Are marriages between U.S. citizens that take place in Jamaica legally
recognized in the United States, specifically Delaware?

Hi catwoman4 ,

Yes!
Obtaining a legal marriage license is always determined by where the
marriage takes place. An original marriage certificate, issued by The
Ministry of National Security and Justice in Jamaica, is legal and
recognized internationally, including the United States.

Marriage Laws »  Caribbean  »  Jamaica:
"Your romantic destination wedding in Jamaica is simple to arrange.
There is a 24-hour residency requirement with proof of residency
status (such as passport, airline ticket or immigration card). No
Blood Test is Required. Jamaican law stipulates that weddings must be
performed before 6pm. Laws, requirements and fees are subject to
change in accordance with the laws of Jamaica. Jamaican weddings are
legally recognized by the United States, its territories, the United
Kingdom and Canada."
  1. Proof of citizenship - certified copy of birth certificate, which
includes father's name.
  2. Parent's written consent (notarized) if under age 21
  3. Proof of divorce (if applicable)--certified copy or original
Certificate of Divorce
  4. Notarized copy of Adoption papers reflecting name change (if applicable)
  5. Notarized copy of Death Certificate in the case of widow/widower
  6. Legal translation of documents to English where originals are in
another language
http://usmarriagelaws.com/search/caribbean/jamaica/

"Your marriage will be legal and binding worldwide"
http://www.caribbean-wedding.com/

Where to Apply
The Ministry of National Security and Justice
12 Ocean Blvd., Kingston, Jamaica
Office hours:
8:30am - 5pm, Mon-Thurs
8:30am - 4pm, Fri.
Phone: (876)922-0080
http://www.jamaicans.com/tourist/articles_travel/married.shtml

Additional Links of Interest

Jamaican Consulate General in New York serves Delaware:
http://www.congenjamaica-ny.org/our%20services.htm

Weddings in Jamaica
http://www.congenjamaica-ny.org/General%20Info/wedding%20in%20jamaica.htm

Consular Information Sheet: Jamaica
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1147.html

Tips for Travelers to the Caribbean
http://travel.state.gov/Publications/tips_caribbean.html

I'm very happy to pass this info on to you. If you have any questions, please
post a clarification request *before* closing/rating my answer and
I'll be happy to reply.

Thank you,
hummer

Google Search Terms Used:

jamaica marriage license
"getting married abroad" legally u.s.
jamaica site:travel.state.gov
caribbean marriage licence legal u.s.

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Request for Answer Clarification by catwoman4-ga on 29 Mar 2005 15:35 PST

Hello!

Thank you for your answer. So no paperwork must be filed here in the
United States for it be recognized? The Jamaican paperwork/license it
all that is needed?

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Clarification of Answer by hummer-ga on 29 Mar 2005 17:08 PST

Yes, that is correct. What is important are the laws of the country
where the marriage takes place. As long as everything is done properly
and you come home with a legal document (in English), it will be
recognized in the U.S..

Congratulations!
hummer

Quick response! Additional information supplied beyond what I thought
of. Thank you very much! Pleased first-time user!

Thank you, catwoman4, for your nice note and tip - I'm happy you are
happy. Welcome to GA! Sincerely, hummer

Proof of citizenship - certified copy of birth certificate, which
includes father's name is required.  We have an issue where I do not
have a fathers name on the birth cirtificate due to a single parent. 
How can we deal with this requirement?   Thank You