In Saint Martin (divided between the French side – Saint-Martin, and the Dutch side – Sint Maarten), the types of marriage allowed and recognized depend on which side of the island you’re on. Here’s a breakdown:
Saint-Martin (French side)
Types of Legally Recognized Marriages
- Civil Marriage (Mariage civil)
This is the only legally recognized marriage in France and its overseas collectivities like Saint-Martin.
Must be performed by the Mayor (Maire) or an appointed civil officer at the town hall (Mairie).
Religious weddings can be held after the civil marriage but have no legal effect unless preceded by a civil one.
- Religious Marriage
Not legally binding on its own.
Must come after a civil ceremony.
Can be Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, Jewish, etc., depending on the couple’s faith.
Who Can Marry?
Opposite-sex and same-sex couples (same-sex marriage has been legal since 2013 in France and all its territories).
At least one partner must reside in Saint-Martin for 30 consecutive days before applying.
Foreigners can marry, provided paperwork is translated and legalized.
Sint Maarten (Dutch side)
Types of Legally Recognized Marriages
- Civil Marriage
Performed at the Civil Registry Office (Kranshi).
This is the only marriage legally valid in Sint Maarten.
Religious ceremonies are optional and symbolic only unless preceded by a civil marriage.
- Religious Marriage
Must follow the civil ceremony.
Churches may have their own requirements (pre-marital counseling, baptism, etc.).
- Same-Sex Marriage
Not legal in Sint Maarten itself.
However, same-sex marriages performed in the Netherlands or Aruba/Curaçao are recognized due to Kingdom law.
Sint Maarten is obligated to acknowledge same-sex marriages even if it doesn’t perform them locally.
