Whether love has inspired you to consider an unforgettable island wedding or honeymoon, to renew your vows or celebrate an anniversary in legendary surroundings, the time has come to discover an escape of your very own. And you’ve just found the perfect place to make dreams come true. Planning your wedding or romantic escape can be as easy as saying, “I do.” 

Since Barbados recently adopted new laws eliminating advance notice requirements to marry on our island, you can now marry on the day of your arrival. In Barbados, laws allow an official marriage ceremony to take place as soon as a license is obtained. Our streamlined process eliminates waiting periods and facilitates the no-hassle wedding of your dreams. And you’ll be impressed by a wide range of romantic settings. Simply contact one of our fine hotels or resorts that provide a wedding planner or service to assist with all the details. Or draw upon a host of independent wedding co-ordinators who also provide a range of related services. 

With a long tradition of hosting newlyweds, Barbados has a magical magnetism for honeymooners. And in recent years, it also has become a favourite wedding site, spearheading the trend toward combining island weddings with romantic honeymoon escapes. It not only saves time and transportation arrangements, but also can make weddings more casual and carefree. Soon after their ceremony, newlyweds can enjoy a holiday experience of a lifetime, with days of rest and romance — all without a worry... 

Yet some tough decisions must be made: “Should we wed at a favourite resort, aboard a windswept yacht, at the water’s edge or by a scenic over-look?” Explore limitless choices that exist among the picture-perfect places for weddings and honeymoons. Why not wed at a splendid plantation estate, or at a seaside masterpiece like the enchanted Animal Flower Cave? Or deep below ground, amidst the other worldly rock formations and subterranean waterfalls of Harrison’s Cave? Perhaps you’ll select a more traditional wedding, opting for an elegant, classic resort ceremony and reception filled with colourful entertainment and dancing beneath the stars … the choice is all yours... 

Select Barbados resorts offer on-staff consultants who can assist in making wedding arrangements, helping to ease the planning process by making recommendations on site selection, menus and many other details for your most memorable day. Wedding packages are sometimes available on a complimentary basis to those staying for a designated period, offering the services of a wedding co-ordinator and minister, plus marriage license, bouquet, champagne and cake. Other available services include photography, wedding site selection and decoration, beauty treatments and salon services, sunset cruises and more. 

Should your plans include a wedding closer to home, you’ll want to celebrate your new marriage with an island honeymoon at one of our charming inns or dazzling beachfront resorts. And a range of accommodations affords newlyweds a world of options, from value-rated inns and guest houses to luxury hotels that rank among the world’s finest — allowing couples on any budget to enjoy a Barbados romance. 

—You’ve landed your perfect mate. You’ve committed to love and to cherish, to have and to hold, as long as you both shall live. So what’s next? How about beginning your newly wedded life with endless run-away beaches, sunny days and starlit nights?

—‘THE RULES ’—
We’ve prepared a few practical pointers for planning an island wedding: 

— Application for a marriage license —
To obtain a marriage license, apply in person at the Ministry of Home Affairs, General Post Office Building in Bridgetown (tel:246-228-8950 or fax:246-437-3794); open Monday-Friday, 8:15 a.m.-4:00 p.m. 

The following documents must be provided for each partner: 

• A valid passport or the original or certified copy of the applicant’s birth certificate/travel documents. 
• If either party was married previously and widowed, a copy of the previous marriage certificate and the deceased spouse’s death certificate. 
• If either party was divorced, an original decree absolute or a certified copy of the final judgment. 
• If the decree absolute is in a foreign language, the document should be translated by an authorised notary public officer. Couples planning a Roman Catholic ceremony must fulfill the following additional requirements: 
•Premarital inquiry completed and signed by the couple. 
• Baptismal certificates for both parties indicating their freedom to marry. 
• Statement of freedom to marry signed by the couple’s parish priest. 
• Certificate proving participation in a marriage preparation program. 
• Permission to marry or dispensation from disparity of cult issued by the bishop of the Catholic church, if only one member of the couple is Catholic. 
• Copies of applicable declarations of nullity, or death certificates for previous marriages ending with spouse’s death. 
• Testimonial letters from the bishop. Documents required for a Roman Catholic Ceremony must by sent by the couple’s bishop to the bishop of Bridgetown prior to the ceremony. 

— Fees —
If neither party is a citizen or resident of Barbados, your wedding license will cost BD$150 (cash), plus a BD$25 stamp. In addition, if a magistrate will be performing the ceremony, a fee of BD$250 also must be paid at court. For couples participating in Catholic ceremonies, a fee of BD$450 (US$225) is charged for the use of a church; an additional BD$80 (US$40) if an organist is required. 

— Prior arrangements —
Prior to the completion of an application form for the license, arrangements should be made with a minister of religion or a magistrate. A letter from the minister of religion or the magistrate who has consented to perform the marriage ceremony should be presented at the time of filing the application. 

— Civil requirements — 
A civil marriage license must be obtained here in Barbados by visitors. Parties need to present suitable identification. 

In addition to such services provided by hotels’ guest services departments, arrangements for weddings, honeymoons and vow renewal services are provided by independent operators and ground tour operators. These services, extended to cruise passengers and long-stay visitors, include procurement of marriage licenses, identifying and decorating the wedding venue, making arrangements for the priest or other official to conduct the ceremony, photography, flowers, champagne, cake, entertainment, catering and all the needs associated with such a special event. 

Keep in mind that Barbados offers honeymooners a full range of romantic escapes, with a host of fine hotels, resorts, villas and guest house accommodations. When love is in the air, wander-lust often turns to long walks, sailing aboard yachts or seaside horseback rides. Let the wind be your compass, and allow your whims to shape carefree days. 

Sightseeing in Barbados offers a delightful diversity of attractions. Follow sandy beaches and turquoise Caribbean waters to the west, rugged coastline to the north, pounding Atlantic surf to the east, and grassy sugar cane fields surrounding historic “great house” plantations within... You’ll also find quaint villages and cosmopolitan Bridgetown, museums and landmarks, and unparalleled sights amidst wildlife reserves, flower forests, fields and gullies. A walk along our shores is just the beginning, as you’ll soon discover a world within. 

Explore our museums, visitor centres and Barbados National Trust properties, all speaking volumes of our heritage and wealth of natural wonders. Many walks and tours showcase our unique island treasures, from hidden caves to majestic castles of sugar barons, offering historic insights that illustrate just where time has taken us. Guests are encouraged to arrange guided tours, either in advance or with their hotel desk concierge upon arrival. If private exploration is more your style, you may prefer an independent or self-guided tour, as meeting your  island hosts face-to-face will allow you to learn our way of life, making special discoveries and finding your own perspective along the way.

Spoil yourselves with a honeymoon in Barbados! Clear, calm waters filled with coral forests, hundreds of tropical fish, and sea turtles rim the white sands of this exotic island. Inland you'll find a foodie heaven in the mix of international gourmet restaurants and shops stocking local delicacies. Choose from a romantic apartment on the secluded northern tip of the island, or celebrate with new friends in an active resort on the busy south coast. 
 
Barbados, home of reggae legends and de' original beach party, also holds an infinite number of hidden treasures perfect for the passionate adventurer. From celebrity-studded resorts and cliff-side restaurants, to barefoot dancing on the sand and diving through sunken shipwrecks, there's more on offer than you've ever dreamed. 

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