Antigua and Barbuda is one of the most romantic destinations in the world and is a highly sought after for people in-love looking to create lifelong memories. Maybe it’s the breathtaking vistas, the warm orange and purple glow of an island sunset, steel pan music under a starry sky or the beautiful weather. Whatever the reason, your clients can experience that romantic je nais se quoi for themselves in Antigua and Barbuda – whether it be a couple's getaway, honeymoon or wedding.

STEPS TO GETTING MARRIED IN ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

1 - Qualify

To qualify for a special marraige license (no residency requirement) a couple must:

• be 18 and over
• be currently unmarried
• have valid ID (passports)
• present supporting documentation where necessary (original divorce decree, marriage and death certificates, affidavits for name changes)

2 - Register

Couples must apply for a marriage license at the Ministry of Legal Affairs and provide the date, time and venue of the wedding, which must take place between 6:00 AM and 8:00 PM in the presence of a witness. For weddings outside of the Court House an additional fee for a marraige officer will apply.

3 - Pay Fees

A license fees must be paid at the Ministry of Legal Affairs (Queen Elizabeth Highway) and a registration fee at the Civil Registry on High Street, St John's (a different location).

Tip: Register at least two (2) days in advance of your big day, and visit the Legal Affairs office early in the morning to avoid any hiccups. Pay attention to operation hours for government offices and holidays which might interrupt your plans.

WEDDING SERVICE PROVIDERS

A cottage industry of wedding businesses has cropped up in Antigua and Barbuda, from cake makers, florists, caterers, makeup artists to photographers, pretty much every vendor a couple needs to make their day special can be found on island. Please contact your Antigua and Barbuda BDM for more detailed information and to be connected with service providers not listed here:

Venues

• Avec Amour
• Casa Palmadita
• Indies Green
• Most Resorts (ask your resort about their wedding venues, most have beautiful locations for ceremony and reception)

Visitors staying at certain resorts can qualify for a free wedding:

Elite Island Resort’s includes a wedding coordinator, single-tiered wedding cake, decorated site, hotel taxes and gratuities, boutonniere for groom, and one bottle of sparkling wine.

Sandals Resorts offers its Beautiful Beginnings wedding package for free for any couple that stays three (3) nights or more in a required room category. Included is, an orchid boutonniere and bouquet, an elegant table setting for eight, a two-tier wedding cake, a personal resort wedding planner, preparation of marriage documents, white Chiavari chairs, music during ceremony, a 30-minute sparkling wine and hor d’oeuvres reception for up to 8, a 30-minute foot massage for groom and manicure for bride, and a special turn down service, breakfast in bed, and a special picture from the event.

Wedding Cake:

• The KenDen
• Fancy Cakes 268

Photographers/Videographers:

• Watkins Multimedia
• Zahra Airall Photography
• Lights by Zoe

Decor/Florists:

• Neon Briggs
• Flower World Antigua
• Exotic Floral
• Flowers4You

Wedding and Honeymoon Hotels:

• Blue Waters & Cove Suites
• Carlisle Bay
• Coco’s Hotel
• Curtain Bluff Resort
• Halcyon Cove by Rex Resorts
• Galley Bay Resort and Spa by Elite
• Keyonna Beach
• Hawksbill by Rex Resorts
• Hermitage Bay
• Ocean Point Hotel
• Pineapple Beach Club by Elite
• Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and Spa
• St. James’s Club and Villas by Elite
• Starfish Jolly Beach
• The Verandah Resort and Spa by Elite
• Sugar Ridge

DATE NIGHT ACTIVITIES

Any couple looking for quality time to connect doesn’t have to look very far. With so many beaches to choose from it’s easy to find a quiet one where alone time can be had.

What’s more romantic than a sunset with the person you love? Try a sunset cruise on the Mystic Catamaran where you can glide around Antigua’s west coast, with drinks, food and that special someone included.

With Antigua and Barbuda’s abundance of restaurants serving international cuisines prepared by world-class chefs, a romantic dinner for two is just waiting for you to say when. End the night off right with music and dancing at many of the open-air bars and clubs down in English Harbour’s village where locals, stay-over guests and yachties jam to live bands and DJs into the early morning hours.