Island weddings are the latest trend and not surprisingly so. Why settle for one perfect day when you can enjoy an entire week or more of pampered bliss?
The British Virgin Islands soar high in the ranking for destination weddings, offering a smorgasbord of romantic options. Whether it's just the two of you or a large gathering, this small cluster of tropical isles has what it takes to fulfill all your nuptial fantasies.
Tropical Paradise
The ocean has always been closely tied to romance and in the British Virgin Islands you are never far from its shore. Here you'll encounter the sound of the waves lapping at the sand, palm fronds whispering in the breeze, a forgotten halyard tapping at the mast, the vision of pelicans spiraling above or sailboats on the horizon. Allow the ocean to be your wedding altar as you and your loved one stand barefoot in the sand, or sail upon it in your own professionally crewed charter yacht and tie the knot in a truly nautical fashion. Let nature orchestrate the romance… leave the in-laws at home and escape to a tropical paradise where ceremonies are stress-free and the emphasis is on you.
In addition to some of the world's most beautiful beaches, the Territory boasts tropical gardens brimming with exotic flowers and many villas and resorts ideal for small or large wedding parties. Stunning views of neighboring islands rising through azure seas, palm-lined white sand beaches and fiery sunsets will surround you wherever you choose to say, "I do." You really can't go wrong. Of course, for the traditional at heart, there are also many quaint West Indian churches of varying denominations available for the ceremony.
Professional Services
The resorts are accustomed to organizing wedding ceremonies for their guests and generally have their own wedding planners. They make the day completely trouble free and can pamper you with wonderful details such as his and hers massages on the beach, personalized hair and make-up artists, private cocktail parties for you and your guests and romantic sunset sails to end the day. They will also arrange professional photography services for you that will truly capture all those special moments and produce spectacular images of your island wedding. Of course, choices of flowers will be offered and their world-class chefs will create a scrumptious wedding cake. The evening may be finished off dancing under the stars to the rhythmic beat of a Caribbean Steel Band or just "limin" together under a coconut palm. All in all, you will be treated like royalty.
Charter yacht crews and small hotel and villa managers are also well accustomed to helping you arrange your special day. Contacted in advance, they will either make arrangements for you or put you in touch with a local wedding planner who will make sure everything runs without a hitch. You can even hire a personal gourmet chef and wait staff to perfect a private villa ceremony. Remember, the services of professional wedding photographers and videographers are available to record the entire day. Professional wedding photographers and videographers make sure that your wedding day is captured for you and your family to relive the memories for years to come. The standards of wedding photography are high and all services found elsewhere in the world are available locally.
As well as providing the ultimate "stage" for your ceremony, the BVI boasts all of the services needed to ensure that your wedding day runs without a hitch. Wedding planners - both independent and associated with resorts and hotels - are here to tend to your every whim and help make planning your big day stress-free and fun. They will take care of all the little details. Your choice of flowers can be ordered, the cake designed and decorated to your specifications, and even witnesses can be provided at your request. Professional services such as spas, hairdressers and cosmeticians are also available to make your day even more enjoyable.
Beach ceremonies are generally short and casual, but can be adjusted and more formal if you prefer. Once the legalities are taken care of, you and your betrothed are free to stroll along the beach, watch the sunset and sip a rum punch. Sunset sails can be arranged with or without dinner. You can even arrange an intimate table for two on the beach and dine under the stars. Of course, the local restaurants and resorts can cater to large receptions. You may also choose to rent a private villa and hire a chef to cook a gourmet dinner with the freshest local ingredients available and personalized service. After dinner, dance the evening away in true island style with steel pan music by moonlight and enjoy the warm sultry air of a Caribbean evening.
Marriage License
To apply for a marriage license in the BVI, contact the Registrar's Office in Road Town. The office is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (except for public holidays). The fee for the marriage license is $110. A stamp for this fee must be purchased at the post office. The stamp should then be presented to the Registrar's Office, where you must apply for the license in person. The license will take three working days to be prepared. Therefore, after applying for the license, make sure that you allow this period before your scheduled wedding date. Required documents include:
Passports or original birth certificates
A certified copy of a divorce decree, if applicable
To ensure that the Registrar of Marriages will be available on your day, you can pre-book by calling the office before you arrive. He or she will perform the ceremony in his/her office for a fee of $35. Alternatively, you may request a location elsewhere (within reason) for the ceremony, and the official will accommodate your wishes. The charge for traveling to a setting outside the office is $100.
For more information, contact the Registrar's Office:
P.O. Box 418
Road Town, Tortola, BVI
Tel: (284) 494-3701 or 494-3492, ext. 5001 / 5002 / 5003
The entire process is quite simple. In addition to the Registrar, there are civil marriage officers and ministers of various religions who are also available to conduct the ceremony. For further details, contact the church of your preference.
Should you decide to tie the knot in the British Virgin Islands, you can look forward to a totally relaxing experience in a place where life moves at a comfortable pace and the emphasis is on romance. Stay a little longer and enjoy your honeymoon exploring our beautiful islands, scuba diving, sailing, or just relaxing on one of our spectacular sun-drenched beaches. You'll be glad you did.
Getting married in the BVI? Treat you and your partner to a relaxing and luxurious spa day or spa treatment. The Spa at Leverick Bay professionals will come to your boat, villa, hotel room or on the beach. Spa services are also available at Biras Creek Resort, Bitter End Yacht Club, Lambert Beach, Nail Bay and Soper's Hole Marina. The Spa at Leverick Bay is dedicated to encouraging the ultimate in health and beauty. The Spa offers a comprehensive selection of treatments for the body and soul. Hours 8am - 8pm.
Island weddings are the latest trend and not surprisingly so. Why settle for one perfect day when you can enjoy an entire week or more of pampered bliss?
escape to a tropical paradise where ceremonies are stress-free and the emphasis is on you.
The resorts are accustomed to organizing wedding ceremonies for their guests and generally have their own wedding planners. They make the day completely trouble free and can pamper you with wonderful details such as his and hers massages on the beach, personalized hair and make-up artists, private cocktail parties for you and your guests and romantic sunset sails to end the day. They will also arrange professional photography services for you that will truly capture all those special moments and produce spectacular images of your island wedding. Of course, choices of flowers will be offered and their world-class chefs will create a scrumptious wedding cake. The evening may be finished off dancing under the stars to the rhythmic beat of a Caribbean Steel Band or just "limin" together under a coconut palm. All in all, you will be treated like royalty. 
As well as providing the ultimate "stage" for your ceremony, the BVI boasts all of the services needed to ensure that your wedding day runs without a hitch. Wedding planners - both independent and associated with resorts and hotels - are here to tend to your every whim and help make planning your big day stress-free and fun. They will take care of all the little details. Your choice of flowers can be ordered, the cake designed and decorated to your specifications, and even witnesses can be provided at your request. Professional services such as spas, hairdressers and cosmeticians are also available to make your day even more enjoyable.
To apply for a marriage license in the BVI, contact the Registrar's Office in Road Town. The office is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (except for public holidays). The fee for the marriage license is $110. A stamp for this fee must be purchased at the post office. The stamp should then be presented to the Registrar's Office, where you must apply for the license in person. The license will take three working days to be prepared. Therefore, after applying for the license, make sure that you allow this period before your scheduled wedding date. Required documents include: 
The entire process is quite simple. In addition to the Registrar, there are civil marriage officers and ministers of various religions who are also available to conduct the ceremony. For further details, contact the church of your preference. 