Getting married in Guyana involves following specific legal procedures established under the Marriage Act (Chapter 45:01). Whether you are planning a civil ceremony, a religious wedding, or a traditional Amerindian marriage, you must comply with legal requirements to ensure your marriage is recognized. This guide covers every step of the process, from the types of marriage available to obtaining your marriage certificate.
In This Guide
Official GRO Links & Resources
Marriage Registration
Forms
Official Forms & Downloads
- Marriage Certificate Application Form (Fillable PDF) Apply for a certified copy of an existing marriage certificate. Fee: GYD $300.
- Marriage Petition Application Form Required to apply for a Marriage Licence. Download online or purchase from any post office. Must be notarized by a Justice of the Peace.
- Certificate of No Impediment Form (Fillable PDF) For Guyanese citizens living abroad who need proof there is no legal obstacle to their marriage.
- GRO Forms Portal All downloadable forms from the General Register Office.
Types of Marriage in Guyana
The Constitution and laws of Guyana recognize several types of marriage, each with specific legal requirements:
Recognized Marriage Types
All Marriages Must Be Registered
Regardless of the type of ceremony (civil, religious, or traditional), the marriage must be registered with the General Register Office within 14 days of the ceremony. The marriage officer is responsible for lodging the registration.
Legal Requirements
Requirements for Marriage in Guyana
Non-Residents Must Obtain a Licence
All non-residents of Guyana must obtain a marriage licence from the GRO. The banns process is only available to permanent residents. At least one party must have been in Guyana for 15 consecutive days before the licence application.
Banns vs Marriage Licence
Before a marriage can take place in Guyana, you must complete one of two legal preliminaries:
Publication of Banns
Marriage Licence
Validity Period
Both banns and licences become void if the marriage does not take place within 3 months (90 days) of the last publication or date of issue. If the marriage does not occur within this period, new banns must be published or a new licence obtained.
Required Documents
Documents for Marriage Licence Application
Document Tip for Non-Residents
If your documents are not in English, you must provide certified English translations. Foreign documents may need to be authenticated or apostilled by the issuing country before they will be accepted by the GRO.
Marriage Licence Process
Confirm Residency Requirement
Ensure at least one party has been residing in Guyana for a minimum of 15 consecutive days. Non-residents should plan their arrival accordingly.
Gather All Required Documents
Collect all documents listed above for both parties. Ensure originals are available along with photocopies. Verify that any foreign documents are properly translated and authenticated.
Visit the GRO
Both parties (or an authorized representative) must visit the General Register Office at the GPO Building, Robb Street, Georgetown. Lodge the application at least 2 business days before the licence is needed.
Pay the Licence Fee
Pay the marriage licence fee of approximately GYD $5,000 at the GRO cashier (fees are subject to change — confirm with the GRO). Keep the receipt as proof of payment.
Collect the Marriage Licence
The licence is typically ready within 3-4 business days. Collect it from the GRO office. The licence is valid for 90 days from the date of issue.
The Marriage Ceremony
Where Can You Get Married?
A marriage ceremony can be held at:
- Magistrate's Office: For civil marriages, any magistrate's office in Guyana can perform the ceremony.
- Licensed Places of Worship: Churches, mosques, temples, and other registered religious venues.
- Other Approved Venues: With proper authorization, marriages can be performed at other locations by a licensed marriage officer.
Who Can Perform the Marriage?
Only registered marriage officers can legally solemnize a marriage in Guyana. These include:
- Magistrates and civil registrars
- Ordained ministers and religious leaders who are registered as marriage officers
- Other persons specifically authorized under the Marriage Act
Ceremony Requirements
After the Marriage
After the ceremony, the marriage officer is legally required to:
Complete the Marriage Register
The marriage officer completes the official marriage register, which is signed by both parties and the two witnesses.
Lodge Registration with GRO
The marriage officer must lodge the marriage registration with the General Register Office within 14 days of the ceremony. This makes the marriage part of the official civil record.
Obtain Marriage Certificate
Once registered, you can apply for certified copies of your marriage certificate from the GRO or any post office.
Registration is Essential
A marriage that is not registered with the GRO may not be recognized for legal purposes such as immigration applications, property transfers, and spousal rights. Ensure your marriage officer lodges the registration within the 14-day deadline.
Getting a Marriage Certificate
To obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate:
- Download the form: Get the Marriage Certificate Application Form from the GRO website or any post office.
- Complete the form: Fill in both parties' names, date of marriage, and place of marriage.
