Your Ultimate Guide to Planning a Wedding in Barbados
With stunning scenery, gorgeous weather, and a vibrant culture, Barbados truly lives up to its reputation as an island paradise. Nestled in the eastern Caribbean, this idyllic destination is renowned for its pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush tropical landscapes. Beyond its natural beauty, Barbados boasts a rich history, a lively music and arts scene, and some of the friendliest locals you'll ever meet. It’s no wonder this enchanting island has become one of the most sought-after locations for destination weddings, offering a perfect blend of romance and adventure.
This guide will provide all the essential information you need to plan your dream wedding in Barbados. Whether you envision an intimate ceremony on the beach, a lavish affair in a luxury all inclusive resort, or a celebration steeped in local traditions, our Certified Destination Wedding Specialists are here to ensure your special day is as breathtaking as the island itself.
Why Have a Destination Wedding in Barbados
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Tropical Paradise
Barbados has so much to see when it comes to native flora and fauna. This tropical paradise offers sights of monkeys, finches, iguanas, and turtles. The fauna includes colorful flowers like the iconic Pride of Barbados.
Tropical Paradise -
Idyllic Beaches
When you think of Barbados, beaches are probably the first thing that comes to mind. You'll find everything here from huge cliffs to pink sands, coconut trees, and quiet coves.
Idyllic Beaches -
Crystal Waters
Barbados is one of the world’s most popular scuba diving and snorkeling destinations. It’s all because of the stunning clear water. This offers breathtaking views of coral reefs and marine life.
Crystal Waters -
Year-Round Sunshine
Barbados enjoys beautiful weather all year long. Even its rainy season, which runs from July to December, experiences plenty of sun. During this time, rain comes in short bursts, with plenty of sunshine in between.
Year-Round Sunshine -
Natural Wonders
Barbados is full of stunning natural wonders. You’ll find everything from sea caves to wildlife reserves and 1,000-year-old trees. These offer plenty of picturesque spots to celebrate your wedding.
Natural Wonders -
Cultural Richness
Barbadian culture is worth a visit all on its own. The island has a vibrant culture of music, great food, and celebration. It is worth exploring whether you plan to be there for two days or much longer.
Cultural Richness
Average Cost of Wedding in Barbados
As with any other destination wedding, a celebration in Barbados can vary in price. This depends on many factors from the number of guests to the resort, package upgrades, and more.
If you’re planning a budget wedding, you can find basic packages for a simple but elegant celebration. On average, you can expect to pay roughly $5,612 for a destination wedding package. Accommodations are estimated to be another $3,982 on average. Contact our Certified Destination Wedding Specialists to get a free quote.
Barbados Wedding Venues
You’ll find wedding venues for every taste and style in Barbados. The island is home to many resorts, each with its own unique offerings and atmosphere.
If you’re looking for a fun resort with offerings for guests of all ages, you’re in luck! There are also cozy, island-style venues that are perfect for small, intimate weddings. For a more refined style, some resorts offer high-end catering and elegant venues.
Planning Your Barbados Wedding
So what time of year is ideal for a wedding in Barbados?
As we mentioned already, Barbados does have a rainy season. The most popular time for a destination wedding on the island is from December to April. During this time, you’re almost guaranteed to have gorgeous weather.
That being said, you can get married in Barbados at any time of the year. Just be prepared for intermittent rain and make a backup plan just in case.
There’s no one way to celebrate a wedding in Barbados. You can go as simple or as splashy as you want. It’s easy to customize your big day since many resorts are all-inclusive. Many packages include all of your basic wedding needs and you’ll also be able to select services for your wedding package one by one. But don’t worry, you won’t planning alone! Our Certified Destination Wedding Specialists can help you every step of the way and most resort packages also offer an onsite coordinator to help you tie the whole day together.
A simple wedding package might include an officiant, flowers, decor, and a cake. Add-ons may include a DJ, a photographer, or personal touches. Many couples love the chance to make their wedding something totally unique to them!
Overwhelmed by the options or not sure what you want? Our Certified Destination Wedding Specialists can help streamline the process. Contact us to get started!
Since Barbados is a destination abroad, you’ll need to plan ahead to make sure everything is legal for your big day. If you’re from the United States or Canada, the process is pretty simple. Here is a list of what you’ll need:
- Valid passports
- Birth certificates for both parties
- A marriage license from the Ministry of Home Affairs. This costs about $200 USD and can be obtained in Bridgetown.
- (for divorcees) Final divorce decree
Just because you’re getting married in Barbados doesn’t mean you have to be legally married there. For many couples, a destination ceremony is symbolic rather than legal. If you’re not sure what the best option is for you, our certified destination wedding specialists can help you make an informed decision.
Start Planning Your Dream Tropical Island Wedding Today!
If you’re dreaming of a destination wedding, Barbados could be perfect. The island offers gorgeous weather, beautiful scenery, and customizable packages. Our Certified Destination Wedding Specialists can help you start planning your Barbados destination wedding. Fill out our wedding planning form to get started today!