In the former Netherlands Antilles (Curaçao, Bonaire, Sint Maarten, Saba, and Sint Eustatius), marriage types reflect a blend of Dutch civil law, Caribbean customs, and religious traditions. Here are the main types of marriage practiced:
1. Civil Marriage (Legal Marriage)
- Only form of marriage recognized by law on all the islands.
- Must be performed by a civil registrar.
- Required before any religious or traditional ceremony can take place.
- Couples must meet legal requirements:
- Age (usually 18+)
- Legal ID/residency
- Witnesses
Legally binding
Grants legal rights (property, inheritance, child custody, etc.)
2. Religious Marriage
- Can follow the civil ceremony but is not valid alone.
- Common types:
- Christian (Catholic, Protestant, Evangelical)
- Islamic (less common, among some immigrant communities)
- Jehovah’s Witness, Hindu, or other minority faiths
Spiritually meaningful
Not legally valid unless preceded by a civil marriage
3. Traditional/Customary Marriage
- Less common today, but still seen in cultural contexts.
- May involve:
- Family ceremonies
- Symbolic rituals (gift exchange, vows, blessings)
- African or Indigenous Caribbean customs
Not legally binding
Holds cultural or family significance
4. Same-Sex Marriage
- Legal in some parts of the former Netherlands Antilles:
- Curaçao and Sint Maarten: Recognize same-sex marriages performed in the Netherlands or Aruba, but do not conduct them locally (as of recent updates).
- Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius: As special municipalities of the Netherlands, same-sex marriage is legal and performed locally.
Legal in BES islands (Bonaire, Saba, Statia)
Recognized but not performed in Curaçao and Sint Maarten (subject to change)
5. Common-Law/Informal Union
- Known locally as cohabitation or living together without marriage.
- Gaining popularity, especially among younger couples.
- May involve legal cohabitation contracts for property or children.
Not the same as marriage under the law
Can have legal protection if registered
Summary Table
| Type of Marriage | Legal? | Religious? | Cultural? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Marriage | Legally recognized and required first | |||
| Religious Marriage | Symbolic unless civil marriage occurs | |||
| Traditional Marriage | Maybe | Cultural but not legally binding | ||
| Same-Sex Marriage | Legal in some islands, recognized in others | |||
| Common-Law Union | May have limited rights if registered |
