Here’s an overview of the types of marriage in Dominica, including legal, cultural, and religious aspects:
Types of Marriage in Dominica
Dominica recognizes several forms of legal and traditional marriages, governed by the Marriage Act and other civil laws. The country allows for both civil and religious unions.
1. Civil Marriage
- Legally recognized by the state.
- Performed by a civil registrar or magistrate.
- Can take place at the Registry, the court, or a location approved by the registrar.
- Popular among couples who are non-religious, or prefer a secular ceremony.
Requirements:
- Valid identification (passport or ID card)
- Birth certificates
- Certificate of no impediment (for foreigners)
- Witnesses (usually two)
- Age 18+ (or parental consent if under 18)
- Application for a marriage license (can take a few days)
2. Religious Marriage
- Performed in a church, mosque, or temple by a licensed religious official (e.g., priest, pastor).
- Common among Christian denominations, which are dominant in Dominica (e.g., Roman Catholic, Methodist, Pentecostal).
- Must be registered with civil authorities to be legally recognized.
- Religious customs vary depending on denomination.
3. Customary/Traditional Marriage
- Not common, but in some rural or indigenous Kalinago communities, traditional practices may still be respected culturally.
- Not legally binding unless registered under civil law.
- May involve community or family rituals, dowries, or blessings.
4. Common-Law or Cohabitation
- Unmarried couples living together in a relationship.
- Increasingly common in modern Dominican society.
- Not legally equivalent to marriage, but in some cases, courts may consider the relationship in matters like inheritance or child custody, especially if it is long-term.
5. Same-Sex Marriage
- Not legally recognized in Dominica.
- The country’s laws do not currently permit same-sex marriage, and homosexual acts are still criminalized, though enforcement is rare.
- There is growing regional and international pressure for reform.
Marriage Law Highlights
- Minimum age: 18 (16 with parental consent)
- Monogamy required: Polygamy is not recognized under Dominican law.
- Divorce is legal and handled through the civil courts.
Wedding Traditions (Cultural Note)
- Church weddings are still common.
- Traditional weddings often feature:
- Creole dress
- Local music (Bouyon, Cadence)
- Big family gatherings and feasts
