Tobago / Special Interests / Weddings & Romance

Tobago for Romance

The pretty isle of Tobago still has an undiscovered ambience which makes it feel very romantic. The picturesque white sand beaches, sleepy villages, lush scenery and world-beating birdlife help to give this outpost a peaceful ambience which adds to its appeal as an unspoilt retreat. For couples interested in nature, it is a place where they can spot hundreds of tropical birds; watch in awe as tiny hummingbirds dart in to feed at close range; and observe turtles clambering up the beaches to lay eggs in the dead of night. The diving is recognised as being among the best in the Caribbean. However, for couples wanting to stay on dry land, the best option is to hire a car and go off exploring to best appreciate the beauty of the island and visit Tobago’s rainforest reserve, the oldest in the Western Hemisphere. Those wanting to spice up their stay should head to the village of Buccoo, famous for its famous weekly Sunday School street parties.

Wedding in Tobago

The beauty of choosing Tobago as your wedding venue is that you can get married pretty much where you wish, with the agreement of the presiding minister of course. With such freedom in mind, you can let your imagination run riot and you might chose a waterfall or river, a historical fort, a bird sanctuary or nature reserve, the rain forest, a botanical garden, a hill top, a boat or in a fishing village. Naturally if you prefer a more traditional setting you can choose to get married on the beach, the grounds of your hotel, or the privacy of your villa. A number of restaurants have very pretty gardens which are ideally suited for weddings, and you can then follow on with your reception and a wedding supper.

In order to ensure that things run smoothly and that your day is just as you would wish it to be, you should make your wedding plans at the same time as you plan your holiday. If you are booking via a tour operator, do discuss your requirements with them as you book, and if you are making your own arrangements, again, make sure that you contact your hotel, villa agent or the local co-ordinator for advice.

Most hotels have their own wedding packages, and some have dedicated wedding co-ordinators. For villa weddings, you will need to check that the villa of your choice will accommodate your wedding requests. A huge wedding reception or live band may not be possible. You will also find that villas require that their local manager or selected local wedding co-ordinator supervises the event. On Tobago we recommend that you contact Tobago Weddings, specialist Tobago wedding planners, who will organise everything to suit and liaise with your chosen accommodation provider, tour operator or travel organiser.

If you are considering getting married on Tobago, and prefer to be in a hotel or resort, we recommend Villas at Stonehaven and Plantation Beach Villas. Both these villa resorts have their own dedicated wedding co-ordinator and they are well experienced at organising everything to order. The Blue Waters Inn is also good at arranging weddings.

Your wedding plan is likely to include some of the following basics:

Licence & certificate
Bride’s & bridesmaid’s bouquet
Posy’s and buttonholes
Floral arrangements
Wedding arch or other decorations
Wedding cake (sponge, light fruit or local black cake)
Sparkling wine/champagne
Photographer
Video
Steel Band
Live Band
Transport
Hairdresser
Sunset cruise

Legal requirements for getting married in Tobago are:

In order to get a Special Marriage License, both parties must be non-residents of Trinidad & Tobago.
A period of 3 clear days of residence must be established, commencing the day after arrival.

The following original documents are required from both parties:

Passports and airline tickets
Birth Certificates
If divorced, original or notarised copy of Decree Absolute
If widowed, original Death Certificate of deceased spouse
Deed poll or notarised proof of name change where name differs on documents
Persons under 18 years must have documented consent from a parent or legal guardian
The cost at present for the Marriage Licence and certificate is TT$337.50, payable in cash

The marriage ceremony must be performed by a certified officer who will require a marriage licence, which allows weddings to take place in a public place, on any day between 6am and 6pm. Licences can be obtained from either the Registrar General’s Office or the Warden’s Office in Scarborough. On applying for the licence both parties will be asked to legally declare that they are single and free to marry.

Civil weddings i.e. those performed by a magistrate rather than a priest or a minister, can only be conducted at the Registrar’s Office.

Do think about the time of day that you choose, and what you are going to be wearing. Is it practical or comfortable to choose a rainforest setting if you have your heart set on full- blown traditional attire and high heels? What about your guests? Does getting sand in your shoes bother you? Most weddings take place in late afternoon to avoid the heat and for the photos against the sunset.

Weddings in Tobago by Deana Bellamy