Sunday, 24 July 2011
St Maarten Weddings Caribbean in Focus
Top properties: Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino, Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino,Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa, The Cliff at Cupecoy Beach, Pasanggrahan Royal Guest House, and Holland House Beach Hotel.
Hot spot to watch: Ocean’s Edge Resort.
Landscape: Relatively flat on the west side but hilly in most parts of the island with Atlantic and Caribbean coastlines.
Activities: Horseback riding, diving and parasailing are commonly enjoyed in addition to the delectable cuisine and duty-free shopping for which St. Maarten is known.
Marriage Requirements: Requests for marriages must be submitted to the Civil Registrar at least 14 days prior to date of ceremony.
Residency Requirement: One week.
Documents Required: Essential documents, plus a full abridged birth certificate for the bride and groom submitted to the Registrar. Valid passports as well as declaration of marital status not older than 3 months are required. 18 is the minimum legal age without parental consent. If widowed, a death certificate is required, and if divorced, a divorce certificate or a final judgment decree. All documents must be in English or Dutch.
Fees: US$410 (includes civil ceremony, marriage book, stamps and certificate).
Witnesses: Six witnesses if the marriage is performed outside of the Marriage Hall and two witnesses if the ceremony takes place in the Marriage Hall.
Weddings in St Maarten visit:
Source: Information kindly supplied by Caribbean Tourism Organisation: http://www.caribbean.co.uk/content/files/CaribbeanWeddingGuide2011.pdf
St Lucia Weddings Caribbean in Focus
It’s no wonder Saint Lucia has been voted the World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination by the World Travel Awards seven times. The majestic Piton peaks, stunning lush scenery and gorgeous palm-fringed beaches create the perfect backdrop for romance.
Top properties: Jade Mountain, The Landings, Marigot Bay Hotel, Ladera, Cap Maison, East Winds Inn, Calabash Cove, Cotton Bay Village, Windjammer Landing and The Jalousie Plantation, to name a few.
Hot spot to watch: The Tides at Sugar Beach (currently Jalousie Plantation).
Landscape: Lush rainforests, iconic Piton peaks, white, golden and black sand beaches, quaint fishing villages, secluded coves, stunning bays.
Activities: Water-sports including diving, snorkelling, kayaking and windsurfing. Other activities include a rainforest canopy ride, mountain biking, horse-riding, yachting, quad-biking, jeep safari tours, hiking, zipwiring adventures, spa treatments and golf.
Marriage Requirements: It is so easy to get married on Saint Lucia. You even have the option of getting married on the day of arrival. A local solicitor would be able to apply for a licence on your behalf. In the case of Catholic Church weddings, your local parish priest would need to liaise with a priest on island to ensure that you have undertaken the necessary counselling period prior to your marriage.
Residency Requirement: None.
Documents Required: Passport. Birth Certificate. If one of the parties is a divorcee, proof of Decree Absolute is required. In case of a widow/widower, a Death Certificate of their first spouse is required. If a name has been changed, a Deed Poll is required. If one of the parties is under the age of 18, evidence of consent of parents is required in the form of a sworn affidavit stamped by a Notary Public. If any documents are not in English, an authenticated translation must be available.
Fees: Marriage licence (arrival two days or more before the date of marriage): EC$335. Special licence (arrival same day or less than two days): EC$540. Registrar fees: EC$100
Marriage certificate: EC$8.
Witnesses: Two people are required.
Saint Lucia offers unique wedding locations from elegant plantation houses and beautiful botanical gardens to stunning waterfalls and the breath-taking backdrop of the Piton Mountains.
Weddings in St Lucia visit:
http://www.perfectweddingsabroad.co.uk/destination/Caribbean/St-Lucia
Source: Information kindly supplied by Caribbean Tourism Organisation: http://www.caribbean.co.uk/content/files/CaribbeanWeddingGuide2011.pdf
St Kitts Weddings Caribbean in Focus
Top properties: Ottley’s Plantation Inn, Rawlins Plantation Inn and St Kitts Marriott Resort, Ocean Terrace Inn and Frigate Bay.
