Antigua and Barbuda / Pressroom

ANTIGUA, West Indies -- In the heart of the Caribbean, the sister islands of Antigua and Barbuda offer the perfect setting for romance to flourish -- whether for a destination wedding, renewal of vows or honeymoon.

Experts agree that a destination wedding is less expensive and less complicated than your average at home event, and as more than 200,000 weddings a year take place away from home, couples are realizing that a wedding weekend is far superior than a wedding day, and are making Antigua one of the world’s top wedding and honeymoon tourism destinations. In fact, Antigua and Barbuda were recently voted “Best Wedding Island of the Year” by Caribbean World Magazine at their 11th and 12th International Caribbean World Awards in Britain. The islands are also included in the renowned American Express Travel “Top 10 Wedding Destinations” list. And Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa has been voted World’s Leading Honeymoon Resort seven years in a row (and ten times overall) at the World Travel Awards.

Many of the resorts on island offer couples the expertise of an on site coordinator who arranges all aspects of the ceremony or honeymoon, thereby eliminating much of the pre-nuptial stress many betrothed couples experience. A variety of packages offered can create the perfect intimate or extravagant event, though most include the wedding cake, photography, flowers and champagne, along with the ceremony performed by a local official. Whether couples seek privacy, beauty or adventure in their destination wedding locale, Antigua and Barbuda offer a wealth of wedding accommodation and entertainment options.

Steps to be Married in Antigua and Barbuda
1. Visit the Ministry of Justice located on Lower Nevis Street in downtown St. John's with valid passports, complete the application and pay applicable fees.
2. Confirm a date and time for the ceremony with a marriage officer, and
3. Say “I do!”

Documents Needed to Obtain a Special Marriage License

Valid passports
Proof of status:

Single: a declaration signed in Antigua
Divorced: original divorce decree
Widowed: original marriage and death certificates

Application form (completed at the Ministry of Justice)

Fees

Registration fee: $40 (paid at the courthouse located on the corner of High and Temple Streets)
Application fee (special license): $150
Marriage officer's fee: $50.

Legal Requirement
Both parties must be over 15. If under age 18, written authorization from parents or guardians is required. It is important that all documents presented are original or certified original by the issuing departments or offices. All documents must be in the legal name, and provide affidavits in cases where the bride or groom is known by another name.

The Ministry of Legal Affairs is open Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Fridays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Flights which arrive into Antigua after 3 p.m. should plan to arrange for the marriage to take place either the next day after completing the application process, or, on any available day thereafter.

Witnesses
An Antiguan marriage must be celebrated in the presence of two or more witnesses.

Wedding Planners
Events Management Antigua specializes in creative development and execution of various events. Web site: http://www.eventsmanagementantigua.com/
Fantasy Brides2000 is a bridal service agency that specializes in organizing weddings in the Caribbean. Tel: (914)-837-7857. www.fantasybrides2000.com

Resorts
There are more than 60 resorts in Antigua, most of which offer special wedding and honeymoon packages. Call the hotel of your choice for package information.

Travelers to Antigua can now take advantage of Delta Air Line’s direct service from Atlanta, GA on Saturdays and Wednesdays (log on to Delta.com to book). Non-stop flights to Antigua
are also available when flying BWIA (from New York), Continental Airlines (from Newark, NJ) and US Airways (from Charlotte, NC).

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Media Contact:
Marie Kephart
(407) 838-1827
marie.kephart@ypbr.com

Heather Keroes
(407) 838-1704
heather.keroes@ypbr.com

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