In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about planning or attending a destination wedding in Antigua.
Weddings in Antigua: What You Need To Know
A destination wedding in Antigua is the perfect way to say “I do” to the love of your life.
With its stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and lush vegetation, Antigua is truly a paradise.
And what could be more romantic than getting married on a white sand beach with the waves crashing behind you?
Whether you’re looking for a small and intimate ceremony or a large and lavish affair, Antigua has everything you need to make your dream wedding a reality.
There are a variety of hotels and resorts that offer wedding packages, so you can find one that fits your budget and needs.
And with so many things to do on the island, you and your guests will never be bored.
From exploring the rainforest to snorkeling in the reefs, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
So if you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable way to get married, consider having a destination wedding in Antigua!
But first: you need to know where in the world Antigua is…
Where is Antigua?
Antigua is a main island of the country of Antigua and Barbuda located in the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean Sea. The country consists of three islands: Antigua, Barbuda, and Redonda.
Area: 171 sq mi (442 sq km), Population: (2022 est.) 101,000, Capital: St. John’s (on Antigua).
Antigua Facts To Know:
- Language: English
- Currency: Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD)
- Airports: V. C. Bird International Airport (ANU)
- Official Tourism Website: https://visitantiguabarbuda.com/
- Driving side: Left
Below you will find some more useful information about visiting Antigua for your special day:
4 Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding in Antigua
Planning a wedding can be stressful. Planning a destination wedding can be even more stressful!
But it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips and things you need to know for planning a destination wedding in Antigua:
1. Choose a date that works for both you and your guests
Choosing a wedding date can be a daunting task, whether you are planning on getting married in Antigua or closer to home.
You want to make sure that you pick a date that works for both you and your guests.
Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect wedding date:
- How To Pick A Date For A Wedding?
- When To Send Out Save The Date For Wedding?
- How To Write Date On Wedding Invitation?
2. Decide on a budget
When it comes to having a Antigua wedding, there are a lot of different factors that come into play – from the guest list to the venue.
But one of the most important decisions you’ll make is how much you’re willing to spend.
Here are some tips on how to decide on a budget for your wedding:
- How To Plan A Wedding On A Budget?
- What Is A Good Wedding Budget?
- How To Decorate A Wedding Reception Hall On A Budget?
3. Find a venue that fits your vision and budget
No one ever said wedding planning was easy. In fact, it can often feel downright daunting.
Here’s some useful resources for finding a wedding venue in Antigua:
4. Hire a wedding planner to take care of the details
A wedding planner can take care of everything for you, from booking vendors to creating a timeline for the day.
Here are some tips on how to find and hire the right planner for your big day in Antigua
Antigua Weddings: Key Information
Getting married abroad is a big decision. There’s a lot of things you need to be aware of if you want your big day to run smoothly.
To help, we have put together some useful information about getting married in Antigua:
- What is the average cost of a wedding in Antigua?
- What are the marriage requirements for Antigua?
- What is the weather like in Antigua?
- What should you pack for a trip to Antigua?
- What things are there to do in Antigua?
- What are the best Antigua wedding venues?
Read on to find out more:
How Much Does a Wedding in Antigua Cost?
The marriage license and registration fee is $37 if you choose to marry at the courthouse.
If the wedding ceremony is to take place at a location other than the Courthouse, then the fee is $250.
Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Antigua
When applying for a marriage license, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Valid passport.
- A Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) is required.
- Birth certificate issued not longer than 6 months before the date of applying for your wedding.
- If you have already been married, provide the relevant documentation to demonstrate that you are either divorced or widowed.
- Name change document – generally all names on all documents need to match (including your parents’ names), otherwise proof of name change needs to be shown.
- Certificate of Celibacy
Other legal requirements are:
- To apply for a marriage license, one must be at least 18 years old.
- 2 witnesses are required by law.
- There is no restriction for foreign people marrying in Antigua, provided that they are in the country legally and get the proper marriage license.
- To get the ordinary license you have to be a resident of Antigua and Barbuda for 15 days, but you don’t need to be a resident to get a special license.
- All international paperwork has to be translated into English by an official translator. It is mandatory that they be authenticated with an Apostille stamp from your home country first.
Before making any wedding or travel preparations, make sure you have all the paperwork needed for your marriage to be recognized in your home country by checking with the local county clerk or marriage official where you intend to marry.
What you need to have in your possession before leaving the country is a legal document that can confirm that your marriage is legitimate and has been registered – the marriage certificate.
What Is The Weather Like in Antigua?
The ideal time to visit Antigua and Barbuda is between December and April since it is the least humid and hot time of year; in particular, February and March stand out as the driest months.
In May, both heat and moisture rise, but rainfall remains scarce and those months are still outside of hurricane season. When compared to June and July, the summer months of August and September get a little bit more rain, and hurricanes are also more probable.
What should you pack for your trip?
From December to April, you should pack light clothes and maybe a sweater for the evening, and a sun hat and sunscreen.
From May to November, pack lightweight clothes, as well as a light sweater and a light raincoat in case of thunderstorms, as well as a sun hat and sunscreen.
Bring your snorkeling gear, especially water shoes or shoes with rubber soles, with you when you go to the reef.