Hot spot to watch: Christophe Harbour marina and golf course development, Southern Peninsular.
Landscape: St. Kitts offers a lush green landscape ringed by sandy coves, coral reefs and clear waters; a volcanic island, most beaches to the north are black sand, while the southern end offers deserted stretches of fine white sand, while those yearning for waves will find Atlantic surf along the east coast.
Activities: From thrill-seeking activities such as Zip-lining with Sky Safaris or Quad biking to a leisurely game of golf or a hike through the rainforest, there is plenty to do in St. Kitts. Added to this are a range of beach and watersports activities including scuba diving and sailing with guided tours to explore the island.
Marriage Requirements: There are no residency requirements. A valid passport and birth certificate are required and a marriage licence will need to be obtained on the island. Marriage Licence Application forms should be obtained from the Legal Department, Government Headquarters. The application form must be completed in the federation and signed in the presence of a Justice of Peace.
Residency Requirement: None.
Documents Required: Essential documents. If a Roman Catholic priest is officiating, a letter from the home priest stating that the couple are unmarried is required. If an Anglican, or other, priest is officiating then a letter stating that the couple are known and unmarried is required. Original or certified copies of birth certificates of any children may be requested. In the case of either party being divorced or widowed, additional documents will also be required.
Fees: Special Licence is US$80. Justice of Peace fee from US$20. Marriage Officer fee
from US$50.
Witnesses: Two people are required.
Take the Stress out:
Secure the services of a professional wedding planner who will arrange every detail of the wedding from processing the necessary documents to booking and theming the venue and making all the arrangements for the big day at a price to suit your budget.
Make it Unique:
St. Kitts offers a host of unusual or quirky places for couples to tie the knot – choose from historic places of interest such as Brimstone Hill Fortress or Romney Manor, on a catamaran cruise or on the famous scenic ‘sugar’ railway.
Sample the cuisine:
Taste exquisitely prepared seafood delights and Caribbean fare at a choice of restaurants and beach bars, then soak up the atmosphere along the famous 'Strip'.
Enjoy your surroundings:
Tear yourself away from the comfort of your hotel to explore the island’s lush rainforest, climb up Mount Liamuiga, visit historic sites or enjoy spectacular views from the scenic railway.
Weddings in St Kitts visit:
http://www.perfectweddingsabroad.co.uk/destination/Caribbean/St-Kitts-%2C-Nevis
Source: Information kindly supplied by Caribbean Tourism Organisation: http://www.caribbean.co.uk/content/files/CaribbeanWeddingGuide2011.pdf
Jamaica Weddings Caribbean in Focus
Top properties: Strawberry Hill, Half Moon, Mocking Bird Hill, Ritz-Carlton Rosehall, Jamaica Inn, SuperClubs Breezes, Couples Sans Souci Resort, Couples Negril,
Sandals Negril, Geejam, Iberostar.
Hot spot to watch: The area of Port Antonio. The resort area of Montego Bay with resorts such as The Palmyra, A Solis Resort and Secrets Resorts: Secrets Wild Orchid and Secrets St. James.
Landscape: Beaches, hills, mountains, rainforests, valleys, rivers and waterfalls.
Activities: Bamboo rafting, river tubing, kayaking, canopy tours, horse riding, mountain biking, dog sledding.
Marriage Requirements: If you apply in advance for a marriage licence, you can get married 24 hours after arrival.
Arrangements are made through your hotel or travel agent or directly through the Ministry of Justice.
Residency Requirement: Twenty-four hours which must include a working day.
Documents Required: Essential documents plus original or certified copies of birth certificates, which include father’s name. Proof of citizenship. Written parental consent if under 18. Change of name by deed poll proven by an Affidavit. Proof of divorce if applicable. Certified death certificate for widow(er).
