Submitted By: Reprinted from ABC Dialogue Magazine
It will already, probably, be the greatest day of your life. But to truly add that wow factor, do it in Barbados.
The island has a long tradition of hosting the most memorable weddings anywhere in the world and is also a natural magnet for honeymooners.
Its lush, tropical setting and powder-fine sand, touched by crystal blue waters has defined destination weddings for years - its ability to satisfy both newlywed and honeymooner saves time and allows for a holiday experience out of this world.
Barbados offers lovers a full range of romantic escapes, with a host of fine hotels, resorts, villas and guest house accommodations. Experienced event planners can choose between a church wedding, a romantic beach wedding, or a more non-traditional venue. Decorations, transportation and many more details will be seamlessly coordinated for your special day while you relax.
Weddings can be conducted in an elegantly manicured garden, at an impressive villa, or on the decks of a sailing yacht. You can celebrate with champagne and hors d'oeuvres as you accept the congratulations of family and friends.
There are many professional bakeries and florists on the island to ensure that your day has every special touch. Individualized mini-cakes are a new trend in wedding favours, but the classic tiered great cake is also a popular option.
Sightseeing in Barbados offers a delightful diversity of attractions. Follow sandy beaches and turquoise Caribbean waters to the west, rugged coastline to the north, pounding Atlantic surf to the east, and grassy sugar cane fields surrounding historic "great house" plantations within. There also are quaint villages and cosmopolitan Bridgetown, museums and landmarks, and unparalleled sights amidst wildlife reserves, flowers forests, fields and gullies. Visitors are encouraged to arrange guided tours, either in advance or with their hotel concierge.
If private exploration is more your style, you can take an independent or self-guided tour, since meeting your island hosts face-to-face will allow you to learn the Barbados way of life, making special discoveries and finding your own perspective along the way.
Since Barbados recently adopted new laws eliminating advance notice requirements to marry there, couples can become man and wife in a day, and there is no minimum length of stay or residency requirement. Barbadian law allows an official marriage ceremony to take place as soon as a license is obtained. Its streamlined process removes waiting periods and facilitates no-hassle weddings.
Application for a marriage license must be made by both parties at the office of the Ministry of Home Affairs where the following documents are required:
- Valid passports or the original or certified copies of birth certificates.
- If either party was divorced, an original decree absolute or a certified copy of the final judgement.
- If either party was previously married and widowed, a certified copy of the marriage certificate and the deceased spouse's death certificate.
This article was reprinted with permission from the Association of Bridal Consultants August/September 2006 ABC Dialogue magazine. Lei Lydle is an active member of the Association of Bridal Consultants.
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