Want to read your vows in a Caribbean paradise? Antigua welcomes you with its 95 miles of amazing and pristine coastline. It’s right next to Barbuda and is known for its pinky-white sandy beaches and a warm sense of hospitality. If love is on your mind, plan an Antigua wedding and experience pure passion in this destination fairytale land.
This beautiful island is famous for its fresh seafood and authentic Caribbean flavors. You’ll find calm and tranquil beaches here that are ideal for a beach wedding. And if you prefer a different location, there are many resorts and boutique hotels here that will arrange it for you.
About Destination Weddings in Antigua
Why Get Married in Antigua
With secluded locations and romantic sceneries, make your Antigua wedding the most memorable one. There are alluring settings for honeymoons and romantic vacations. From delightful beaches to divine sunsets, this island has the right atmosphere for a dreamy wedding.
The paperwork for your Antigua wedding is super simple and easy, making it the perfect location to tie the knot.
There are many lovely resorts here that will handle all the wedding work so you can have a relaxed vacation on idyllic palm-lined beaches. Looking for Instagram-worthy pics to tell the world you had the most wonderful time of your life? Antigua is your place.
Average Cost of a Destination Wedding in Antigua
A basic wedding in Antigua can cost about $1,000 for up to 10 guests.
This cost will include the location, a symbolic ceremony, a bridal bouquet, a groom boutonniere, a single-tier wedding cake, sparkling wine toast, and other features. This cost doesn’t include accommodation.
Accommodation prices vary depending on the resort you select. Many resorts offer all-inclusive deals so you can pay once and forget about money woes. Resorts such as Sandals have many exciting wedding deals. For example, if you stay there for at least three days, you get a free wedding package.
The Most Romantic Antigua Wedding Venues
Sandals Grade Antigua
Popularly voted as the world’s most romantic resort year after year, Sandals Grande Antigua is an adults-only space on Dickenson Bay.
It combines the rustic look of villas with European grandeur to give an ultimate touch to your Antigua wedding. Revel in the experience of a Caribbean village with a seaside oasis garden. Whether you want to read your vows on soft white sands or at an indoor location, this resort offers the most romantic way to celebrate your special day.
The resort has 11 restaurants and 7 bars. You’ll get unlimited food and drinks, thanks to their all-inclusive deals. Each room also comes with a stocked mini-bar. Take a swim at any of their 6 pools and 6 whirlpools. Take a stroll on the beach or go for a game of tennis. There are plenty of activities here.
They have live shows and day and night entertainment options. When you stay here for three days or more, you get a free wedding, which means you don’t have to spend extra.
There are different types of accommodations here but if you’re looking for the most luxurious option, select their Mediterranean or Caribbean suites that come with a private pool and butler service.
Royalton Antigua
The Royalton Antigua is a part of the Marriott Autograph Collection. It’s an all-inclusive resort that has an in-house casino. Come here for a luxurious escape from your worries and get the best Antigua wedding, thanks to the special wedding planning teams of the resort.
The Royalton Antigua offers access to a beautiful private beach where you can relax with your significant other as the hotel team takes care of your wedding celebrations.
It is close to the airport and offers a family-friendly experience where you can invite guests of all ages. If you’re looking for truly personalized services, get the Royalton All-In Luxury and you’ll be pampered like a celebrity.
Continue your exercise regime with the in-house fitness center and then head out to The Royal Spa for a comforting massage.
There are 8 world-class restaurants in the hotel including grills and steakhouses. They also have bars that serve specialty liquors from all over the world.
There are several indoor and outdoor venues in The Royalton Antigua and you can choose the one you like the most – from a beach gazebo to the beach-facing Sky Wedding hall.
Oetker Collection Jumby Bay Island
Oetker resort is on the Jumby Bay private island. It’s an all-inclusive resort that offers the freedom of island life. The days are breezy as you spend time on white sandy beaches or sit by the pool. Stroll through their lush green gardens or walk on the palm-lined pathways.
Pamper yourself in their spa to have a rejuvenating experience. Indulge in the rich and savory menu that includes fresh ingredients and house Moet & Chandon champagne. There are land sports, water sports, and other activities for kids as well as adults.
It covers 300 acres of land from beaches to gardens and offers complete seclusion and intimacy. Ignite your sense of passion and find intimate experiences in this unique destination for your Antigua wedding.
Enjoy your special day with your family and friends and enjoy the raw beauty of nature. Weave the magic with the best cuisine, music, and décor. There are several venues where you might want to tie the knot – seashore, under the starry sky, indoors, or on a yacht. Imagine the most beautiful wedding location and décor, and it can come to life at the Oetker Collection hotel at Jumby Bay.
St. James Club Antigua
This resort offers all-inclusive deals for your Antigua wedding. Whether you want to take a dip in the ocean water or sparkling pool, enjoy relaxing moments here with your loved one. And make sure you sip on their complimentary tropical cocktail when you’re at the resort.
