Travel | Caribbean Style Weddings

Antigua – Fulfilling Your Ancient Wedding Caribbean

December 16, 2010 By cgould Leave a Comment

In Spanish, Antigua means ancient. It is also an island that serves as a perfect wedding Caribbean destination in the West Indies. Known as a luxury Caribbean escape, Antigua is the perfect place to get married and to tie the knot. Although the name means ancient, the idea of having a wedding at this beautiful and romantic place is not at all ancient. In fact, it is becoming as one of the most sought after wedding destinations in the Caribbean. If you are looking for a fun and adventurous destination for your wedding, then you might just have found the perfect place.

West Bay Antigua

With 365 white sand beaches plus the wide array of activities and things to do, many have fallen in love with this Caribbean destination. The choice of places to stay and the great service from the staff at the establishments in Antigua will truly make your heart fonder and will further strengthen this island as your choice for a wedding Caribbean style. Take note, before you do get married in this paradise, it is important for you to know the requirements to make the wedding official.

There are certain fees that you will need to pay for the ceremony and the marriage license. The fees include a registration fee of $40.00, a Special License fee of $150.00 and a marriage office fee of $50.00 if you plan to have the wedding outside of the courthouse. It would be best to know what all the requirements are and complete it as soon as possible before you even pick a hotel for your Antiguan Wedding.

To be on the safe side, you can always hire a wedding planner to manage the paper work for the issuance of the marriage license. The planner will also take care of your other needs like booking the venue, accompanying services and ensure that every detail for your Caribbean wedding is taken care off.

Cheers to your joyous union in Antigua!

Belize City: Things To Do On Your Honeymoon There

December 4, 2010 By cgould Leave a Comment

The vast majority of Belize’s population is located in Belize City. Once the nation’s capital, Belize City still remains home to the largest sea and air ports on the island. It is also the island’s commercial capital. The city is part old world Caribbean with a touch of the modern mixed in.

The Anglican Cathedral Belize City

The city makes it easy to access San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, the Mayan ruin of Altun Ha, the Belize Zoo and other attractions. The cosmopolitan nature of the city is evidenced by the strong presence of East Indian, Chinese, Lebanese, Latino, Creole, Mayan and Garifuna groups.

It is claimed that Belize City is built upon a blend of logwood chips, loose coral and rum bottles barely above sea level. In spite of the imminent threat of the rising waters of the Caribbean Sea Belizeans hold fast to this hub of activity.

Belize City

The city is divided into Northside Belize City and Southside Belize by a manually operated swing bridge which remains as the only functional one of its kind in the world. The bridge is quite an attraction by itself and one that any visitor should experience.

Some other attractions in Belize City

The Marine and Coastal Zone Museums: Here you can see and get more details on the cayes and reefs.
The Baron Bliss Memorial is a tomb erected in honor of Baron Victor Bliss who is said to have left a sum of two million dollars to the Belize people because he was impressed by their hospitality.
The Fort George Lighthouse.
The Belize Museum is a thrilling way to experience the history of Belize. This beautifully restored building was once a prison and here visitors will experience Bilize and Mayan history through displays, pictures and text. The second story is a history buff’s haven with artifacts that attest to the Mayan history.
Albert Street located on the south side of Belize City is home to banks and larger commercial buildings. Visitors can also find souvenir shops located here.
The Battlefield Park on Albert Street is the perfect place to relax get a taste of Belizean cuisine.

Filed Under: Belize Tagged With: belize city, belize city honeymoon

Montego Bay Vacation

October 20, 2010 By cgould Leave a Comment

Montego Bay referred to as Mobay by locals is the second largest city of Jamaica. Montego Bay has its own airport so tourists can fly in directly to the city.

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Some of the most beautiful beaches in the world can be found in Montego Bay. Doctor’s Cave Beach famed for its glorious white sands and blue shore is one place that you must visit while on your Montego Bay vacation. About five miles long, there are many restaurants and bars along the seaside. Doctor’s Cave Beach is also ideal if you are water sports fanatic since the water is conducive to these sports.

Cornwall Beach another perfect beach in Montego Bay is also suited for lounging and water sports because of the placid waters. If rafting is your thing then you should pay a visit to Martha Brae’s village and enjoy the picturesque site as you sail along the banks.

If finding an affordable place to stay while in Montego Bay is a concern you should know that there are many beach front hotels and all inclusive resorts with prices to suit any budget. The all inclusive resorts may seem pricey at first glance but many of them include tours, activities, meals and transportation in their packages so that the final cost is sometimes quite affordable.

To experience a little bit of the history of the island you can lodge at Rose Hall which happens to be the most popular Grand House on Mobay. In past times Rose Hall served as a sugar plantation and the owners have managed to maintain the old world charm while offering modern conveniences.

Bird watchers can experience the pleasure of viewing some of the rarest and most beautiful birds in the world by paying a visit to Rocklands Feeding Station. Located in the southern part of Montego Bay, the Rocklands is home to rare species like Doctor Bird, the national bird of Jamaica, mango hummingbird and the orange quit. It is also one of the few places that visitors are allowed to interact with the birds.