Fees: The cost of a licence is JM$4000 (approximately US$60-US$65).
Witnesses: Two people are required.
Lovers Paradise:
Visit Lovers’ Leap and delight in the stunning view from the 1,600-foot cliff, and hear the captivating story how Lovers Leap got its name. Hike to the top of YS Falls and take time to swing down the cascading waters, Tarzan-and-Jane style. Go for a romantic starry Moonlit horseback ride. Revive your love taking a romantic river ride on a 30-foot bamboo raft on the Martha Brae and be captivated by the intriguing legend of Miss Martha’s Gold hidden away in a mysterious cave yet to be discovered. Or just find yourself a romantic secret bathing place around Treasure Beach. Frolic in the exhilarating cascading waters of the world famous Dunn’s River Falls.
Weddings in Jamaica visit:
http://www.perfectweddingsabroad.co.uk/destination/Caribbean/Jamaica
Source: Information kindly supplied by Caribbean Tourism Organisation: http://www.caribbean.co.uk/content/files/CaribbeanWeddingGuide2011.pdf
Grenada Weddings Caribbean in Focus
Landscape: Ideal for that special occasion, Grenada boasts historic forts, waterfalls, spice plantations and beaches for memorable wedding locations.
Activities: For honeymooners, the Caribbean sunset provides a backdrop for delicious dinners and discussing the day’s adventure – whether it be river tubing, rainforest hiking or perhaps sailing across to Grenada’s sister island Carriacou.
To get to know Grenada better take a 40 minute drive to Belmont Estate and experience life on a working spice plantation, explore Grenada’s coast on a fascinating power boat eco tour or relax on a sail and stay yachting adventure.
Head underwater to spot tropical fish and manta rays – and marvel at the Caribbean’s first Underwater Sculpture Park. ith over 50 dive sites including the ‘Titanic of the Caribbean’, the Bianca C, Grenada is justifiably known as the Wreck Diving Capital of the Eastern Caribbean.
Savour the freshest of fish, the sun kissed citrus fruits and the traditionally-produced rum - and discover the spice markets of historic capital St George’s with their nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon. And don’t forget that famous Grenada chocolate – best kept in the fridge.
Wedding guests will usually be the only couple to be married that day in a specific location. Grenada also has excellent local wedding co-ordinators who offer creative and exciting venues and packages.
Residency Requirement: Three days.
Licence: Takes two days
Witnesses: Two people.
TOP TIPS Wedding Locations
Waterfall:
Imagine a veranda garlanded with exotic blooms overlooking a cascading waterfall surrounded by the flora of a vibrant rainforest. Hear exotic birds, feel the warmth of the Caribbean sunshine and ....imagine Grenada.
Rainforest:
Be adventurous, choose a small gazebo transformed into a wedding chapel overlooking the calming waters of Grand Etang Lake, high in the verdant mountains.
Garden:
A fairytale garden setting shaded by mesmerising palms, only a few paces from the warm white sands of a secluded bay. A more romantic setting for a special day would be hard to imagine.
Plantation house:
Steeped in history, Grenada’s cocoa and nutmeg plantations offer bridal couples a charming setting for their vows, overlooking the oceanfront gardens or under spice trees.
Weddings in Grenada visit:
http://www.perfectweddingsabroad.co.uk/destination/Caribbean/Grenada
Source: Information kindly supplied by Caribbean Tourism Organisation: http://www.caribbean.co.uk/content/files/CaribbeanWeddingGuide2011.pdf
Dominican Republic Weddings Caribbean in Focus
accommodation to satisfy every style and budget.
Top properties: Casa Colonial Beach & Spa Resort, Tortuga Bay Punta Cana, Paradisus Palma Real.
Hot spot to watch: Zoetry Agua Punta Cana.
Landscape: Superb beaches fringed by thousands of palms, rainforests, desert and high mountains.
Activities: Golf, water sports and exploring the capital Santo Domingo.
