With a long tradition of hosting newlyweds, Barbados is a magical destination for honeymooners. And in recent years, it also has become a favourite wedding spot. That’s because Barbados recently adopted new laws eliminating advance notice requirements to marry on the island; couples can even wed on the day of their arrival, as soon as a license is obtained. The streamlined process eliminates waiting periods and facilitates no-hassle weddings.
Getting married on a tropical island has many advantages. The costs can be significantly lower and you can’t beat the romantic setting. And then, a spectacular honeymoon is built in.
In Barbados, the choices for the setting can range from a favourite resort at the water’s edge or by a scenic overlook, to a wedding aboard a windswept yacht. One can even marry at a splendid plantation estate, at a seaside masterpiece like the enchanted Animal Flower Cave, or deep below ground, amidst the otherworldly rock formations and subterranean waterfalls of Harrison’s Cave. And afterwards, what could be more romantic than dancing beneath the tropical moon under a canopy of stars?
Many Barbados resorts offer staff consultants who can assist in making wedding arrangements, by making recommendations on site selection, menus and other details. Wedding packages are sometimes available on a complimentary basis to those staying for a designated period, offering the services of a wedding co-ordinator and minister, plus marriage license, bouquet, champagne and cake. Other available services include photography, wedding site selection and decoration, beauty treatments and salon services, sunset cruises and more.
Just need a honeymoon destination? An island honeymoon can be heavenly at one of the charming inns or dazzling beachfront resorts. Barbados offers a wide range of accommodations, from value-rated inns and guest houses to luxury hotels that rank among the world’s finest. Long walks, sailing or seaside horseback rides are just a few of the activities open to you. Best of all, you can swim, snorkel or dive these clear, calm waters, filled with coral forests, hundreds of tropical fish and even sea turtles.
You’ll also find quaint villages and cosmopolitan Bridgetown, museums and landmarks, and unparalleled beauty spots. Many walks and tours showcase unique island treasures, from hidden caves to the majestic castles of sugar barons, offering historic insights into days gone by.
Barbados, home of reggae legends and de' original beach party, also holds an infinite number of hidden treasures perfect for the passionate adventurer. From celebrity-studded resorts and cliff-side restaurants, to barefoot dancing on the sand and diving through sunken shipwrecks, this safe, happy little island is a perfect honeymoon destination.