If adventure is your thing then you cannot leave Montego Bay without paying a visit to the Ipswich Caves located in the dense mountain woods of this part of Jamaica. These caves are all carved from limestone and the view there is absolutely worth the trek through the woods which in and of itself is an adventure of its own.

From laying on the beach, to water sports, to a jungle adventure in the woods your vacation to Montego Bay is definitely a vacation to remember.

Filed Under: Jamaica Tagged With: montego bay

Barrier Reef

September 30, 2010 By cgould Leave a Comment

In a previous post I outlined at least 5 things you can do in Belize. If you plan to honeymoon or even get married in Belize going to the Barrier Reef in Belize is a fun thing to do as newlyweds.

As the largest reef system in the Caribbean and the second largest in the world it easy to see why the Barrier Reef is Belize’s top tourist attraction.

Based on discoveries to date, the Barrier Reef boasts:

70 hard coral species
36 soft coral species
500 species of fish
Hundreds of invertebrate species

Source: Wikipedia.com

On the inside of the reef the water is shallow enough and clear enough to accommodate snorkelers and divers. The sheer beauty of the underwater plant and animal life on the reef can keep visitors entertained for hours on end.

The Barrier Reef presents a very breathtaking view from the air also. It is marked by a long stretch of yellow-white line that separates two shades of blue in the ocean. The inside being the more shallow protected area of the reef and the outside darker blue and greater depth.

For guided tours to the Barrier Reef in Belize visit Coral Breeze Tours on the web to review their packages and pricing.

Filed Under: Belize

Things To Do Belize

September 27, 2010 By cgould Leave a Comment

A tiny island between Mexico and Guatemala Belize still remains among the most beautiful and unspoiled places on earth. Whether you are looking for oceanic activities or perhaps adventures in the jungle, Belize promises to be an ideal place to getaway for your vacation.

If Belize is on your list of places to visit but you are unsure of what you will do there I have listed the top 5 things you can do on your Belize vacation or honeymoon.

Visit the Great Barrier Reef
A trip to Belize is not a trip unless you pay a visit to the Great Barrier Reef. About 25 miles off the coast of Belize, this reef is the second largest reef of its kind in the world at about 180 miles long. This very well might be a number one tourist attraction in Belize. Aside from admiring the pure wonder that is this reef you can snorkel, dive or fish.

Dive in the Belize Blue Hole
If diving is your thing then a visit to the Blue Hole of Belize is in order. Undoubtedly one of the best places for diving in the world the Blue Hole is recommended for advanced divers at further depths while less experienced divers can stay within the more shallow areas. Even snorkelers will find a few things to enjoy at the Blue Hole.

Capture the Mayan Ruins
If history is your thing then a visit to the Mayan ruins in El Caracol Belize is a must. Although there are other Mayan Ruins in Belize like Cahal Pech, Altun Ha, Lamana, etc if you are short on time El Caracol is where you want to go since it is the most impressive by far. Located in the foothills of the Mayan Mountains you can capture the tall pyramids on film, picnic and enjoy the day out with your companions.

Explore the Belize Jungles
Take a guided tour through Belize’s jungles and see nature at its best. You can also visit the Butterfly Jungle in San Pedro and learn about the distinct habits of butterflies.

Enjoy the nightlife
Like most of the Caribbean the nightlife in Belize is hot, hot, hot. There is always great music, good food, dancing, live bands and more to do at nights in Belize. You can also just relax by the sea and let the cool Caribbean breeze caress your skin.

As you can see, there is no shortage of things to do in Belize. Whether you are a diehard adventurer or just want to change your pace and just relax your vacation to Belize will always a journey you will never forget.

Filed Under: Belize, Travel

Turks and Caicos Weddings

July 15, 2010 By cgould Leave a Comment

Turks and Caicos is an ideal location for your destination wedding. Many couples shudder at the thought of the cost to get married in Turks and Caicos but a wedding there is more affordable that most think.

If you need the marriage requirements for getting married in Turks and Caicos see the marriage requirements in this post.

Wedding Planners Turks and Caicos

Of course if you do not reside in Turks and Caicos you will need someone who knows the ins and out of the island. Most hotels offer this type of service free with some packages. If you prefer to work along with a wedding planner here are some reputable firms.

Island Harmony. Full service wedding planners recognized for their attention to detail.
NILA Destination Weddings. They provide just about everything you need to create your dream wedding.
Tropical Destination Weddings. Another full service event planning firm in Turks and Caicos.

Villas in Turks and Caicos

Aquamarine Beach House Weddings. Perfect if you plan to bring family and friends along, the Aquamarine beach houses are located on the breathtaking Grace By Beach. They can accommodate up to 36 guests in 3 adjacent villas.
Harbor Club Villas and Marina. Located in Providenciales these villas boast 6 beach front one bedroom villas.
Sea Feathers Vacation Rentals. Also located in Providenciales, they offer villa rentals and wedding planning.

Do you need assistance finding vendors for your Turks and Caicos Wedding? Fill out a request here.

