In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about planning or attending a destination wedding in Belize.
Weddings in Belize: What You Need To Know
Belize is a country full of natural beauty, from its white sand beaches, crystal clear blue waters, and lush jungle vegetation, and it’s no wonder that more and more couples are choosing to tie the knot in this stunning Central American nation.
While Belize does have some large resorts, it also offers many smaller, more intimate venues that can make your wedding day even more special.
And because Belize is such a diverse country, with Maya ruins, rain forests, and coral reefs all within easy reach, there are plenty of activities to keep your guests entertained during their stay.
Whether you’re looking for an intimate ceremony or a lavish affair, Belize has something to offer every bride and groom.
So if you’re dreaming of a destination wedding, be sure to add Belize to your list of potential locations. You and your guests will be glad you did.
But first: you need to know where in the world Belize is…
Where is Belize?
Belize is located on the northeast coast of Central America. It borders Mexico to the north, and Guatemala to the west and south. It is bounded by the Caribbean Sea to the east.
Area: 8,867 sq mi (22,965 sq km). Population: (2022 est.) 441,500. Capital: Belmopan.
Belize Facts To Know:
- Language: English
- Currency:Belize Dollar (BZ), however U.S. dollar is also accepted
- Airports: Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE),
- Official Tourism Website:https://www.travelbelize.org/
- Driving side: Right
Below you will find some more useful information about visiting Belize for your special day:
4 Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding in Belize
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 Belize:
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 Belize 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 Belize 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 Belize:
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 Belize
Belize 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 Belize:
- What is the average cost of a wedding in Belize?
- What are the marriage requirements for Belize?
- What is the weather like in Belize?
- What should you pack for a trip to Belize?
- What things are there to do in Belize?
- What are the best Belize wedding venues?
Read on to find out more:
How Much Does a Wedding in Belize Cost?
If both applicants are non-Belizean residents then the application fee for getting married is $200.
Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Belize
When applying for a marriage license, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Valid passports with date of entry stamp, and a certified copy of the passport.
- Original birth certificate with a raised seal, or signed by a notary public, that includes father’s name.
- 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.
Other legal requirements are:
- To apply for a marriage license, one must be at least 18 years old.
- 2 witnesses are required, and they have to be male and female.
- A couple must be in the country for a minimum of 3 days before they can apply for a marriage license. Then the application is submitted to the Register General after the 3 day resident period.
- All foreign documents must be notarized by a notary public, and all copies must be signed and stamped by a Justice of the Peace stating that it is a true copy of the original document.
- All documents that are not in English need to be translated into English by a certified translator.
- 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.
Marriage licenses can be obtained through either the Registrar General’s Office in Belize City (Tel: 501-227-7377) or the Attorney General’s Ministry in Belmopan (Tel: 501-822-2504).
The marriage must be registered with the Belize Registry Department after the marriage ceremony has been completed.
What Is The Weather Like in Belize?
Between the months of February and April is the greatest time to go to Belize for a beach vacation, as well as for visiting atolls and coral reefs. In fact, this is the season when the rains are less frequent, and the weather is not as humid as it will be in the months that follow.
You may also go in January, despite the fact that it has a higher chance of precipitation, and it falls in the cooler period.
In March and particularly in April, the heat in the interior may be harsh; but, on the other hand, that is the middle of the dry season, and if you want to check the Mayan ruins, this is the best time to do it.
In addition to the rainy season, which runs from May to October, you also need to take into account the sticky and uncomfortable heat that occurs during that time. From June through November, it is important to keep in mind the possibility of hurricanes, which are most likely in the months of September and October.
What should you pack for your trip?
During the months of December through March, you should pack light clothing, but also a sweatshirt or sweater to wear in the evening and on windy days.
Between the months of April and November, you should pack clothing that is adequate for the tropics but has a loose fit, such as light shirts and pants, shoes that are comfortable and allow air to circulate, a sun hat, and sunglasses, and also a light sweater and a light raincoat in case there are thunderstorms.
You may take snorkeling gear with you when you visit the reef, including water shoes or shoes with rubber soles.
