Marriage Requirements
It's shockingly easy to get hitched in St. Lucia. While you'll need to apply for a marriage license, you can take care of this essential task as soon as you arrive. No residency period is required. If you apply for a same-day license and can provide all necessary documentation, you could be wed soon after your arrival.
Required documents include:
- A valid passport
- Birth certificate
- A death certificate (for widows and widowers only)
- A divorce decree (for divorced brides and grooms only)
- An authenticated translation for documents not in English
- Deed pool (required for name changes)
- Affidavit of consent (if the bride or groom is under 18 years old)
This is all assuming you wish to be legally wed in the Caribbean. Many couples prefer a symbolic destination wedding instead! This implies your nupitals while abroad act as a commitment ceremony and are not legally recognized; the legal requirements are all handled back home before or after the trip. If you wish to have a symbolic ceremony, the requirements above do not apply.For more information, your Certified Destination Wedding Specialist will walk through your options with you.
Travel Information
Travel Documents
Entering St. Lucia is simple. According to the United States Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs, your passport should be valid for six months after you arrive. While the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority only requires three months of passport validity following entry, it's always best to err on the side of caution. No vaccinations are needed prior to departure.
Once you've entered St. Lucia, you can remain there for up to three months without a passport. This should accommodate a typical destination wedding party. If you just can't get enough of the island, you're encouraged to apply for a visa.
Travel visas are available, but you'll need to supply documentation of your vacation itinerary and whether you have sufficient funding.
Language
St. Lucia's official language is English; you'll have no trouble navigating the island if that's all you speak. Official doesn't mean commonly used, however. While most residents understand English, 95 percent speak Patois (pronounced 'patwa'), a local dialect of Creole French. Regularly used in music and literature, this dialect is increasingly gaining acceptance outside of the home. Don't expect to understand Patois if you speak French — the accent and several key phrases are radically different from textbook French.
Currency and Tipping
St. Lucia's legal tender is the Eastern Caribbean dollar ($). This currency also dominates in Grenada, and several other nations of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States. The EC's universal nature simplifies island-hopping adventures. While it's prudent to use cash, you can get by with Visa or MasterCard at most resorts and car rental companies, plus many restaurants.
While St. Lucia shares the same currency as many nearby islands,
tipping looks little like it does elsewhere in the Caribbean. Tipping remains almost entirely at the discretion of travelers, although most abide by a local custom of 10 percent at restaurants and in taxis.
Some all-inclusive resorts prohibit tipping, and instead, include a service charge of approximately 10 percent on the final bill. Otherwise, most vacationers tips bellhops and room service employers at least $1 EC. Whether out for drinks for the bachelor and bachelorette parties or getting in some spa time before the wedding day, the amount you choose to trip while in St. Lucia is ultimately up to you.
Climate & Beaches
Climate
Prepare for long, sunny days on the beach – St. Lucia boasts an amazing climate. While the island's proximity to the equator prompts high temperatures and humidity, mild trade winds keep things comfortable.
St. Lucia's seasons are not particularly well-defined; brides and grooms should know that it's tough to predict in advance how temperatures will look during a specific time of year. In general, expect heavier rain between June and November. Thankfully, while storms appear quickly, they clear out within a matter of minutes.
Keep in mind that, as with any Caribbean island, temperatures can vary considerably from one region to the next. Trade winds keep beaches relatively cool, but hikes near the center of the island can be muggy. Conversely, a trip up the Piton mountains might require a light jacket, as temperatures drop as quickly as you ascend.
Beaches
Life's a beach in St. Lucia, where vacationers spend much of their time goofing off or relaxing in the soft sand. Black sand may not be what you expect from a Caribbean beach, but it's beautiful nonetheless. This unique hue reflects the island's volcanic past but may be interspersed with stunning white or gold sand.
Because beaches vary so considerably, you can't get the full experience by sticking to the expanse of sand at your resort of choice. Most vacationers prefer the calm beaches on the island's western side; these are especially recommended for water sports and swimming. The eastern side overlooks the Atlantic, where waters can be choppy and downright dangerous. If you stay on land, however, you'll enjoy stunning views as you soak in the sun.
Top beaches include Anse Chastenet (a perennial favorite among snorkeling enthusiasts) and Soufriere Beach, where locals hang out.
Getting Around
Most visitors arrive to St. Lucia via the Hewanorra International Airport (UVF). Located on the island's southern cape, the airport is a short drive from several of the island's finest hotels, resorts, and beaches. Many vacationers, however, stay elsewhere on the island and will require far more than a quick jaunt in a taxi. Multiple shuttle services take you quickly and securely from the airport to your accommodations.
For greater flexibility, consider renting from one of several fleets located near the airport. Car rentals are also abundant in the island's northern and eastern regions.
Outside of airport shuttles, you can rely on local buses for regular transport. To outsiders, these look more like vans than buses. They loop throughout the island, sticking with designated stops in the city but letting passengers off wherever they like in rural areas. Fares vary considerably depending on location, distance, and time. Most short trips will cost around $2-3 EC, but longer excursions may require as much as $8-10 EC.
If your wedding party is an active one, you might consider sailing during your visit to St. Lucia! This island nation has a reputation as one of the Caribbean’s top yachting destination, with several ports of entry around the island.
Activities & Attractions
Activities
Whether you're constantly on the go or perpetually on a beach towel, you and your wedding guests will find the exact level of activity you desire at St. Lucia. Active types appreciate the quickly-changing terrain, which ensures an exciting hike. If you're confident in your current level of fitness, don't leave the island without ascending the Gros Piton. This is a great bachelor or bachelorette option for those who crave adventure but not booze. For a less strenuous glimpse from above, hit up Morne Coubaril Historical Adventure Park for ziplining.
While adventure abounds on foot, most vacationers seek it in the water. All-inclusive resorts often provide a range of complementary water activities such as bodyboarding, kitesurfing, sea kayaking or snorkeling. Scuba diving guides help vacationers safely explore the beautiful waters that surround the island. Whether you dive or snorkel, look for unique coral growing on volcanic rock. Not ready to get wet? Boat charters give you a close-up view of majestic whales and playful dolphins.
While St. Lucia's hilly terrain isn't ideal for championship golf, you can still hit the green during your vacation. Enjoy panoramic views of the ocean as you perfect your swing.
Immerse yourself in local culture while taking a cooking class or touring one of the island's many markets. Fine art galleries also give you a taste of life on this vibrant island. Whether experienced with the love of your life or alongside destination wedding guests, cultural activities will deliver a better feel for what makes St. Lucia unique.
Nightlife
Locals claim that St. Lucia has a split personality: quiet and laid-back in the southeast, and more colorful in the northwest.
While the island is not exactly a clubbing mecca, you can always find a party if you stay in the right region. Capital city Castries is home to several of the island's best bars and lounges. Vacationers flock to nearby Rodney Bay for sundown excitement at the casino and numerous nightclubs. These venues lend themselves to bar hopping, as they're located within close proximity to one another.
For an authentic nightlife experience with family and friends, hit up the fishing village Gros Islet, where you'll find crab meat, barbecue fish, and plenty of Piton beer.