Antigua and Barbuda: The expansive, winding coastline of Antigua is a tremendous wealth of secluded, powdery soft beaches. And the fascinating little island of Barbuda – once a scavenger’s paradise because so many ships wrecked on its reefs is now home to one of the region’s most significant bird sanctuaries.
More and more people are getting married while on vacation, and it’s now easy to do so in Antigua and Barbuda. Even cruise ship visitors can now get married.
If it is peace and quiet you are after, head to quiet Barbuda, the lesser known of the two islands. It feels untouched by progress with the principal inhabitants being the graceful frigate birds.
Things To Do:
Great Beaches: Antigua and Barbuda is one of the best beach destinations in the Caribbean with over 365 beaches each with its own personality including features such as rock pools filled with tiny crabs, aerial displays by diving pelicans or organized water sports.
Most beaches are not equipped with facilities so it is important to remember to bring water and sun protection. On holiday weekends the beaches often fill up with locals picnicking.
Diving: Get an experienced dive guide to show you around the coast of Barbuda as there are many wrecks, from different periods of the islands history, and beautiful coral reefs. Frigate Bird Sanctuary: Barbuda’s Frigate Bird Sanctuary is located in the island’s northwestern lagoon and is accessible only by boat. The sanctuary contains over 170 species of birds and is home to over 5,000 frigate birds.
Fig Tree Drive: It is a 32km (20-mile) scenic route along winding roads through the lush tropical hills and picturesque fishing villages along the southwest coast.
Yachting and Sailing: Antigua’s trade- wind kissed seas have earned the title, “Sailing Capital of the Caribbean.” A not to be missed event is Antigua Sailing Week at the end of April which culminates with lots of food, drinks and on-shore partying.
Cuisine of Antigua and Barbuda: There are numerous restaurants covering all price ranges. The more upscale restaurants require jackets for the men and appropriate attire for women. Tipping is a minimum of 10% if not included in the bill. The national dish of Antigua and Barbuda is fungie pronounced “foon-jee”) and pepper pot. Fungie is a dish very similar to the Italian Polenta, and is almost completely made from cornmeal. Other local dishes include ducana, season rice, saltfish and lobster (from Barbuda). There are also local confectionaries which include: sugarcake, fudge, raspberry and tamarind stew and peanut brittle.
Marriage Requirements:
If either of you have been previously married, then bring the original divorce decree or, in the case of a widow or widower, the original marriage and death certificates. Both parties must be over 15. If under 18, written authorization from your parents or guardians is required.
It is important that all documents presented are original or certified original by the issuing departments or offices. Ensure that all documents are in your legal name and provide affidavits in cases where you are known by another name.
Your marriage must also be solemnized or celebrated in the presence of two or more witnesses, apart from the Marriage Officer. (You can even ask two guests from your hotel). There is no residency requirement for the Special License.
Cost-US $: The registration fee of $40 that must be paid at
the courthouse on Queen Elizabeth Highway.
◆ The Special Marriage License application is $150.
◆ The Marriage Officer’s fee is $250.
• The certified copy of the Marriage Certificate $10.
• Valid passports are needed as proof of citizenship.
For further information people can contact the Ministry of Legal Affairs at 1-268-562-0381.
