Despite St Kitts not being the biggest island in the West Indies it has a lot to offer for both weddings abroad and as a honeymoon destination.
St Kitts for British tourists is one of the lesser known islands in the West Indies, but with over of a quarter of the island being National Park it is an unspoilt treasure. The island is approximately 168km sq, with its west side bordering the Caribbean Sea and the eastern side the Atlantic Ocean.
We were lucky to visit the island at the start of 2013 and here are some of my favourite places where you are able to get married or to enjoy your honeymoon.
And getting married in St.Kitts is very easy. Red tape is kept to a minimum. No residency is required. Couples are only required to obtain a marriage license in St. Kitts and have the following documents:
* A valid passport or photo ID.
* Original or certified copy of Birth Certificate.
* If you have never been married before, an Affidavit confirming single status.
* If divorced, a decree absolute (an original or certified copy showing court's stamp or seal) must be presented.
* If widowed, a copy of the death certificate of the deceased spouse must be presented.
* If documents are not in English they must be accompanied by a notarized translation.
If a Catholic priest is to perform the ceremony, couple must receive marriage counseling sessions from their parish priest and submit the required Catholic documents. A letter must come from the couple's resident priest verifying that they are unmarried and that they have received the necessary instructions. All Catholic weddings take place in the church.
If an Anglican or other minister of religion is to perform the ceremony, it is recommended that a letter be brought from the couple's resident minister verifying that they are known and unmarried.
The license fee for getting married on St. Kitts is $200.00 (XCD).
The Justice of the Peace may also assess a fee.
Your ceremony can be held in the grounds of your hotel, in a church of almost any denomination, amongst historic ruins, in a rustic gazebo in a picturesque garden and, of course, on the beach.
6a.m. - 6p.m. for ceremonies presided over by a religious person.
8a.m. - 6p.m. if performed by a Magistrate.
This 18th century Great House has been recently restored to its former glory and really does allow you to step back in time.
Fairview Great House is not a hotel, so having your wedding here will just be you and your guests. So whether you get married in the house or the gardens, this venue offers something very unique.
With the added benefit of of having Nirvana Restaurant adjacent to the house, your wedding breakfast is all taken care of as well.
This venue is perfect for small intimate weddings and has endless photo opportunities, as well as great food.
Romney Manor is found within 10 acres of ground and has been established since the 17th century. At Romney Manor you can literally get married anywhere and with so many beautiful trees and plants you are spoilt for choice!
Also on the site is Caribelle Batik, famous for making Batik products using the ancient Indonesian methods of resisting dye with wax. So if you are visiting the island on honeymoon this is a great place to visit.
Situated at the foot of majestic Mt. Liamuiga overlooking the Atlantic, the 35 acre Ottley's Plantation Inn is a magnificent and beautifully restored hotel and wedding venue.
With their own wedding planner Ottley’s offers a carefree, romantic and one-of-a-kind wedding day, whether your celebration is for two or a much larger group.
There are just 23 rooms at Ottley’s, so if you are looking for a quiet getaway for your honeymoon this is the perfect place. Accommodation is within the main house as well as cottages located within the grounds, offering beautiful decor and some additional luxuries such a sa plunge pool!
All of your needs are catered for at Ottley’s with a larger pool available for all guests and a restaurant looking out over the Atlantic Ocean.
St. Kitts Marriott Beach Resort is located right on the beach, so if your dream is to get married on the sand this is the perfect place. The Marriott offers smaller intimate weddings, but is ideal if you are attending in a larger group and all wanting to stay in the same location.
With a number of swimming pools, golf course, spa and plenty of entertainment on site you might find it difficult to sit down and relax!
If you are looking for more freedom during your honeymoon and like to cater for yourself or are travelling with children Timothy Beach Resort is perfect. Situated right on the beach at Frigate Bay, Timothy Beach offers hotel rooms, deluxe one and two bedroom condo’s as well as studio accommodation.
With its own pool, restaurant and beach right on the doorstep this is an ideal base to explore St Kitts.
If money is no object for your honeymoon Christophe Harbour is the place for you. This is a new development on the island, and as well as offering real estate opportunities it has its own private beach club, fine dining restaurant and oceanfront bungalows. In the coming years Christophe Harbour will also offer a superyacht marina, marina village and golf course.
For full details and information about exchanging your vows in St Kitts please visit the St Kitts Tourist Board website.