Marriage Requirements: A notarised statement of statutory declaration must be sworn before a Public Notary or a solicitor, to be legalised by the Dominican Consulate. On arrival in the Dominican Republic, the date needs to be arranged through the local Registrar before the marriage can take place before an official of the civil Registry.
Residency Requirement: None.
Documents Required: Essential documents plus valid passports plus copies for both the couple and any foreign witnesses. Written parental consent if aged 16-18. A letter from the embassy of their country of birth attesting to the fact that they are not married. Tourist card, residence
card or personal ID card.
N.B. All documents must be translated into Spanish.
Fees: To be advised locally.
Witnesses: Two people are required, not related to either of the contracting parties.
Bride & Groom pampering:
Allow enough time, in advance of your dream wedding in the Dominican Republic, to arrive, settle in and take advantage of a day or two sun and pampering perhaps, so that you look stunning with a beautiful glowing tan for your photos.
Location, Location:
Dominican Republic wedding planners offer a wide choice of locations to get married and have your photos taken for that memorable day. So make sure you visit the location prior to the big day to make sure it fulfils your dreams.
The wedding outfits:
Remember that you have chosen a tropical island paradise to get married so ensure that you choose clothes accordingly. It can be very warm so you want to feel as cool, calm and collected as possible on what can be a stressful day.
Floral arrangements:
Look into what flowers are available that would be ideal for your Caribbean wedding at any time of year. This is just one of the many bonuses that the beautiful setting of the Dominican Republic can provide for your wedding.
Weddings in the Dominican Republic visit:
http://www.perfectweddingsabroad.co.uk/destination/Caribbean/Dominican-Republic
Source: Information kindly supplied by Caribbean Tourism Organisation: http://www.caribbean.co.uk/content/files/CaribbeanWeddingGuide2011.pdf
Cuba Weddings Caribbean in Focus
Top Properties: The Saratoga, La Maison, Ambos Mundos, Iberostar Grand Trinidad, Paradisus Princesa del Mar, Sandals Royal Hicacos, Meliá las Américas, Occidental Royal Hideaway, Barceló Cayo Santa María, Meliá Buenavista, Meliá Cayo Coco, Paradisus Río de Oro and Moka in the Pinar del Río.
Hot spots to watch: Soroa, with its waterfall and orchid garden. The relaxing Topes de Collantes in the heart of the Escambray Mountains with its beautiful forests and healthful climate. The intimates beaches of Santa Maria, Ensenachos and Las Brujas Cays.
Landscape: Impressive mountain ranges, sandy beaches and fertile plains growing sugar cane and tobacco
Activities: Watersports, Cultural and natural tours, golf and spa.
Marriage Requirements: Prior to the wedding, all notary certificates and legalised documents should be sent to the Cuban Consulate. The ceremony will be conducted by a Registrar
Residency Requirement: Three working days.
Documents Required: Essential documents.
N.B. All documents must be originals legalised by the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and then validated by the Cuban Consulate in London.
Fees: To be advised locally
Witnesses: Four people are required.
Check your budget:
Whether you’re planning a wedding for 5, 50 or 500 its easy to miss the smallest of details and for budgets to get out of control.
Beach Wedding Favors:
Beach themed wedding favors can give your guest a lasting taste of the Caribbean whilst also adding style and panache to your Destination Wedding.
Combining honeymoon:
Combine your honeymoon knowing Cuba, a beach and nature resort in the east and a city hotel in Havana, fro where you can visit the centre and western Cuba.
Wedding Hairstyles:
Choosing the perfect wedding hairstyle can often be more difficult when arranging a beach wedding. Wind, water and sand can all affect the style you choose.
Weddings in Cuba visit:
http://www.perfectweddingsabroad.co.uk/destination/Caribbean/Cuba
Source: Information kindly supplied by Caribbean Tourism Organisation: http://www.caribbean.co.uk/content/files/CaribbeanWeddingGuide2011.pdf