How to Perform a Wedding in Guam

Dreaming of travel? Planning a future destination wedding? Want to perform a marriage ceremony in Guam? Learn the requirements for officiating a beautiful island wedding and completing the marriage license! 
 

 

Quick Facts:

 

• Can AMM Ministers perform marriage in Guam?        

Yes

• Do they need to register first?                                       

Yes

• Do Ministers file/return the license?                             

Yes

• Marriage License waiting period?                                 

5 days*

• License expiration period?                                            

60 days

• License return period?                                                  

10 days

 

*In some cases, the waiting period can be waived. Read on to learn more! 

 

 

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If you’re dreaming of a destination wedding on the paradise island of Guam, or live on the island and want to start performing marriage ceremonies there, you’ll want the facts first! 

 

Here’s a breakdown of what officiants will need to do before and after the ceremony, and how couples can apply for a marriage license. 

 

First thing’s first: AMM ordination is recognized in Guam, and AMM Ministers are authorized to solemnize marriage there! 

 

 

19 G.C.A. § 3204
§ 3204. Who May Solemnize.

 

(3) all ordained clergymen and priests of whatsoever religious faith who are recognized as such by the religious body whose faith they represent”

 

 

Ministers will need to register with the Division of Public Health’s Office of Vital Statistics ahead of the ceremony, by providing a valid government issued photo ID, such as a state issued driver’s license, and their minister credentials). Ministers are encouraged to contact the office directly to ask if additional documentation is needed. (Email [email protected] at the Office of Vital Statistics.)

 

Before the ceremony, ministers should verify the correctness and validity of the couple’s marriage license. They can ask the couple to swear to its correctness, and review their photo ID. 

 

 

19 G.C.A. § 3207
§ 3207. Requirements, Solemnizing.

 

The person solemnizing a marriage must first require the presentation of the marriage license, and if he has any reason to doubt the correctness of its statement of facts he must first satisfy himself of its correctness, and for that purpose he may administer oaths and examine the parties and witnesses in like manner as the Director of Administration does before issuing the license.

 

And lastly, ministers are responsible for returning the license to the Office of Vital Statistics within 10 days after the ceremony, to finalize the marriage. 

 

Read All About the Marriage License on our Officiant Training pages for more details on how to fill out the license.

 

 

 

About the Marriage License

 

Marriage licenses are issued and processed by the Division of Public Health’s Office of Vital Statistics. Couples should bring all the needed paperwork and apply together in person at: 

 

 

Rancare Commercial Building CBU Box 7
761 S. Marine Corp Drive
Tamuning, GU  96913
(Across Golden Marketing Office Supplies)

 

There is a 5 day waiting period for the marriage license, and it will cost approximately $30.00.

 

In some cases, an expedited same-day marriage license is available for an additional fee, for a total of $80.00. After paying the waiver fee, the Director of Public Health and Social Services or his delegate may authorize the immediate issuance of a marriage license.

 

Licenses must be used within 60 days, after which they will expire. 

 

The Office of Vital Statistics also offers marriage certificates for $10.00 to commemorate the ceremony.  

 

For more information on the marriage license process in Guam, couples are encouraged to contact Maria Quinata, of the Office of Vital Statistics, directly at [email protected].

 

 

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Interested in destination weddings or adventure elopements? 
 

• 876 feet in the air: Officiating an adventure wedding on the New River Gorge Bridge
• Up, Up, and Away! How Wedding Officiants With Unique Career Paths Create Unique Wedding Ceremonies
• Zipping Down the Aisle: Are Zipline Ceremonies the Future of Weddings?
• A Wedding Officiant's Guide to Performing Destination and Cruise Ship Weddings
• Would You Perform a Wedding in Space?

 

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