Destination weddings are all the rage at the moment- and nowhere else on earth is as perfect for the wedding of your dreams as the Turks and Caicos. Today the Big Blue Collective takes a peek at all the info you need to know to plan your ultimate dream wedding in the TCI, hassle-free.
Where can I get married in the TCI?
The TCI makes for the perfect destination wedding- and when it comes to venue, the sky (and sea) is the limit! Celebrate the day in a luxury resort ballroom. Let the soft waves lapping the beach be the perfect frame for your vows. Keep the ceremony super-private and get married in a boat on the water. It’s up to you! You can even choose to tie the knot in some of the exquisite churches that flourish on the island, although some may require proof that you are part of the congregation. All we can say is it’s sure to be a day you’ll remember forever!
You can opt to get married at the same resort or villa you book as your accommodation, or choose to have the reception there and take the ceremony into the wild. Remember, this day is all about you! Our handy list of local resources will help you find the perfect spot.
What are the legal aspects of getting married in the TCI?
Of course, marriage in the Turks and Caicos has a few legal issues you need to consider, too. Here’s what you need to know to ensure your special day is a success.
The timing:
Each party to the marriage will need to have been in the country long enough to establish a temporary residence there. Fortunately, that’s not too arduous: you will need to have been present in the islands for at least three business days. Remember, that doesn’t include weekends!
The documents:
While islanders will need to also grab a copy of their legal status here, that doesn’t apply for outside folk wanting to get married on a TCI beach. You will, however, need notarised copies of both your passports and your birth certificates no matter where you live permanently. You’ll also need to be able to provide either an original or a notarized copy, sealed by the Clerk of the Court, of the following:
- Proof from a registry in your country that you are single. A TCI notarized affidavit will also be required.
- If one of you are divorced, you will need your Divorce Decree.
- If one of the parties is a widow or widower, you will need your deceased spouse’s death certificate, and a copy of your marriage certificate together.
- In the TCI, you can be married after age 16. However, those under 21 years of age will need certified consent from a parent.
- A copy of your TCI Immigration Arrival and Departure Form, which you received on arrival in the Turks and Caicos, is also required.
- Your Application for a Marriage License Form and Declarant Application Form, both handwritten by the couple entering into marriage, and signed together with the Marriage Officiant.
Should any of you or your spouse-to-be’s documents be in a language other than English, you will need to have them translated in advance and notarized by the relevant consulate. In many countries, after you return home from the beach, you will need to register the marriage with your relevant local authorities. TCI wedding certificates are formally recognised in Canada, the U.S, and the U.K.
While that may seem like a lot of documents, it’s pretty standard for marriages anywhere in the world. We advise you to meet up with your chosen Marriage Official 2 days before you tie the knot in order to double-check your legal documents.
Creating the wedding of your dreams in the Turks and Caicos
Now the formal aspects are out of the way, it’s time to get to the fun. Whether you opt to elope and celebrate a super-special day in seclusion, or whether family and friends are joining you, there’s tons to do and celebrate.
Drink in a Caribbean Paradise
It’s no secret that the exquisite Caribbean scenery is one of the key reasons to choose a destination wedding in the Turks and Caicos. Warm, welcoming seas and powder-soft beaches are calling you, so be sure to schedule plenty of time to enjoy them. Grace Beach has, after all, been voted one of the world’s best beaches! In fact, it’s almost mandatory that you snap a few blissful wedding photos at the beach just to make your friends back home jealous!
Head out on an adventure
Whether you sneak off together to enjoy some honeymoon time or opt to make it an adventure for all your guests, there’s a ton of thrills (and probably a few gentle spills) just waiting for you. Why not try your hand at any of these two of our favourite wind- and water sports?
Soak up the romance
The Bermudian architecture of the TCI is the sort of thing dreams are made off- and gorgeous wedding photos, too! From ruined plantations to the glittering lighthouse, there’s far too many beauty spots to list- but you should be sure to swing past them all, and bring your wedding photographer along for the ride.
Explore a marine Eden
No wedding in the TCI would be complete without a little time spent snorkelling and diving! Gorgeous coral reefs and exotic marine animals are calling you to come and play. From beginner-friendly offshore snorkelling to cave-diving and wrecks, dive spots abound. It’s the perfect background for a truly innovative ‘trash the dress’ shoot! And when you’re done, why not book a private cruise through island waters, and sail off into the sunset together?
Let the Big Blue Collective be part of your special day, and allow us to help you craft the perfect destination wedding in the Turks and Caicos. No matter what your dreams, or your special flavour of romance, we’ve got the contacts and experience you need to help make your special day just perfect.