Help & Advice

Destination Weddings: Ideal Bride Guide To Antigua

Antigua & Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda are located in the middle of the Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean, roughly 17 degrees north of the equator. To the south are the islands of Montserrat and Guadeloupe, and to the north and west are Nevis, St. Kitts, St. Barts, and St. Martin.

Temperatures generally range from the mid-seventies in the winter to the mid-eighties in the summer. Annual rainfall averages only 45 inches, making it the sunniest of the Eastern Caribbean Islands, and the northeast trade winds are nearly constant, flagging only in September. There is low humidity all year round.

Things To Do

Shirley Heights

This rambling array of gun emplacements and military buildings is best known today for the absolutely breathtaking prospect that it offers. From the Heights one can look far out over English Harbour, and on Sunday afternoons the view is accompanied by barbecue, rum punch, and the plangent strains of steel band and reggae music. The site is named after General Shirley, Governor of the Leeward Islands when the area was fortified in the late eighteenth century. Close by is the cemetery, in which stands an obelisk erected in honour of the soldiers of the 54th regiment.

Places To Stay

Getting Married, What Paperwork Do I Need?

What are the fees?

First, there is a registration fee of $40 US Dollars that must be paid at the courthouse in the new government buildings on Queen Elizabeth Highway. The application fee for the special marriage license is $150 US Dollars, and the Marriage Officer's fee is $50 US Dollars.

What documents do we need?

You both will need valid passports as proof of citizenship. If either of you have been previously married, then bring along the original divorce decree or, in the case of a widow or widower, the original marriage and death certificates.

Are There Any Other Legal Requirements?

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 confirmation in cases where you are known by another name. Your marriage must also be celebrated in the presence of two or more witnesses, apart from the Marriage Officer. (Just ask a guest or two to do this for you).

Is The Marriage Ceremony Legal?

Of course, it is both legal and binding. Additionally, consent must be expressed by both parties to accept each other as husband and wife.

Can We Be Married In A Church?

Yes, but it requires the permission from the church authorities where you wish to be married. Have your pastor contact the church to establish the requirements. Some churches ask that the couple attend pre-nuptial consultations. Allow some extra time if planning a church ceremony.

Antigua & Barbuda At A Glance

Flight Time: Approx 8 hours & 40 mins, Time Difference (UK): GMT - 4 hours, Language: English, Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar - EC$

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dev
High Temp:	28	28	29	30	31	31	31	31	32	30	29	28
Sunshine Hours:	7	7	7	8	8	8	8	8	7	8	8	7
Rainfall:	12.2	8.6	11.2	8.9	9.7	11.2	15.5	18.3	16.8	19.6	18	14

Please note all information correct at time of publishing, please check details prior to travelling

29th September 2011