Romance in the South Pacific

Australia, along with the South Pacific paradise islands of Tahiti and Fiji, are a dream for your senses; they offer some of the most breathtaking locations anywhere on earth. Romantics can pop the question, tie the knot or even renew their vows with any of these unforgettable places as the perfect backdrop.

Love in the Cayman Islands

There is nothing like the allure of the Cayman Islands, a trio of tiny, sun-kissed locales in the western Caribbean, for discriminating couples looking for island weddings of style and distinction. It’s a match made in heaven.

Anguilla

Couples wishing to marry on the island should obtain a license application from the Judicial Department, open weekdays between 8.30am and 4pm. Both parties must present proof of identity (valid passport, birth certificate etc). If divorced, the original decree must be presented. If widowed, a copy of the deceased spouse’s death certificate must be presented. 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. Two witnesses must be present during the wedding ceremony.

Additional requirements for a wedding in a Catholic church:

• Confirmation papers
• Baptismal certificate
• Freedom to Marry papers
• Pre Cana course
• 3-6 months advance notice

Aruba

Couples must submit an “Aruba Letter of Intent” (one signed by the wife and one by the husband). Couple must obtain a “Letter of Non-impediment” (a document from the Government Agency from their Country that records marriages and shows the couple’s present Marital status) as proof that by their records they are both presently unmarried and are therefore free to be married to each other. Each person must submit a certified copy of his and her birth certificate in “long form” i.e. showing the names of their birth parents. These will be returned to you after your civil ceremony here on the island. An “Apostille” must be attached to the birth certificates as well as to the “Letter of Non-impediment”. An “Apostille” is an official document issued by the local Secretary of States office (Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the UK). This document verifies the signatures of the person who issued the certified copy of the birth certificate & the Letter of non impediment to you as being a legal entity to do so. Copy of passports of the couple (photo-pages). Copies of the passport of the witnesses.

If either party has been divorced they must submit a copy of the first and last page of their final divorce decree. If either party has been widowed, they must submit a copy of the death certificate.

The couple must send scanned copies of all these documents in order to be received at least one month before the marriage date. The originals must be send one month before the ceremony date by FEDEX.

Renewal of vows: Couple only have to bring a photocopy of their marriage license upon arrival.

Religious: Couple do not have to bring any documentation. However, once they arrive at the hotel , they would have to sign a waiver where they agree that beach weddings in Aruba are not legally recognized.

Cuba

If you have never been married before, Cuba now requires that you have a valid passport for three months beyond your return date home, and a tourist card. If either the bride or groom has been married before, the previously married person must, also produce a birth certificate and certificate of divorce or a certificate of marriage and a Certificate of the Spouse's Death in the case of a widow. Your Birth Certificate and any divorce/marriage/death documents translated into Spanish and certified by a notary public and legalized by the Cuban consulate in Canada (service fee applies). You should also create a document that lists: your names, home address, occupations, level of education, nationality and the full names of your parents, living or deceased. Attach the photo page of your passport to this sheet. Fax copies of all documentation in both English and Spanish to your hotel in Cuba at least three weeks before your arrival. Bring all your original documents with you. Your marriage will be formalized in the name stated on your passport. Your passport must be correct, and must match that on all your other documents. Your marriage is legalized by the Canadian Embassy in Havana and the Cuban Foreign Affairs department.

Dominican Republic

You will need two witnesses holding valid passports or you can ask hotel staff to witness your wedding. You will also need: original Birth Certificates (send two photocopies), valid and signed passports (send two photocopies of the main page), notarized Statutory Declarations of Single Status (bring or send one original and one photocopy), Divorce Certificate or Death Certificate (if applicable). Send original or notarized photocopy and two photocopies. Please note that in both cases, a minimum waiting period of ten months applies before a woman can remarry. Also, remember that everything must be translated into Spanish and legalized by the Dominican Republic Consulate. Take note, also, of the fact that some Canadian institutions require the Dominican Marriage Certificate to be translated and legalized by the Dominican Republic Consulate in Canada. Please contact Dominican Republic Services for further details.

