WEDDING & HONEYMOON PARADISE

With its unspoiled tropical scenery and sugar-white beaches, the picturesque island of Anguilla holds no shortage of places in which to hold a wedding ceremony. Couples looking to get married on the island can choose from an array of historic churches, secluded off-shore cays, lush resort gardens or even private yachts in which to tie the knot.

Among the exclusive resorts at which marriage ceremonies can be held is the Malliouhana Hotel on Meads Bay, where specialist wedding packages are available. This five-star resort, built in Mediterranean style, offers the services of a dedicated wedding coordinator to assist couples in putting together the special touches for their own perfect day. Wedding packages start from around £1620 for three nights’ accommodation and include the ceremony, marriage license, bouquet, button-hole, floral arch, champagne and hors d’oeuvres, a candlelit dinner, a guitarist and singer, plus the services of a photographer and the wedding coordinator. A daytime cruise on the hotel’s 35’ yacht is also included in the stay.

At the nearby Cap Juluca resort, Maunday’s Bay, newlyweds can further indulge themselves with a range of spa and wellness rituals, including yoga, relaxing massages, invigorating clay body scrubs and sensual sea salt and flower baths for two. The resort also offers eight-day Romantic Rendezvous packages which comprise transfers, beachfront accommodation, champagne and flowers on arrival, breakfast and a selection of dinners, a snorkelling excursion and a sunset cruise, as well as a day’s car rental and complimentary tennis and watersports.

With its exclusive resorts, fine dining and some of the best beaches in the Caribbean stretching the length of its 35-mile coastline, the uncrowded, unspoiled island of Anguilla is the ideal destination for romance.
Further information on weddings and honeymoons in Anguilla is available by visiting the official website of the Anguilla Tourist Board: www.anguilla-vacation.com. To obtain a copy of the new wedding brochure, telephone: 0207 729 8003.

Getting Married in Anquilla: Regulations

  1. Couples wishing to marry on the island should obtain a license application from the Judicial Department, open weekdays between 8.30am and 4pm.
  2. Both parties must present proof of identity (valid passport, birth certificate etc).
  3. If divorced, the original decree must be presented.
  4. If widowed, a copy of the deceased spouse’s death certificate must be presented.
  5. A Marriage License must be purchased at a cost of US $284 (including stamp duty) if one partner has been on the island for less than 15 days, or US $40 if the stay is longer. At least 48 hours is required to process the license application.
  6. Two witnesses must be present during the wedding ceremony.

Additional requirements for a wedding in a Catholic church:

  1. Confirmation papers
  2. Baptismal certificate
  3. Freedom to Marry papers
  4. Pre Cana course
  5. 3-6 months advance notice