How to Get Married in Barbados? Plan your Perfect Wedding Day
Barbados is perfect location for an overseas wedding; the administrative process is straightforward, there is a very wide choice of venues, excellent caterers and, of course, one of the most stunning backdrops for photography on your special day.
It is a little while ago now, but we ourselves were married in Barbados. Our own ceremony was by the beach on Alleynes Bay and we celebrated afterwards with a truly memorable meal at The Cliff.
Our experience in planning Barbados Weddings
We are pleased to have been involved with the organisation of a number of weddings on the island. In some cases we have simply looked after the accommodation needs of wedding guests, block booking a number of villas to accommodate the wedding party.In others we have booked some of our larger villas as wedding venues and together with local wedding planners have helped arrange the whole event.
We would be happy to advise on the most suitable venue for your own event and can also put you in touch with our partner for wedding planning on the island, Malissa Blackman who runs Weddings by Malissa – one of the best known and most trusted wedding planners in Barbados.
Getting married in Barbados: Best Wedding Venues
We offer a number of villas which work particularly well as wedding venues. These include:
- Fustic House, St Lucy
- Mullins Mill, Mullins
- Nelson Gay, Speightstown
- La Maison Michelle, Lancaster Ridge
- Tom Tom, Westmoreland
- High Trees, Gibbs
Each property has a guest capacity limit and there is often an additional event fee charged equivalent to one night’s rental but we will confirm costs at the time of your enquiry. Please get in touch!
On a recent visit to the island we had the chance to meet up with Malissa at one of our villas, Elysium, where we were organising a wedding for one of our clients. During our site meeting, which also included the villa’s local managers, Malissa’s thoroughness and professionalism shone through – there is no doubt that the organisation of your special day is very safe in her hands!
If you are planning to tie the knot in Barbados, a villa-based wedding stay can not only be relatively cost effective but can also be more flexible and more private than a hotel-organised event. Please ask us for advice as we would be happy to pass on the benefit of our own experience and help you plan your perfect wedding in Barbados.
Barbados Weddings FAQ
Q: Can overseas nationals get married in Barbados?
A: Yes. Non-Nationals must present to the Officer at the Ministry of Home Affairs and Information proof of valid entry into Barbados. Application for a marriage licence must be made by both (male and female) persons at the Ministry of Home Affairs and Information office. The marriage licence is valid for three (3) months only; therefore, couples can get married within three (3) months from the time they receive their marriage licence.
Q: How much does it cost to get married in Barbados?
A: For non-nationals, a marriage licence costs BDS$200 cash and a $25 stamp. An appointment to obtain a marriage licence can be made between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday. Weekend appointments are sometimes available on request but a further fee of BDS$100 is payable. Court Fees are payable where a Magistrate is to perform the ceremony. Outside the precincts of the court, the cost is BDS$350 or within the court is BDS$250. This is obviously just the start to the cost of your wedding in Barbados. Other costs will depend on the number of guests you choose to invite, the venue and just how elaborate you want your celebration to be.
Q: Is a marriage in Barbados legal in the UK?
A: Yes. The UK Government website confirms that an overseas marriage will be recognised in the UK if you followed the correct process in the country where you got married and if it would be allowed under UK law.