Jamaica

To legally get married in Jamaica both parties will need to provide: proof of citizenship and a certified copy of birth certificates, which include the father’s name, proof of Divorce if applicable (original Certificate of Divorce), certified copy of Death Certificate for widow(er). Italian nationals celebrating their wedding in Jamaica must notify their embassy and send a certified copy of their marriage certificate to their embassy to be legalized and translated. French Canadians will need a notarized, translated copy of all documents and a photocopy of the original French documents.

Mexico

In order to get married in Mexico you are required to provide: a valid passport, Birth Certificate, Divorce Decree or Death Certificate (if applicable), copy of tourist card, must be in Mexico at least 4 business days prior to your wedding, four witnesses with complete documentation and blood test and chest x-rays, which must be performed in destination.

Guest List

Your clearly-stated preference regarding children or adults-only dictates the resort you choose and who will come. Timing and the nature of your relationship with the guest also comes into play. Try not to dwell on who can’t join you, as this is part and parcel of a destination wedding. Some people just won’t find the time or the money.If you are still unsure as to who to invite, Dori Giffin, of North South Travel, ”Nobody goes home right after the party, so remember: It’s easier to ignore people for a few hours than for an entire week!”

Invitations

With guest list, resort and pricing finalized, it’s time to hit send! Email is the easiest, most cost effective and green method. Another advantage is that you can direct RSVPs (with trip deposit) to your travel agent. One less to-do on your list! “A simple document in word, with an optional photo of the happy couple will suffice,” advises Dori. “Include a brief description of the destination, a link to the resort and a per-person cost on the invitation. A really good travel agent might even help you design one!” Print a few invitations as mementos, or for those who may not be computer friendly.

Can't attend?

Some people may feel disappointed not to witness your special day. Incorporate technology such as skype. Use photography and videography to bring key moments back to those left behind. Consider a small, simple reception at home before or after so they can participate in some way.

Who Pays?

Generally, the couple travels for free with a minimum number of guests. Usually, guests pay for themselves. If it’s important to the couple that someone attends, they may consider subsidizing the cost if it’s an issue. There is a variety of ways to do this; for example, paying for three of five days. Resorts offer a variety of wedding packages with optional extras. Some couples insist on customizing; Caribbean-born designer Preston Bailey has worked for A-list celebrities and upscale resorts. Others are content to leave details to the on-site coordinator, who may be included in the package price. “All-inclusives minimize cost and hassle,” Parmiter adds, “and you can boast that the open bar for the week is on you!”

Gifts

Once the domain of china and flatware, travel registries work well with destination weddings. It’s unfair to expect gifts from guests already paying for the week, so the registry is mainly intended for those who don’t attend. Purchasers can direct funds through the travel agent. Choices range from excursions to spa treatments to little extras like candlelight dinners. Parmiter suggests composing a brief description of your wish-list. Generous guests who still wish to purchase a gift should leave the item at home and only bring a card indicating the gift details – an extra suitcase of potentially heavy or fragile items to lug back is not convenient!

Locations

North South Travel advises clients to try to pick a destination with a high volume of flights, that’s not too expensive or hard to get to, especially if there are any older parents, grand-parents or those with motility challenges who will be attending. Try to avoid overly long flights and notice where flights are originating and aim to have everyone arrive around the same time. Keep your timeline in mind when booking, as everyone requires notice to make arrangements.”There are plenty of beautiful and romantic locations to choose from. Dori enthuses, “Mexico, the Caribbean, Asia, Europe, Hawaii, mainland USA…I assist in narrowing down choices. Jamaica is my personal favourite; the warm people, beautiful beaches, great food and, of course, reggae music. I once had a client who wanted to plan a surprise getaway for himself and his girlfriend. Together, we chose the resort that suited both of them perfectly. The romantic surprise turned into an even more romantic proposal! Guess what? The answer was YES, and we are now planning a destination wedding in one of the most romantic destinations in the world: Bora Bora, Tahiti.”

"A destination wedding is like a one-stop wedding shop...everything is there for you and your guests. It is a stress free choice and better still, your celebration lasts a whole week instead of just one day!"