Caribbean Destination Weddings

The Caribbean is an amazing backdrop for a Destination Wedding!

Let us tell you about a few of our favorite Caribbean islands and why they are great to get married on!

 

Aruba Overview
Aruba is one island you need to visit! Once you go you’ll know, but until then I am going to fill you in on all the reasons why this is one of the best islands in the Caribbean for honeymoons, weddings, and vacations!
Aruba’s weather is near perfect. This island offers a year round temperature of 82 degrees. There is barely any humidity and you can be cooled by the constant trade winds! The interior of the island is desert like in landscape due to the arid climate. You can find all kinds of cacti and their famous divi trees. However, the resorts plant their own lush vegetation so you won’t miss out on that tropical feel. This is a smaller island so it is easy to get around. In fact, you should rent your own Jeep and do some exploring. This is safe and easy to do! Aruba’s people are some of the friendliest in the world so don’t be afraid to ask for directions or help.
Bonus for travelers from June- November- Aruba is outside of the hurricane belt!
Aruba offers something for every type of traveler.
For those of you that just want to relax on the beach, Aruba offers some of the best white sand beaches in the Caribbean. Palm Beach is pure heaven for the sunbathing beach crew. To cool off grab a raft and just float in the calm aqua clear waters of the Caribbean.
If the pristine beaches don’t put you in a full state of relaxation and serenity then head to one of several world class spas. Try one of Aruba’s unique outdoor treatment areas. Don’t forget to purchase some Aruba Aloe products to bring home.
Nature lovers will enjoy 20 miles of walking trails through Arikok National Park. You can also get an up close look at some animals at the following attractions: Aruba Ostrich Farm, Butterfly Farm, Bubali Bird Sanctuary, Donkey Sanctuary and Tern Islands. Oh and sea turtle nesting can be viewed from March through September.
Other natural attractions that are a must see include “Baby Bridge”. Aruba’s famous Natural Bridge collapsed in 2005 but you can still see the remains of this legend and view it’s baby sister. The natural pool is not to be missed (go on a guided tour to this one or you may not find this hidden gem). ATV tours are another great way to see the landscape and sights of Aruba.
Are you a foodie? Aruba’s cuisine will exceed your culinary expectations! Aruba has so many great restaurants it may be difficult to choose. El Gaucho and Madame Janette’s are two of my favorites! If you want to keep costs down and plan some of your meals in advance, then Aruba’s Gastronomic Association has the answer. The Aruba Dine Around Program offers meal plans at some of Aruba’s best restaurants and eateries .
You can shop till you drop in the exclusive shops and boutiques in downtown Oranjestead, Aruba’s capital. This is the only island I have ever been to where I wish my luggage had gotten lost! Renaissance mall has everything from Ralph Lauren and Guess to Gucci and Louis Vuitton.
Sports lovers, you won’t know what to take part in first. Golf enthusiasts should head on over to Tierra Del Sol. This is an 18 hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. Tennis is another popular sport here. Tennis players can enjoy playing on courts available at many resorts or visit The Aruba Racquet Club. Water sports are even more abundant. There is snorkeling SCUBA divng, deep sea fishing, kayaking, water skiing, and jet skiing all readily available.
You know what one of the most commonly asked questions is that I hear from clients regarding different destinations? “Is the water safe to drink?” The answer is not always a simple yes but when it comes to Aruba it is. Aruba is home to the world’s third largest desalination plant. So feel free to indulge in that frozen cocktail. The ice here won’t be a problem!
What about the night life? If you didn’t get enough fun in the sun and you want to party into the wee hours of the morning this won’t be a problem. Enjoy your resorts’ bars and casinos or hop onboard the Cuckoo Cunucu bus for the wildest bar hopping ride of your life!
I could go on and on with reasons why you should visit this island but the bottom line is there is not one single reason not to visit this island.
Not only is this island a must see but it is the perfect locale for a destination wedding! Your wedding is less likely to get rained out here than any other tropical island . Getting married during hurricane season? All the more reason to head past that hurricane belt and onto the shores of Aruba. Here’s what you need to know:
Wedding Requirements (from Aruba’s Tourism Authority):

Marriage in Aruba
Civil marriages are now possible in Aruba, but they must take place at the Civil Town House. Couples may also arrange a religious blessing after they have been legally married or just hold a romantic celebration beachside if they prefer. The following are the guidelines for the various ceremonies.
CIVIL Legal Requirements:
1. All Civil/Legal Ceremonies must take place in the Civil Town House
2. Documents include:
A) Copies of birth certificate for bride and groom with apostille (state certification).
B) Passport picture page or valid state issued picture I.D. for Bride & Groom.
C) Witness (18 years up) passport picture page or valid state issued picture I.D. (minimum 2 witnesses) Witnesses can be provided locally if bride and groom are traveling alone at $50 each by a wedding planner.
D) Certificate of no impediment for bride and groom (also referred to as a “single status report” and in some states called a “negative statement of marriage”). This certificate of no impediment is obtained at the bureau of vital statistics which is located in the department of health.
E) If either party has been divorced we need to receive a copy of the 1st and last page of the divorce decree(s).
F) If either party is a widow(er) we need to receive a copy of the pertaining death certificate.
Ceremony can take place in the late morning or early afternoon on Wednesdays, Thursdays or Fridays.
Saturdays are also available in the late mornings at an additional $150 surcharge.
3. All documents are to be faxed for review and then submitted by courier (i.e. FedEx) at least one (1) month prior to desired wedding date. Please contact a wedding planner or your host hotel wedding coordinator.
 

About the author: Maureen Servis (TA Maureen)  is our  foremost Aruba expert-being ACE certified by the Aruba tourism authority! Specializing in Honeymoons &  Destination weddings she's assisted hundreds of happy couples find the perfect location for them. To find out more about Aruba or have Maureen assist with your Honeymoon plans please contact us at Romance@SandnSunVacations.com