Polygamy Laws in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands: Not Permitted

Neither Jamaica nor the Cayman Islands legally recognize polygamous marriages.

• Jamaica: Marriage Act (1897) and subsequent laws establish monogamy as the only legal form. Bigamy is a criminal offense.
• Cayman Islands: As a British Overseas Territory, its marriage law (based on English common law and local statutes) permits only monogamous unions. Polygamy is void and prosecutable.

Customary or religious polygamous unions contracted abroad are not recognized for legal purposes (immigration, inheritance, spousal benefits). Both jurisdictions strictly enforce monogamy.