Barbados Wedding and Honeymoon Information

Barbados

Barbados Bliss: The island and its hotels make it easy for couples to wed in paradise.

Many Caribbean islands accommodate destination weddings and offer venues that cater to honeymooners. But not every island allows a couple to arrive on the island, apply for a marriage license and get married all in one day! On Barbados, these more relaxed government rules are coupled with cozy places to stay that can take care of a wedding from the boutonniere to the bridal suite.

It's quite simple to get married in Barbados. There is no required waiting period or minimum length of stay. Both parties apply for a marriage license in person at the Office of the Ministry of Home Affairs (246-228-8950, www.barbados.gov.bb/docs/gettingmarriedinbarbados.pdf) in Bridgetown. The couple must show valid passports or birth certificates, return airline tickets, a certified copy of a divorce decree if applicable and a certified copy of a marriage certificate and death certificate if either party is a widow or widower. For a Roman Catholic ceremony, a bishop must send the appropriate documents to the bishop of Bridgetown.

The natural beauty of the island beckons all seeking a romantic escape! Barbados offers a wide range of exotic and traditional options for you to choose from for your wedding location. In Barbados you can get married on a boat, in a church, in an elegant plantation home, under the cool shade of a flamboyant tree, by sea cliffs or soft sand beaches.

As for setting up a destination wedding or a honeymoon, the easiest place to start is at www.barbados.org. This website has a special section on weddings that lists packages and suggests hotels that are appropriate for weddings. It also offers links to wedding planners and caterers, local bands and other suppliers. Look under Travel Info, and then click on Getting Married.

Following are some suggestions for romantic getaways or weddings in Barbados.

Barbados Hotels

Colony Club Hotel: Elegant Hotels Group officially reopened the 96-room Colony Club Hotel in early October following an extensive renovation of this flagship property. The transformation enhanced the resort's facilities, interiors and surrounding landscape. Eighty renovated guestrooms in five categories boast new marble bathrooms. The luxury ocean-view suites were redone with new, custom-crafted furnishings, and a total technology makeover has outfitted guestrooms with flat-screen TV's, DVD players, cordless phones and high-speed Internet access. New bathrooms now feature marble surfaces, Jacuzzi tubs and separate showers.

The property offers packages for weddings, honeymoons and vow renewals on its website, including an ultimate wedding package in which it handles everything from paying for the marriage license to paying for the officiant, for about $850. (www.eleganthotels.com)

Bougainvillea Beach Resort: This 138-suite resort is set in a romantic location on the ocean in Christ Church. Its suites are outfitted with elegant furnishings in crisp Caribbean colors. The spacious rooms have granite tabletops, oversized bathrooms and private balconies or terraces. All rooms are fully air-conditioned and equipped with kitchen facilities and cable TV. On the beach, guests can relax under thatched umbrellas enjoying the tropical breeze, swim in turquoise water, try boogie boarding or a vigorous game of beach volley ball, beach cricket or paddle tennis.

Among the perks included in the hotel's $800 "Wedding in Paradise" package are a wedding coordinator, government fees, a clergy member, a wedding license and marriage certificate, a transfer to the licensing office, a bouquet and boutonniere, a romantic breakfast on the patio the day of the ceremony, a bottle of sparkling wine for the reception, a best man or maid of honor if needed, a one-tier cake, a room upgrade and discounts to local jewelry stores. Add-on amenities such as videographer and live steel pan music are available for extra fees. (www.bougainvillearesort.com)

Cobblers Cove: Cobblers Cove is an English Country House style hotel. This upscale, 40-suite property recently upgraded its guestrooms, oceanfront suites, pool area, lighting and pathways. It also enhanced its bar and patio furniture and added a floating pontoon. Located on one of Barbados' finest and quietest beaches, with its clear, blue waters, excellent for swimming and beautiful white sands, this beach is the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun.

The property offers a wedding package for $900 that includes the fees for a minister, marriage license and certificate, a bouguet and headbank for the bride, a boutonniere for the groom, a chilled bottle of champagne, wedding cake and transfers to and from the marriage license office. Add-on amenities are available. (www.cobblerscove.com)

Barbados Almond Resorts offers couples several ways to say "I do".

Barbados, the easternmost of the West Indies, is sometimes called "Little England" for its resolutely British character.

Beyond the busy streets of Bridgetown, this highly developed island offers all the comforts of a longstanding resort destination, from high-quality golf courses to lively nightlife.