Antigua Weather By Month
Below you will find some useful information and handy tables of weather information to help you pick the best month to visit Antigua:
Average Temperatures in Antigua
The table below shows the average temperatures in Antigua each month:
| Month | Min (°C) | Max (°C) | Mean (°C) | Min (°F) | Max (°F) | Mean (°F) |
| January | 22.4 | 28.4 | 25.4 | 72 | 83 | 77.7 |
| February | 22.2 | 28.5 | 25.3 | 72 | 83 | 77.6 |
| March | 22.6 | 28.9 | 25.7 | 73 | 84 | 78.3 |
| April | 23.2 | 29.5 | 26.4 | 74 | 85 | 79.5 |
| May | 24.2 | 30.2 | 27.2 | 76 | 86 | 80.9 |
| June | 25.1 | 30.7 | 27.9 | 77 | 87 | 82.3 |
| July | 25.2 | 31 | 28 | 77 | 88 | 82.5 |
| August | 25.3 | 31.3 | 28.3 | 77 | 88 | 82.9 |
| September | 24.8 | 31.3 | 28.1 | 77 | 88 | 82.5 |
| October | 24.4 | 30.9 | 27.7 | 76 | 88 | 81.8 |
| November | 23.9 | 30 | 26.9 | 75 | 86 | 80.5 |
| December | 23 | 29 | 26 | 73 | 84 | 78.8 |
| Year | 23.9 | 30 | 26.85 | 75 | 85.9 | 80.5 |
Average Rainfall in Antigua
The table below shows the average rainfall in Antigua each month:
| Month | Millimeters | Inches | Days |
| January | 55 | 2.2 | 11 |
| February | 45 | 1.8 | 9 |
| March | 45 | 1.8 | 7 |
| April | 70 | 2.8 | 7 |
| May | 90 | 3.5 | 9 |
| June | 60 | 2.4 | 8 |
| July | 85 | 3.3 | 12 |
| August | 100 | 3.9 | 13 |
| September | 130 | 5.1 | 12 |
| October | 140 | 5.5 | 13 |
| November | 135 | 5.3 | 12 |
| December | 85 | 3.3 | 12 |
| Year | 1050 | 41.3 | 125 |
Sunshine Hours in Antigua
The table below shows the average sunshine hours in Antigua each month:
| Month | Average | Total |
| January | 8 | 250 |
| February | 8 | 225 |
| March | 8.5 | 260 |
| April | 8.5 | 255 |
| May | 8 | 250 |
| June | 8.5 | 250 |
| July | 8.5 | 270 |
| August | 8.5 | 265 |
| September | 8 | 235 |
| October | 7.5 | 235 |
| November | 7.5 | 230 |
| December | 7.5 | 230 |
| Year | 8.1 | 2955 |
Sea Temperatures in Antigua
The table below shows the average sea temperatures in Antigua each month:
| Month | Celsius (°C) | Fahrenheit (°F) |
| January | 26 | 80 |
| February | 26 | 79 |
| March | 26 | 79 |
| April | 27 | 80 |
| May | 28 | 82 |
| June | 28 | 82 |
| July | 28 | 83 |
| August | 28 | 83 |
| September | 29 | 84 |
| October | 29 | 84 |
| November | 28 | 83 |
| December | 27 | 81 |
| Year | 27.6 | 81.6 |
What To Wear in Antigua? (Packing Tips)
It can be difficult to know what to pack for your vacation. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when preparing for your trip.
We’ve put together some tips on what to wear in Antigua so that you can make the most of your time there.
- Pack light, airy clothing made from natural fibers like cotton, as the climate is warm and humid.
- Comfortable walking shoes for any exploring, hiking or sightseeing you might be doing.
- A hat or sunglasses: The sun is strong in Antigua. Be sure to pack a hat or sunglasses to protect your eyes.
- Sunscreen: Don’t forget sunscreen!
- Beachwear: Antigua is all about beach life. Pack your swimsuit, beach towel, and any other beach gear you need.
- Insect repellent: Pack insect repellent, as mosquitoes can be a problem in some areas.
- Camera: Be sure to bring along a camera to capture all the memories.
- Passport: Other essential items to pack include a valid passport and any necessary visas.
- Travel insurance: Make sure you have travel insurance that will cover you in case of any medical emergencies or lost baggage.
- Chargers: Also, be sure to bring along any chargers and travel power adapters you’ll need for your electronic devices.
- First-aid kit: It is also a good idea to pack a first-aid kit, in case of any minor injuries, and also any essential medications.
Things to Do in Antigua
There are many different things to do in Antigua, no matter what time of year you visit.
Here is a list of some of the top activities to enjoy during your stay:
- Shirley Heights
- Betty’s Hope
- Valley Church Beach
- Nelson’s Dockyard
- Darkwood Beach
- Dickenson Bay
- Ffryes Beach
- Stingray City
- St. John’s
- Half Moon Bay
- Pillars of Hercules
- Galleon Beach
Best Antigua Wedding Venues & Hotels
With so many stunning locations to choose from, how do you know which is the best wedding venue in Antigua?
Here are our picks for the top spots to tie the knot, as well as hotels to stay in:
Wedding Venues in Antigua
- St. Kitts Marriott Resort and The Royal Beach Casino
- Cocobay Resort
- Rex Halcyon Cove
- The Inn at English Harbour
- Blue Waters
- Curtain Bluff
- St. James’s Club & Villas
- Pineapple Beach Club Antigua
- Royalton Antigua
Hotels in Antigua
- Gunpowder House & Suites
- South Point Antigua
- The Inn at English Harbour
- Bellevue Suites
- Lamblion Holiday Apartment
- Buccaneer Beach Club
- Villa Touloulou
- Hammock Cove Antigua
- Keyonna Beach Resort Antigua