Enjoy the time of your life as you revel in the laid-back Caribbean tranquility. Behold the golden sunsets or walk on the lush grounds here. Head to live music performances and other entertainment options and savor the expertly-prepared delights at five restaurants. And enjoy panoramic views as you taste the local flavors.
Whether you stay at “The Village” or “The Club,” you’ll get to experience true luxury with complete privacy. The ambiance of this resort is casual and fun, helping you relax and rejuvenate for your big day.
Celebrate your bond at St. James Club and enjoy the panoramic views of the terraces. Walk through the scented gardens for the most striking wedding photos and videos. The resort offers experienced wedding planners who will plan and coordinate your wedding.
From idyllic locations to delicious dishes and from entertainment options to handmade cocktails, this resort offers beautiful moments that you will forever remember.
Pineapple Beach Club Antigua
Experience the beauty of crystal clear waters and soft white sands as they blend to create the perfect tropical hideaway for your Antigua wedding.
This all-inclusive adults-only resort isn’t like any other. It provides access to a quarter-mile run of a pristine beach where you can walk or do water activities. You can also go for a swim in any of their three pools. Or just sit on a padded chaise lounge and sip on a delicious cocktail – it’s your wedding, plan it your way.
Relax your body and calm your mind with a healing massage at the Tranquility Spa or just sit on a hammock and enjoy the cool Caribbean breeze.
There are many restaurants, tropical-themed bars, and beachfront grills where you can have a snack and a drink. And you get to enjoy local and international flavors here.
They have many wonderful settings for weddings. From beach settings to garden gazebos, you’ll get many options to make your wedding a memorable one. The resort has a hospitality team and a wedding coordinator to plan and execute the wedding while you have a relaxed vacation with your partner.
Antigua Wedding Legal Requirements
Can you legally marry in Antigua?
Yes, you can legally marry in Antigua. Every year, hundreds of couples come here and tie the knot. Their marriage is recognized back in their home country.
Couples can register their marriage in the courthouse or outside. If you want the ceremony to be outside, you’ll need a marriage officer, and the fees will be $250.
You’ll also need two witnesses for the wedding. In most cases, your resort or hotel can help you out by arranging two people. You’ll also need to apply for a marriage license in Antigua.
Can you elope in Antigua?
Yes, you can. Antigua has several all-inclusive adults-only resorts for couples looking for an elopement. Certain resorts will also offer a free wedding package when you stay there for a minimum number of days.
Many resorts offer an intimate setting so new couples and honeymooners can enjoy the best time of their lives.
And if you want a big celebration, Antigua has options for that as well. There are several resorts that can accommodate over 200 guests. However, many of them are adults-only so you might not be able to invite guests with children.
Required Legal Documents & Fees
Here are the documents you’ll need for an Antigua wedding.
- Passports of the bride and groom
- A declaration that says you’re single
- Divorce or death certificates of previous partners (if applicable)
- Application form signed at the Ministry of Legal Affairs
You’ll need a marriage license. It could be ordinary or special. You’ll need an ordinary license when one of the parties lives in Antigua. However, if both parties are from another country, you’ll need a special license.
The license fee for the special license is $150 and the registration fee is $40. The charges for the marriage officer will be $250.
Antigua Wedding Planning Tips
How to Get There
The best way to visit Antigua is by plane. The main airport here is the V.C. Bird International Airport. While Antigua doesn’t have a national airline system, there are many other airlines that fly directly to and from the US.
You’ll find many flights from American Airlines, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and British Airways.
You can also reach Antigua by boat. While a boat journey takes much longer, it offers new experiences and you get to enjoy the cool ocean breeze. There are many ports here for private as well as larger boats.
You can also take a yacht to Antigua from a nearby island.
Antigua Weather
Antigua enjoys a tropical climate, which stays warm and sunny throughout the year. It stays cool and dry from January to April and warm and humid from June to November.
The North East trade winds blow during the winter months, making the area more pleasant. The average daily temperature is 25oC in winter and 28oC in summer.
The island of Antigua is quite flat so the rainfall isn’t abundant. Barbuda gets more rainfall than Antigua.
January to June are the dry months and July to December are the rainy ones. September, October, and November are the rainiest months here.
Best Time of Year to Get Married in Antigua
It’s sunny and warm from January to April so you can plan your Antigua wedding in the wintertime.
However, these months also see many tourists so it might be overcrowded for some people. If you want to avoid the tourist season, late December can be a good time to come here for a wedding.
If you’re not planning for an outdoor venue for your big day, you can consider the rainy season as well. You might even find cheaper tickets for these months.
August to October are major hurricane months so you might want to avoid them.
Want to learn more about Antigua travel? Here is a complete Antigua honeymoon guide.