Filed Under: Travel

Requirements for Getting Married Barbados

March 8, 2010 By cgould Leave a Comment

Get Married In Barbados

Your dream comes true when you plan to have a wedding Caribbean style. Barbados as a wedding destination means that you leave everything that is common behind. Getting married in Barbados makes everything single moment extraordinary.

Marriage Requirements Barbados:

The requirements for getting married in Barbados are fairly simple and a major benefit is that there is no required waiting period or minimum stay before applying. Both parties must be present when the application is made and this must be completed at the office of the Ministry of Home Affairs located in the capital, Bridgetown.

Be sure to walk with:

Valid ID, passports or birth certificates.
Details of your return flight.
In case of a previous divorce an original Decree Absolute or a certified copy of the Final Judgment must be presented.
A certified copy of the Marriage Certificate and Death Certificate is required if either party has been widowed.
All documents not presented in English must be accompanied by a certified translation.

You may reach the Ministry of Home Affairs at tel: 246-228-8950, fax: 246-437-3794.

Click here to submit a request for a wedding package in Barbados.

Filed Under: Barbados, Marriage Requirements, Travel Tagged With: married barbados

Requirements for getting married in Antigua & Barbuda

February 16, 2010 By cgould Leave a Comment

Antigua & Barbuda

There is no better place to begin your life together as husband and wife than Antigua where there is always sunshine, miles of white sand beaches and beautiful coral reefs. While you’re in Antigua you must spare some time to visit the Bird Sanctuary on the little island of Barbuda.

Marriage Requirements

The fees include a registration fee of $40.00, a Special License fee of $150.00 and a marriage office fee of $50.00 if the wedding is to be performed outside of the courthouse.
Valid Passports as proof of citizenship.
Proof of divorce or death certificates if applicable.
Both parties must be over the age of 18 or written consent from parents is required.
Two witnesses.

To be married in a church, couples will need to contact the desired authority to secure permission and may require pre-marital counseling.

The Registrar General can be contacted at telephone number 268 462 0609.

Filed Under: Antigua, Marriage Requirements, Travel

Requirements for getting married in Anguilla

February 16, 2010 By cgould Leave a Comment

Maunday Bay, Anguilla

If you are seeking tranquility and some of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the Caribbean, then Anguilla is the destination for you. Some of our recommended beaches include Shoal Bay, Meads Bay and Rendezvous Bay.

A major benefit of visiting Anguilla is the tranquility but if you develop a thirst for adventure during your stay you can always hop a ferry to St. Martin located about 20 minutes away. This in itself is a scenic ride that most will enjoy.

Marriage Requirements

A special license that takes two working days to process. Therefore both parties must be on Anguilla for at least 3 days before marriage
Passports
If you have had prior marriages, then divorce papers or death certificates are required.
License Fee: $284.00 US. This can be reduced to $40.00 if one of you are present in Anguilla 15 days before the wedding.
Two witnesses are also required

Couples can get married via the traditional mode by using a Minister or it can be done at a courthouse by the magistrate.

You can contact the magistrate at 264 497-2377.

In our upcoming posts we will highlight some vendors in Anguilla and share with you their thoughts on making your trip to Anguilla as memorable as can be, so stay tuned!

Filed Under: Anguilla, Marriage Requirements, Travel

Make Your Honeymoon Memorable With Advanced Preparation

February 8, 2010 By cgould Leave a Comment

Just as planning your wedding takes some work, planning your honeymoon takes careful consideration too. Your first trip together as husband and wife should be memorable as can be and much thought and preparation must be given.

First things first, set your budget! Keep in mind that it is possible to have a great honeymoon with lots of extras even if you have a small budget. It just takes research and some advanced planning. A good place to start is to think about the things you both like to do in your spare time, think also about places you’ve only dreamed of visiting, also how much days you have available and set a realistic outline of your planned activities.

One this is done your research can being. You can start your research using the internet and check with several travel agencies. Be aggressive with your search and don’t accept the first offer. When you have your search narrowed to a few destinations, places to stay, search for reviews so you have an idea what to expect.

While we are on topic of deals, take into consideration that a deal may not always mean the best price, it can also boil down to best value for money. Getting extras for a standard price is a great incentive. If your trip involves travel to the Caribbean, remember booking flights in advance may mean lower prices and vacationing in off season can cut accommodation rates by up to 30% in some cases. Another advantage in off season is that there will be less of a crowd so the service will be even more exceptional with less vacationers to cater too. A point to note is that some hotels in the Caribbean close their doors in off season so please allow for this.

As your wedding day approaches your travel arrangement should be firmly in place. Make arrangements with the hotel for pickup at the airport and for getting around. Also ensure that your vaccinations and passports are current, if applicable.

Allow enough time for packing at least a week before your trip as you do not want to pack during the last stressful days before your wedding. Some things you will want to include are: cameras with extra and batteries/memory cards, swimsuits, day and evening wear, traveler’s checks, tickets, documents and confirmation numbers for ALL reservations.

With advance planning your honeymoon could be everything you imagined and more and will set you on a good path to enjoying the realities of marriage that soon follows!