

2.     Marriage is a lifelong commitment, and therefore, the Catholic Church in Jamaica requires a period of serious premarital preparation which involves both parties.
    a.     at least three months before the planned date, the couple overseas must begin preparation with their own local priest.
    b.     the parish priest will send all documents and paper work to his own chancery office. The local chancery will then forward all these documents together with a testimonial letter at least ONE MONTH before the date of the wedding to the local Catholic Church in Jamaica.

The same documents are required in Jamaica, which would be required if the couple were to marry in their own home parish (certificates of birth and baptism, dispensations, statements of freedom to marry, decree of nullity, etc).A written statement regarding the extent and content of the premarital preparation is to be included by the local priest. Permission granted by their own parish and diocese for the couple to be married in Jamaica is also to be included.

Jamaican Government requires that all couples must apply for a Jamaican Minister’s License. It is necessary to apply three weeks before the date of the wedding. It is the responsibility of Coral Cove Resort to apply and obtain this license. This document preparation is provided in our wedding packages. Documents needed are a certified copy (not photocopy) of both parties’ birth certificates and for divorced persons a true copy (not photocopy) of the divorce decree. These documents are sent to the hotel and not to the church. Coral Cove Resort will notify you if other information is needed.

The couple is to contact the Catholic Church in Jamaica to arrange for the date and time of the wedding as well as to plan the wedding liturgy. The wedding date will not be confirmed until all documents are provided and accepted.

Coral Cove Resort will help assist in the preparation of your catholic wedding with the local church as well as provide you with all contact information. If you have further questions please contact us.