The decision to marry in Barbados is often an easy one to make! The tropical setting fringed by powder-fine sands and crystal blue waters has defined destination weddings for years.

Event planning services
Our experienced event planners will help you choose between a church, romantic beach or more non-traditional venue for your wedding. Decorations, transportation and other details will be seamlessly coordinated for your special day allowing you and your loved one to enjoy the island in any way you desire!

Destination weddings are not just about the beaches! You can host your event in one of our elegantl gardens, at an impressive villa, or on the decks of a yacht. 

Special touches
There are many professional bakeries and florists on the island to ensure that your day has every special touch. Individualized mini-cakes are a new trend in weddings, but the classic tiered great cake is also a popular option. Crystallized fresh fruit and smooth fondant icing fare well in our tropical environment and are experiencing a renewed vogue.

Getting a marriage license
Barbados does not require advance notice to get married, so you can say "I do!" on the day of your arrival if you like. The law allows an official marriage ceremony to take place as soon as a license is obtained. No hassle, no waiting>LOVE it!


 >> Getting the License
 >> Arrangements
 >> Fees

 Getting the license
Having a wedding in an exotic destination often means your mired in paperwork. Not so in Barbados. It's almost as easy as Las Vegas, but oh so much more beautiful.

Application for a marriage license must be made by both parties in person, at the office of the Ministry of Home Affairs in Bridgetown (Tel: 246-228-8950)

Documents Required:

• Valid Passports or the original or certified copies of the applicants' birth certificates;
• If either party was married previously and widowed , a certified copy of the marriage certificate and death certificate in respect of the deceased spouse;
• If either party was divorced , an original decree absolute or a certified copy of Final Judgment not decree Nisi.

N.B. All documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation.

Arrangements:
Arrangements should be made with a Marriage Officer (a Magistrate or a Minister of religion authorized to be a Marriage Officer) prior to the completion of an application form for the license. A letter from the Marriage Officer who has consented to perform the marriage ceremony should be presented at the time of filing the application.

The Bajan marriage license was crafted back in the 1800s and retains the quaint charm of its English origins.

Unmarried women who are not widowed or divorced are called spinsters, but don't be offended: The term spinster actually dates back to the 14th century, referring to women who spun thread for a living > from thread spinner to dream weaver.

An unmarried man who is not widowed or divorced is called a bachelor–did you know that comes from a term meaning knight in training, or vassal farmer? So, you don't have your shining armor just yet.

The custom of naming your father and his occupation is to ensure that you are who you say you are, and to differentiate between people who had the same name> Mary Smith, daughter of John Smith, Tanner as opposed to the Mary Smith, daughter of John Smith, Tailor. Citing your occupation and residence was for the same reason: John Doe, Blacksmith, In the valley, as opposed to the John Doe, Blacksmith, On the hill. It's sweet really, and makes your Marriage certificate an important historical document.

A marriage may be solemnized immediately after the issue of the license.

Fees:

• Bds$150.00 cash and a $25.00 stamp

Separate fees are payable to the Court and to the Magistrate in respect of civil marriage ceremonies.

• On the Beach - Bds$350.00
• At the Court - Bds$250.00

Click here for more information to plan your holiday.