Thinking of a tropical beach wedding? The tiny country of Belize packs a big punch and may just be the wedding destination you’ve been longing for.
Located to the south of Cancun, Mexico on the Caribbean Sea, Belize combines Central America with the Caribbean, offering the best of both worlds.
Wedding at Coco Beach Resort Belize, photography courtesy of Leonardo Melendez
The more I learn about this tiny country on the edge of the Caribbean Sea, the more I can’t wait to visit. After gaining independence from the UK in 1981, Belize has managed to retain its colonial charm while still feeling like a “hidden gem”.
So if your dream is to marry with white sand between your toes in a Caribbean style location, then a destination wedding in Belize is a fabulous alternative to the more popular locations in this part of the world. Not yet crawling with tourists, its diversity is a great draw….a topical paradise but with enough to keep the adrenaline junkies and culture vultures happy!
To give us the inside scoop, we’ve asked Belize Weddings specialists Sandy Point Resorts, to let us in on its secrets.
Belize Destination Weddings – Quick Facts
- Best time of year to marry is January to May
- Tropical climate av. 29 C (84 F)
- Easy travel from major hubs in both the US and the UK
- English is the official language
- Unique wedding settings – beach, Mayan ruins, waterfall
- Ideal honeymoon destination
- Longest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere
Getting to Belize
With flights from most major US hubs a mere two hours long, it is an easy travel distance with the bonus of no jet lag! The addition of Southwest airlines in 2015 brought positive changes to the flight schedules and there are now additional flights available at a more competitive cost.
For couples living in the UK, Belize destination weddings are an extremely affordable long-haul option. With flights via the US costing from as little as £470 return* combined with very reasonable wedding packages, you may find that Belize Destination Weddings cost less than you think and you will have the added benefit of the honeymoon of a lifetime.
Easy Planning
You’ll find that with English being the official language of Belize, you can keep your destination wedding planning simple and eliminate the need of having legal documents translated.
The people of Belize on a whole are some of the friendliest and most helpful. Though comparable in size to the state of Massachusetts, Belize enjoys a rich blend of cultures and languages.
Due to this diversity of culture, there are many different cuisines on offer along with plenty of fresh and local fruit. You can wow your guests with a simple yet exotic wedding feast that combines familiar foods with new tropical pairings.
What to Do
Belize destination weddings provide unlimited adventure possibilities for both you and your guests, ranging from scuba diving or snorkeling the Belize Barrier Reef, Mayan temples, cave tubing and sailing.
With the longest barrier reef in this hemisphere, Belize is a beacon for water sports. You’ll find some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world here.
A day trip to the mainland is a must, where you can explore the world of the ancient Maya, float your way through a cave and see the native fauna up close at the Belize Zoo.
You’ll be able to hand-pick a stunning excursion package for your guests and even save an adventure or two for your honeymoon. One thing is for sure, you will definitely not run out of fun and exciting adventures to try.
Where to Marry
Ambergris Caye, the largest of the country’s islands, is the ideal location for Belize destination weddings. After arriving at the Belize international airport, it is a gorgeous 15-minute local flight to the island’s only town, San Pedro.
The island has the comforts of home (think AC, hot showers, fine dining and WiFi) while still retaining its charm and sleepy-fishing-town heritage.
With a sunny tropical climate, friendly people and breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea just about everywhere you look, Belize is sure to find a spot in your heart.
An added bonus to choosing Ambergris Caye is that with the abundance and variety of resorts, you can marry in one stunning location and honeymoon just down the beach at a more romantic and private spot.
Legal Requirements
Marriages in Belize are legal all over the world and you will find that getting married here is easy with the help of an excellent wedding planner! They will lead you through the entire planning process, making it pain-free while providing all of the support you need on your big day.
Couples are required to be in-country three business days prior to the wedding to receive a marriage license. This can be expedited if required, for an added fee.
Your wedding planner will handle all of the paper work to make it a hassle-free experience for you. Belize does not require a blood test, and for those over 18 years of age no parental consent is needed.
You will need to have two witnesses for the ceremony and the marriage must be registered at the Belize Registry Department afterwards. Your planner will take care of submitting all paperwork.
Belize Destination Weddings – Required Documentation
If neither party has been previously married:
- Fully completed Marriage license application form notarised by Justice of the Peace (wedding planner will take care of this)
- Photocopy of your passport showing your profile picture in colour and date of arrival in Belize (wedding planner will meet with you to get this)
If either party has been previously married:
- Fully completed Marriage license application form notarised by Justice of the Peace (wedding planner will take care of this)
- Photocopy of your passport showing your profile picture in colour and date of arrival in Belize (wedding planner will meet with you to get this)
- Original Divorce Decree
If either party is a widow or widower:
- Fully completed Marriage license application form notarised by Justice of the Peace (wedding planner will take care of this)
- Photocopy of your passport showing your profile picture in colour and date of arrival in Belize (wedding planner will meet with you to get this)
- Original Death Certificate
The Details
When meeting with your wedding planner to decide the details of your big day, try to gather as many specifics of what you are looking for as you can.
Be thinking about the number of guests, type of reception, ceremony location, length of stay and even your honeymoon location.
Be sure to bring all of your wedding day attire with you, as there are very few traditional bridal shops in the country. Likewise, any mementos or special touches not provided by your wedding venue should be brought with.
Find Out More
I hope the above information has been a helpful starting point. To learn more about Belize Destination Weddings and Honeymoons, or to make an enquiry head over to Belize Weddings by Sandy Point Resorts Profile or use the form below as a quick and easy way to contact Sandy Point Resorts.
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Belize Destination Weddings
If you would like to get married in Belize or ask a question about having your honeymoon here, please use the form below to contact Belize Weddings by Sandy Point Resorts, who will be more than happy to answer your questions.
Belize Weddings by Sandy Point Resorts
Destination Weddings in Belize – First Steps
*Airfare average cost as at November 2016
