Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and picture yourself standing in the front row of the sunset, with the mirror-like turquoise waters of the Caribbean at your back as you exchange vows with your loved one. This is what makes a St. Barts wedding magical! Although you are on your own, you are not alone on this beautiful island as you are one with the beauty of the wedding as well.
It is most definitely an incredible journey to walk down the aisle to this tropical paradise. St. Barts is a real dream, and that’s what gives us the ability to do things we’ve never done before. It’s your time! Let’s get started. Okay?
1. Pick the Perfect Time
If you think that everything will skip arranging the services at some point, then you are absolutely wrong. Know that the island of St. Barts is a tropical place all year long, even though the best months for weddings are December and April. In these months, the rainfall is less, and the temperatures are much cooler. But also remember that this is the holiday season, so the earlier you book, the better!
Related : St. Barts for New Visitors: A Brief Overview
2. Choose Your Dream Venue
St. Barts boasts many spectacular locations where you can tie the knot. In this respect, the island is a real cornucopia of places where you can hold your celebration. From a luxurious villa overlooking the ocean to a tranquil beach, you have a plethora of options. Some favorite locations include:
- Shell Beach: This is perfect for going barefoot at a beach ceremony.
- Le Toiny Hotel: The stunning scenery and top-notch services are exceptional.
- Villa Rockstar: This is the place for good parties where you can have exclusive celebrations.
Pro tip: Select from a host of hotels that offer wedding packages. By doing so, you can ease the complexity of your wedding planning.
Related : Discover Your Dream Wedding Villa
3. Navigate the Legal Requirements
St. Barts can be a bit of a hassle, especially for the registration of weddings. You will need to fulfill some formalities when you marry in St. Barts. Birth certificates, passports, and proof that one is single are required.
Note that since St. Barts is a French territory, one of you must stay on the island for 30 days prior to the wedding to meet the local residency requirement. For this reason, many couples choose a symbolic ceremony in St. Barts and complete the legal part back home. Don’t worry about needing a residence visa–vacation time will suffice!
4. Embrace Local Flavors
Why not opt for the option of catering local dishes to your guests and entertaining them with the island’s culinary delights? The most popular meal that I have found to be the best is a mix of French and Caribbean cuisine. You can also feature accras (codfish fritters) and langouste (Caribbean spiny lobster). And the wind from the shore is simply too irresistible for a sip of rum punch!
5. Incorporate Island Vibes
Make your wedding day in St. Barts unique in character through the local elements you will introduce. Decorate with tropical flowers like hibiscus and bird of paradise. There is also the option of hiring local musicians to play traditional Caribbean music during the reception.
6. Plan Fun Activities
Many couples are turning their wedding in St. Barts into a two or three-day festival. You could arrange for your family and friends to take a catamaran cruise tour, a beach barbeque the next day, or other fun group activities to make the celebration even more exciting for everyone.
7. Hire a Local Wedding Planner
Given the complex nature of organizing a destination wedding, it can be greatly helpful to find a wedding planner from the local area. This professional can easily overcome language barriers, provide you with contacts of reliable service providers, and ensure that your big day flows perfectly as planned.
The Bottom Line
The thought of a wedding in St. Barts might be a little intimidating. However, with the proper preparation, it can be the high point of your life. Each of your choices, from selecting the right beach to tasting the local dishes, can be the best choice that will last you for years to come.
But also, remember that for a destination wedding, you need to plan in advance and remain flexible to any changes that might arise. With the perfect blend of beauty, luxury, and, of course, romance, St. Barts is the best platform for your dream wedding. So, are you ready to say “oui” in paradise?
