Destination Weddings - Aruba
Falling in love again, what are you to do? Get out your passport and book a vacation to Aruba! You will no doubt fall in love with our tropical paradise as you have fallen in love with each other because only the best will do on your special day. Aruba's the perfect place to pop the question. This is a romantic engagement that neither of you will ever forget! Getting married in Aruba is a dream come true! If you have already tied the knot at home, Aruba is a perfect place for a honeymoon, anniversary or renewal of vows. Aruba is a magical land kissed by the sun and perfect for love!
Romantic Getaways
Romance rules on Aruba – a magical paradise blessed with great stretches of undisturbed beach shaded by tall, swaying palms and kissed by beams of moonlight; secluded coves off the beaten path with magnificent surreal seascapes; starry night skies that take one’s breath away. What better than an Aruba vacation to kindle love, pop the question, enjoy a honeymoon, celebrate an anniversary, even get married!
Aruba is one of the few places left on the planet where couples can truly feel that the world is theirs alone and be surrounded by nature’s special undisturbed beauty. From one end of the island to the other and throughout its interior, natural wonders such as the mysterious rock formations at Casibari and Ayo, the Natural Pool, the Tunnel of Love, the scenic panorama at the California Lighthouse, alabaster sand dunes and picture perfect Baby Beach each has its own special romantic allure. Couples can discover their own favorite spots to enjoy each other’s company, and at absolutely no cost!
No need for elaborate planning; just rent some wheels and explore, map in hand, a picnic lunch packed just for two. Catering to those in love, an Aruba vacation also offers a multitude of activities and indulgences:
- A sunset sail on a luxury catamaran, a sunset cocktail at a beach bar (De Palm Tours, Pelican Tours, Red Sail Sports).
- A moonlight dinner for two, right on the beach (Hyatt, Westin, Marriott, Divi Phoenix, Bucuti, Manchebo, The Old Man and the Sea, Pincho’s, Marandi, Flying Fishbone).
- Special nights out including sizzling Latin dancing, casino excitement, Las Vegas revues, late night lounges, piano and martini bars for a romantic nightcap, pub crawls, party boats (clubs, shows, Aruba resorts, Tattoo and Kukoo Kunuku).
- Couples treatments, massages and pampering at resort spas (Intermezzo, Mandara Spa, Larimar Spa, Spa del Sol).
- Room service and private time at world-class resorts.
- Sports for two: Diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking, hiking, horseback riding; even take a helicopter ride - together! (De Palm Tours, Pelican Tours, Red Sail Sports).
- Special island-wide One Cool Honeymoon Program.
- On Aruba, love is truly a canvas furnished by nature and embroidered by imagination.
Top 10 Reasons for Getting Married in Aruba
- Perfect Weather: Sunshine, warm temperatures, cooling trade winds, brilliant sunsets, and a location at southern fringe of the hurricane belt take the worry out of planning your special day.
- Safety & Security: Aruba is one of the safest destinations in the Caribbean. You are safe and secure at all times.
- Perfect Natural Settings: Aruba provides couples with many unique and unforgettable wedding venues. While most still opt for a barefoot-on-the-beach ceremony, others prefer diverse landscapes and natural phenomena such as hidden coves, natural bridges, underwater reefs, hilltop panoramas, and unusual rock formations. More creative venues can include the summit of the Hooiberg, a natural bridge and, of course, the Tunnel of Love.
- Perfect Resort Settings : Resorts offer a wide range of ceremony options from elegant ballroom to sandy beach. Brides can individualize their special day choosing from a wide menu of facilities and amenities at both luxury high-rise resorts and more casual low-rise resorts.
- Convenient Airlift: With direct air service and hubs at major airports throughout the US, you, your bridal party and guests can easily travel to and from the island. The Queen Beatrix Airport has won international awards for facilities and services and provides pre-clearance of US Immigration and Customs on flights returning to the USA.
- Conveniences and Comforts: Aruba is a modern island with fabulous shopping, state-of-the-art communications including wireless internet and world-class room accommodations with all the comforts of home.
- Island Hospitality: Aruba’s people are friendly and helpful. Hotel staffs are professional and well-informed. You will be received with warmth and appreciation and handled with care all during your stay.
- Civil Marriages: Civil marriages are now possible in Aruba, but they must take place at the Civil Town House.
CIVIL LEGAL REQUIREMENTS: All Civil/Legal Ceremonies must take place in the Civil Town House.
Documents include:
- Copies of birth certificate for bride and groom with apostille (state certification).
- Passport picture page or valid state issued picture I.D. for Bride & Groom.
- Witnessmum 2 witnesses) Witnesses can be provided locally if bride and groom are traveling alone at $50 each by a wedding planner.
- Certificate of no impediment for bride and groom (also referred to singlestatus repoficate of no impediment is obtained at the bureau of vital statistics which is located in the department of health.
- If either party has been divorced we need to receive a copy of the 1st and last page of the divorce decree(s).
- If either party is a widow(er) we need to receive a copy of the pertaining death certificate. All documents are to be faxed for review and then submitted by courier (i.e. FedEx) at least one (1) month prior to desired wedding date. Pletact a wedding pllate morning or early afternoon on Wednesdays, Thursdays or Fridays. Saturdays are also available in the late mornings at an additional $150 surcharge.
9. Religious Ceremonies: With some advance planning and submission of documentation, religious ceremonies can also be conducted on-island. The following are the guidelines for the various ceremonies.
CATHOLIC :
(Must call first as this is on hold until review of procedures is complete):
- Proof that the prospective bride and groom have attended pre-marriage preparation.
- Permission from their priest to get married in Aruba.
- An official declaration stating that neither party has been previously married in a Church is also required from their local priest.
- Copy of Wedding Certificate showing that they have been legally married in their home country.
- Baptismal and Confirmation certificates of both parties as well as copies of their passports or I.D. Cards.
- The proposed wedding must take place "inside" the Church building.
- All documents must be submitted 4 months prior to chosen wedding date.
PROTESTANT / EPISCOPALIAN / METHODIST :
- Wedding Ceremony can be affiliated in the local Protestant / Episcopalian or Methodist Churches or anywhere else the couple desires.
- If Married outside Aruba, copy of marriage certificate from their home country.
- Proper attire is required for all "religious blessings"( ie: No Swimsuits nor Wraps for the Bride: Shorts are acceptable for the Groom.
JEWISH:
- Both partners MUST bet Jewish and need to submit a verification of Judaism from the Rabbi of their hometown.
- The Aruban Cantor accepts Jewish status certificates from valid Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Liberal and Re-Constructionist Authorities.
- A formal petition needs to be submitted to the Aruba Jewish Community.
- The wedding ceremony may take place either in the synagogue or any other venue of choice.
- The synagogue of Aruba is an independent Conservative-Reform style congregation.
AT SEA:
A boat captain is not authorized to officiate a wedding according to Dutch laws. This applies for international waters as well as in port. The only exception to this rule is if he has been given authority by the country under whose flag the ship is registered.
10. Wedding Planners.
You don’t have to do it all yourself! Independent and resort wedding planners provide valuable advice about documentation and legal matters as well as coordination on the ceremony day. Every minute detail about the ceremony and reception can be arranged, from officiator, witnesses, flowers, mementoes, gifts, and wedding certificates, to limousine service, photography and video, rehearsal dinners, wardrobe, and personal attendants - even a butterfly release!