Barbados is the island of choice for destination weddings if you prefer to avoid the large (and expensive) formal affairs that are often expected by family and friends back home. With over 70 miles of beautiful, white sandy beaches, a summer that never ends and 166 square miles of island scenery, Barbados offers an amazing diversity for an idyllic tropical destination wedding.
Imagine saying “I Do” in a magical tropical seashore garden with crystal clear waters gently lapping behind you, palm trees swaying and the sweet sounds of a live steel band serenading you. Or perhaps barefoot on the beach, with sand between your toes and a beautiful sunset as your backdrop.
Even if it is just the two of you, or if friends and family are coming with you, getting married in Barbados is simple. There is no minimum residency requirement but you will need to obtain a marriage licence prior to the wedding. The legal requirements are simple and straight forward.
There is no shortage of facilities and service providers to accommodate your every need. Several professionals in the planning and event staging fields can expertly assist you with all the arrangements and details to ensure a picture perfect wedding.
Hiring a professional wedding planner is key, otherwise your patience may run thin with the “island time” approach if trying to do it on your own. Island Bliss Weddings are delightful to work with and are extremely efficient. They will work alongside you from inception to reception to create a unique and memorable wedding reflecting your individual personality and style. Island Bliss will help you find the best caterer, local band or DJ, and their events co-ordinator can create the perfect setting, ambiance and atmosphere….whether you are seeking sweet and simple or a grand gala affair. The creative Emma Corrie of Emma Corrie Designs can also help bring your ideas to life, whether you have a grand vision, or an inkling of what you’d like, but no idea where to start.
Choosing a location is key. Many will opt for a hotel but if you are looking for something more private and intimate, a villa wedding is ideal. You need to know that any of the private villas who accept events at the property will have a minimum nights’ stay and a maximum number of guests, plus they charge an event fee (which is typically one night’s rental rate). The most economical idea is to rent the villa for the duration of your stay and host the wedding event at the villa. BarbadosBarbados.com can help you find your perfect villa and recommend suitable accommodation close by for your guests.
For larger parties you can take over one of the many restaurants and visitor attractions, like Drift Ocean Terrace Lounge, Paul Owens at The Beach House, The Lone Star and St Nicholas Abbey.