- Submit with fee: Submit at any post office or the GRO office with the GYD $300 processing fee.
- Receive certificate: Processing takes 3-6 weeks via post office, or faster at the GRO office.
For overseas applications, apply through Guyana embassies and consulates. Processing takes 2-4 months.
Overseas & Foreign Marriages
Getting a Marriage Certificate from Overseas
If you were married in Guyana and now live abroad, you can obtain a marriage certificate copy through any Guyana embassy or consulate. The same fees and processing times apply as for birth and death certificates.
New York, USA
Toronto, Canada
London, UK
Brussels, Belgium
Recognition of Foreign Marriages
Marriages legally performed in other countries are generally recognized in Guyana, provided they comply with the laws of the country where they were performed and do not violate Guyanese public policy. You may need to provide authenticated marriage documents for official use in Guyana.
Certificate of Non-Impediment
If a Guyanese national wishes to marry abroad, they may need a Certificate of Non-Impediment (also called a Certificate of Freedom to Marry) from the GRO. This document confirms that the person is legally free to marry. A Non-Impediment Marriage Form is available from the GRO website.
Fees
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage Licence | ~GYD $5,000 (~USD $24) | Required for all non-residents; optional for residents. Fees are approximate and subject to change — confirm with the GRO. |
| Marriage Certificate Copy (Guyana) | GYD $300 (~USD $1.50) | Via post office or GRO; 3-6 weeks processing |
| Marriage Certificate (New York) | USD $10 + $23 postage | 2-3 months processing |
| Marriage Certificate (Toronto) | CAD $10 | 2-3 months processing |
| Marriage Certificate (London) | GBP £20 + £15 postage | 12-16 weeks processing |
| Marriage Certificate (Brussels) | EUR €3 + €15 postage | 4+ months processing |
| Officiation Fee | GYD $2,600 (~USD $13) | Paid to the marriage officer |
GRO Office & Contact
General Register Office - Head Office
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All Government ServicesFrequently Asked Questions
What is the legal age to get married in Guyana?
The legal age for marriage is 18 years. Persons aged 16-17 may marry with written consent from a parent or legal guardian. Marriage under 16 is generally not permitted, though the current Marriage Act includes a limited exception allowing a High Court judge to grant permission in specific circumstances.
What is the difference between banns and a marriage licence?
Banns are published (read out) in the church on three consecutive Sundays before the wedding. This is the traditional route for permanent residents marrying in a church. A marriage licence is obtained from the GRO and is faster (3-4 business days). All non-residents must use the licence route. Both are valid for 90 days.
Can foreigners get married in Guyana?
Yes. Non-residents can marry in Guyana but must obtain a marriage licence from the GRO. At least one party must have been resident in Guyana for 15 consecutive days before the licence can be issued. Both parties must present valid passports, birth certificates, and any other required documents.
How long does it take to get a marriage licence?
A marriage licence takes 3-4 business days to process once the application and all documents are submitted to the GRO. The application must be lodged at least 2 business days before the licence is needed.
What if I was previously married?
If you are divorced, you must provide the Decree Absolute (final divorce decree) from the court. If you are widowed, you must provide the death certificate of your deceased spouse. These documents prove you are legally free to remarry.
Is a common-law marriage recognized in Guyana?
Guyana recognizes common-law unions for certain legal purposes, particularly regarding property rights and children. However, a common-law union does not carry all the same legal rights as a formal marriage. Couples in long-term unions may wish to formalize their relationship for full legal protection.
Can I get married at any venue in Guyana?
Civil marriages are typically held at magistrate's offices. Religious marriages must be held in licensed places of worship. With proper authorization, a licensed marriage officer may perform ceremonies at other approved locations. Contact the GRO for information on approved venues.
Do I need witnesses for my wedding?
Yes. At least two witnesses must be present at the ceremony. The witnesses must sign the marriage register along with both parties and the marriage officer.
Is my foreign marriage recognized in Guyana?
Marriages legally performed in other countries are generally recognized in Guyana, provided they were lawful in the country where they were performed and do not violate Guyanese public policy. You may need to provide authenticated documentation for official use in Guyana.
What is a Certificate of Non-Impediment?
A Certificate of Non-Impediment (or Certificate of Freedom to Marry) is a document from the GRO confirming that a person is legally free to marry. It is required by some foreign countries when a Guyanese national wishes to marry abroad. Apply at the GRO with valid ID and any relevant documents.
Last updated: March 8, 2026. Marriage requirements and fees may change. Always verify current requirements with the General Register Office before applying. For general government services information, see our Government Services hub.