Are you considering a destination wedding in Aruba? If Aruba is your dream location, this comprehensive guide will tell you everything you need to know to make your wedding planning process as easy as possible. From choosing the best time of year to get married in Aruba to arranging accommodation and transportation for your guests, we have you covered. So, read on for all the information you need to plan the perfect destination wedding in Aruba!
While many couples fantasize about having their wedding in the Caribbean, there are questions concerning the sometimes-unpredictable hurricane season. If this is the case, an Aruba destination wedding may be the best option for you. This island, located outside the Caribbean’s hurricane zone, has picture-perfect weather throughout the year. It’s not simply the weather that makes couples excited on their wedding days.
So, how to plan a destination wedding in Aruba?
Choose a date - Aruba is a popular destination wedding spot, so be sure to book well in advance
Decide on the venue - there are many beautiful locations to choose from on the island:
Beachfront – If you want to plan a destination wedding in Aruba, then you need to know that it has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, so it’s no surprise that many couples opt for a beachfront wedding. Popular locations include Eagle Beach, Palm Beach and Baby Beach.
Eagle Beach
Even though Aruba is just 19 miles long and 6 miles broad, your selections for a wedding location won’t necessarily be constrained. In Aruba, Eagle Beach is a preferred location for destination weddings. In addition to being one of the top three beaches in the world, Aruba is also known for its iconic and frequently photographed Fofoti trees. Couples may stay in these low-rise boutique hotels that are really fashionable and are only feet from the beautiful white sand.
Palm Beach
Lidbom also suggests Palm Beach as a potential beach wedding alternative. Palm Beach offers a location that will be enjoyable for your visitors because it is one of the best family-friendly beaches in the world. You can easily visit the town and other locations within its seven miles of high-rise resorts, making it convenient to access other locations and activities.
Baby Beach
Baby Beach, located in the southern section of Aruba near San Nicolas, is a beautiful Caribbean beach paradise. This beautiful half-moon sandy stretch in a tranquil lagoon is great for families with little kids.
Because of the shallow seas, it is a popular beach spot for swimmers who want to wade out for a long distance while still touching the sea floor. Baby Beach, where the bay spills out to the ocean, is also ideal for snorkelling; for your safety, please keep inside the indicated snorkel area.
Send out invitations - let your guests know what they need to do to get ready for the big day:
Be sure to send out your invitations early, especially if you’re getting married during a popular time of year. Include all the important information, such as the date and location of the wedding, as well as any special instructions (such as what to pack for the weather). You may also want to include information about accommodation and transportation options for your guests.
Plan the ceremony and reception - decide on what you want your wedding day to look like:
There are many beautiful locations in Aruba that would make the perfect setting for your ceremony and reception. Whether you want to get married on the beach, in a lush garden, or in front of a stunning view, there are plenty of options to choose from. Once you’ve chosen your location, start planning the details of your ceremony and reception, such as the music, décor, and menu.
Book transportation and accommodations for your guests - make it easy for them to get around and find a place to stay:
If you’re having a destination wedding, it’s important to make sure your guests can easily get to and from the wedding location. There are many transportation options available in Aruba, including buses, taxis, and rental cars. You might also want to make sure your guests have a place to stay, either at a hotel or a vacation rental.
Legal requirements for destination weddings in Aruba:
In comparison to other international locations, the legal procedures for a wedding in Aruba are rather simple and clear. If you decide to get married with the assistance of a resort planner, they can also answer any queries you and your future husband may have. In addition to the below information, the Aruba Tourism Authority provides a wealth of extra assistance.
Legal weddings vs. Symbolic weddings
When you plan a destination wedding in Aruba, you can decide to get married symbolically or legally. A symbolic wedding is simply when a couple gets married legally in their home state and then has a ceremony with close relatives and friends in the location of their choice. But you can also get married legally in Aruba, with different conditions depending on the kind of ceremony you have. These distinctions mostly only matter if you’re thinking of having a religious wedding ceremony rather than a civil ceremony.
What documents are required to get married in Aruba?
According to the Aruba Tourism Authority, if you’re holding a legal wedding in Aruba, all couples are required to provide the following documentation:
- Copies of both parties’ long-form birth certificates bearing raised seals, state certification, and/or an apostille
- Picture pages from both people’s passports or current, state-issued IDs with pictures (both individuals must be over 18 years of age).
- A witness’s passport photo page (18 years of age or older) or a legitimate, state-issued picture ID (you must have two witnesses at the wedding).
- A negative statement of marriage, also known as a certificate of no obstacle for both parties or a single status report; apostilles are necessary for a negative declaration of marriage.
- A copy of the first and last pages of the divorce decree should be provided if either party has been divorced (s).
- A copy of the death certificate should be provided if either party is a widow.
- Forms for the Aruba Declaration of Single Status and the Aruba Declaration of Marriage Intent (both of which you can obtain via a wedding planner).
Wedding ceremony timeline in Aruba:
There is no residence requirement or waiting period once you have gathered all of your legal paperwork in Aruba. All paperwork must be submitted in advance to the Aruban government for evaluation by fax or email; upon approval, they must be mailed to the same government office at least one month prior to your wedding day.
You should also account for the time needed to gather all of the relevant documentation. Your birth certificates may need to be apostille for a few working days. If you choose a religious service, you should also be aware that certain religions have waiting periods before weddings. For instance, the Catholic Church in Aruba demands that any additional paperwork be given to the local priest at least four months before the wedding.
What is legal marriage cost in Aruba?
Depending on the day of the service, a legal wedding at the Historical City Hall costs between $100 and $150. There can be an extra charge for a religious ceremony.
Designed Dream offers Aruba destination wedding deals
We understand that your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, which is why we take great care in designing an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.
With over 10 years of experience in the industry, we have the knowledge and expertise to make your dream wedding a reality. From finding the perfect venue to selecting the perfect suppliers, we will take care of everything so that you can relax and enjoy your big day.
If you are interested in our destination wedding packages, then please get in touch with us today. We would be more than happy to discuss your specific needs and requirements to create a tailor-made package just for you.