NOW SAY "I DO" IN ARUBA Visitors Can Legally Marry On The Island

ORANJESTAD, ARUBA-July 12, 2001- Couples can now have both their wedding ceremony and honeymoon in paradise with the new marriage law passed by Parliament in Aruba last week. Beginning January 1, 2002, couples, at least 18 years old, can say, "I do" on the island upon submitting standard documentation 14 days prior to the date of the ceremony.

Documentation includes birth certificate, certificate of marriage intentions and other forms. Documents must be submitted to the Office of the Civil Registry on the island via mail or in person. The first marriage will be effective on January 14, 2002 upon receipt of proper documentation by January 1, 2002. "We are thrilled that couples now have the opportunity to legally marry here in Aruba," said Dr. Lili Beke-Martinez, Minister of Economic Affairs, Tourism, Social Affairs and Culture. "Many of our visitors have been waiting for this law and finally visitors can join residents in the magical Aruba wedding experience."

Aruba is a vacationer's paradise located in the heart of the Caribbean, 15 miles north of Venezuela and only two and a half hours by air from Miami. Ideally located outside the hurricane belt, Aruba boasts great weather, cooling trade winds and friendly people. For more information on planning a wedding in Aruba, contact the Aruba Tourism Authority at 1-800-TO-ARUBA or visit www.aruba.com.

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Editor's Note: Certain restrictions may apply. As the marriage law is new the administration process is still being developed. For a copy of the abridged new marriage law, please call 305-261-6222.

This material is distributed by Everett Clay Associates on behalf of the Aruba's Ministry of Economic Affairs, Tourism, Social Affairs and Culture. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.