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Antigua and Barbuda / Special Interests / Weddings & Romance

By Sara Macefield , James Henderson

Antigua for Romance

Antigua is a good choice for romantics looking for a beach holiday spiced up with history, culture and adventure. As one of the larger islands in the Eastern Caribbean, it has more to offer than just sun, sea and sand.  

Cultural couples can soak up the island’s maritime past at Nelson’s Dockyard with its atmospheric collection of Georgian dock buildings that have been imaginatively turned into shops and restaurants. They can admire one of the most breath-taking views of the Caribbean from the former hilltop lookout at Shirley Heights over English Harbour and Falmouth, or taste adventure on a thrilling zip wire ride through the rainforest or while swimming with sting-rays.

The capital, St John’s, is a pleasant place to wander around with good shopping. It is also the departure point for a boat trips around the island or across to Antigua’s pretty and quieter sister island Barbuda, or the island of Montserrat. As a large island, there is a good choice of places to stay on Antigua, ranging from sprawling couples-only resorts, where the emphasis is on non-stop activities and entertainment to small, tucked-away cottage hotels offering the perfect retreat for those looking for a peaceful haven.

Wedding in Antigua

Antigua is well set up for a truly memorable wedding or renewal of wedding vows. There are some fantastic settings. You might choose to marry on the beach, in the garden of your hotel, in a villa or even on a yacht.

The other vital component of a successful wedding in the Caribbean is an on-island organiser who can put the whole thing together for you. Arranging a ceremony in a romantic setting and then a reception somewhere else can become something of a logistical exercise, so to ensure everything is just as you would wish and that it runs smoothly, it is a good idea to include your wedding plans at the same time as you plan your holiday.

If you are booking via a tour operator, discuss your requirements with them before booking, or if you are making your own arrangements, then make sure to contact your hotel, villa agent or the local organiser for advice. Most hotels offer wedding packages, and some have dedicated wedding co-ordinators. For villa weddings, you will need to check that the villa of your choice is happy to accommodate your ideas. You will find that villas require that their local manager or a local wedding co-ordinator is involved to supervise the event.

Unless you are going for a relatively simple wedding, you may want to include the services of a local organiser especially if you have in mind something larger than the hotel or villa can cope with. On Antigua our chosen local organiser is St James Travel & Tours, who can tailor your wedding to your exact requirements.

Their basic wedding package covers garden or other outdoor ceremonies and costs US$750 and includes the following:

- Meeting the couple as soon after arrival as convenient, to discuss and coordinate the arrangements
- Round trip transfers to the Ministry
- Special licence fee
- Wedding cake
- Bottle of sparkling wine
- Obtaining registered copy of the Marriage Certificate
- Full services of a wedding co-ordinator at all times
- Two witnesses are required on the wedding day, and will be provided if necessary.

This package can be tailored as you wish. Church weddings carry additional charges.

At all times you will have the full services of their wedding co-ordinator, who will accompany you throughout your wedding procedures, having taken care of processing ancillary requirements prior to your arrival. These may include flower arrangements, head-dresses, hairdresser, make-up, photographer, video, guitarist, live music or a DJ.

St James Travel & Tours can also arrange Renewal of Vows ceremonies, and will arrange receptions, wedding dinners etc.

Venue suggestions for Antigua weddings include: Nelson’s Dockyard, Shirley Heights, Harmony Hall, aboard a yacht and of course the beach.

There is no waiting period in Antigua prior to obtaining a Special Licence to get married. Both parties need to be present when the application form is completed and signed which is done at the Ministry Of Justice and Legal Affairs in St John’s. Opening times are 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday-Thursday and 8am to 3pm on Friday.

Legal requirements for getting married in Antigua are:

Valid passports are required for UK/European residents. US citizens can produce valid passports or original or certified copies of the applicants’ Birth Certificates along with photo ID such as a drivers licence or state issued ID card.

Proof of status: if single, a declaration is signed in Antigua. If divorced, original Decree Absolute papers must be produced or a certified copy and both must have the court seal where the Decree was issued.

 If widowed, the Marriage Certificate and partners Death Certificate must be produced.

 If either party is under 18 years of age, he/she must have written parental consent.

 Legal proof must be presented if either party has changed their name by Deed Poll.

The Special Licence fee is US$150 payable to Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs on Lower Nevis Street in St John’s and a registration fee of US$40 to be paid at the Courthouse in St John’s. The cost of a Marriage Officer to perform a wedding ceremony outside of the Courthouse is US$50. The cost of an additional copy of the wedding certificate is US$10.

The wedding ceremony can be performed between the hours of 6am and 8pm and will be performed by the Registrar, Deputy Registrar, Assistant Registrar or a Marriage Officer. Two witnesses are required to solemnise the marriage.

Church Weddings may require special documents and permission from the church authorities where you wish to be married. Contact should be made well in advance to make arrangements and may involve contact with your church back home. In the case of Roman Catholics, couples are required to attend pre-nuptial counselling and proof of this is required from your priest back home.

Do think about the time of day you are hoping to get married, and what you are going to be wearing. Is it practical or comfortable to choose full-blown traditional attire and high heels if you are going to marry on the beach? What about your guests? Does getting sand in your shoes bother you? Most weddings take place late afternoon to avoid the heat and to use the best of the sunsets to get romantic photos. Think about the practicalities of what you want to do and how it will affect the enjoyment of the event.

Weddings in Antigua contributors: James Henderson and Deana Bellamy

Recommended accommodation view more

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Browse Weddings & Romance on other islands

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Or read our other island guides

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Looking for inspiration?

  1. Visit Nelson's Dockyard, the oldest functioning naval facility in the world
  2. Party at Shirley Heights Lookout on Sunday at sunset followed by barbecue and live music
  3. Stay at the spectacular Jumby Bay
  4. Hop over to Barbuda for stunning beaches and excellent birdwatching
  5. Race a yacht to nearby Montserrat for the day

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