Belize 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 Belize:
Average Temperatures in Belize
The table below shows the average temperatures in Belize each month:
Month | Min (°C) | Max (°C) | Mean (°C) | Min (°F) | Max (°F) | Mean (°F) |
January | 20.5 | 28.2 | 24.4 | 69 | 83 | 75.9 |
February | 21.6 | 29.1 | 25.4 | 71 | 84 | 77.6 |
March | 22.4 | 30 | 26.2 | 72 | 86 | 79.2 |
April | 24.1 | 31.3 | 27.7 | 75 | 88 | 81.9 |
May | 25.2 | 32 | 28.6 | 77 | 90 | 83.5 |
June | 25.7 | 31.7 | 28.7 | 78 | 89 | 83.7 |
July | 25.4 | 31.6 | 28.5 | 78 | 89 | 83.4 |
August | 25.4 | 32 | 28.7 | 78 | 90 | 83.6 |
September | 24.9 | 32 | 28.5 | 77 | 90 | 83.3 |
October | 23.9 | 31 | 27.4 | 75 | 88 | 81.4 |
November | 22 | 29.6 | 25.8 | 72 | 85 | 78.4 |
December | 21.1 | 28.7 | 24.9 | 70 | 84 | 76.8 |
Year | 23.5 | 30.6 | 27 | 74.4 | 87.1 | 80.5 |
Average Rainfall in Belize
The table below shows the average rainfall in Belize each month:
Month | Millimeters | Inches | Days |
January | 140 | 5.5 | 10 |
February | 65 | 2.6 | 6 |
March | 40 | 1.6 | 4 |
April | 60 | 2.4 | 4 |
May | 130 | 5.1 | 7 |
June | 235 | 9.3 | 12 |
July | 180 | 7.1 | 14 |
August | 195 | 7.7 | 14 |
September | 230 | 9.1 | 16 |
October | 305 | 12 | 16 |
November | 235 | 9.3 | 13 |
December | 150 | 5.9 | 12 |
Year | 1970 | 77.6 | 128 |
Sunshine Hours in Belize
The table below shows the average sunshine hours in Belize each month:
Month | Average | Total |
January | 6.5 | 200 |
February | 7 | 205 |
March | 7.5 | 240 |
April | 8.5 | 255 |
May | 8.5 | 255 |
June | 6.5 | 195 |
July | 7.5 | 225 |
August | 7.5 | 235 |
September | 6 | 180 |
October | 6.5 | 195 |
November | 6 | 180 |
December | 6 | 190 |
Year | 7 | 2560 |
Sea Temperatures in Belize
The table below shows the average sea temperatures in Belize each month:
Month | Celsius (°C) | Fahrenheit (°F) |
January | 27 | 81 |
February | 27 | 81 |
March | 27 | 81 |
April | 28 | 83 |
May | 29 | 84 |
June | 29 | 85 |
July | 29 | 85 |
August | 29 | 85 |
September | 30 | 85 |
October | 30 | 85 |
November | 29 | 84 |
December | 28 | 82 |
Year | 28.5 | 83.4 |
What To Wear in Belize? (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 Belize so that you can make the most of your time there.
- Pack light and airy clothing made from natural fibers like cotton, as the climate is warm and humid.
- Hat or sunglasses: The sun is strong in Belize. Be sure to pack a hat or sunglasses to protect your eyes.
- Sunscreen: Don’t forget sunscreen!
- Beachwear: Belize 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.
- A camera: Don’t forget to pack your camera, as Belize is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in Central America.
- Comfortable shoes: Make sure to pack comfortable walking shoes, as there is a lot of exploring to be done.
- Cash: Be sure to bring along some cash, as many businesses in Belize only accept cash payments.
- 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 Belize
There are many different things to do in Belize, no matter what time of year you visit.
Here is a list of some of the top activities to enjoy during your stay:
- Actun Tunichil Muknal
- Hol Chan Marine Reserve
- Green Iguana Conservation Project
- Cahal Pech
- Laughing Bird Caye National Park
- Shark Ray Alley
- The Maya Ruins of Caracol
- Altun Ha
- Great Blue Hole
- Caye Caulker
- Secret Beach
- Mayflower Bocawina National Park
Best Belize Wedding Venues & Hotels
With so many stunning locations to choose from, how do you know which is the best wedding venue in Belize?
Here are our picks for the top spots to tie the knot, as well as hotels to stay in:
Wedding Venues in Belize
- Las Terrazas Resort in Belize District
- Sapphire Beach Resort in Ambergris Caye
- La Perla del Caribe in Corozal
- Copal Tree Lodge in Belize District
- Victoria House in Ambergris Caye
- Chabil Mar in Placencia
- Yok Ha Island Resort in Waterfoot Caye
- Portofino in San Pedro
- Blue Marlin Beach Resort in South Water Caye
- Bocawina Rainforest Resort in Silk Grass
- Thatch Caye Resort in Dangriga
Hotels in Belize
- Matachica Beach Resort and Spa – San Pedro
- Caye Casa – San Pedro
- Alaia Belize – San Pedro
- Ka’ana Resort & Spa – San Ignacio
- Coconut Row – Hopkins
- All Seasons Belize – Hopkins
- Copal Tree Lodge a Muy’Ono Resort – Toledo Settlement
- Gumbo Limbo Jungle Resort – Cayo District
- Belize Boutique Resort & Adventure Spa – Maskall
- Table Rock Lodge – Cristo Rey