Marriage Requirements
Plan your destination wedding carefully; you're not yet eligible to say 'I do' the moment you arrive in Turks & Caicos. Thankfully, the island nation maintains a relatively simple process for foreigners to get married in this tropical getaway. To qualify, you'll need to submit a variety of documents, including:
- Birth certificate
- A valid passport
- Affidavit of single status
- Divorce decree (if previously married)
- Death certificate and a copy of the marriage certificate involving the deceased spouse (if a widow or widower)
- Application for a special license
- Parental consent for spouses under the age of 21
As a tourist, you cannot submit your application until you've been in the country for at least 48 hours. For this reason, most destination wedding trips to Turks and Caicos last at least one week.
Travel Information
Travel Documents
If your passport is valid for the entire duration of your stay in Turks and Caicos, you should be good to go! This differs from travel to other Caribbean nations, where passports must typically be valid for three or six months following the date of entry.
According to the
U.S. Department of State, no vaccinations are currently required for wedding guests or other travelers into Turks and Caicos. If you intend to remain on the islands for over 90 days, you'll need to apply for an extension.
Tourist visa requirements come into play after 180 days. To qualify for a visa, you'll need to prove that your passport is valid for another six months — and that you can successfully fund the remainder of your stay.
Language
Visitors to Turks & Caicos will be pleased to know that English is the official language spoken by the natives. Of course, since the islands are a British Overseas Territory, you'll want to brush up on your British vocabulary. You may hear some interesting accents while on the islands, as the nation attracts quite a few French and Scandinavian ex-pats.
Currency and Tipping
Planning your wedding is insanely easy when you don’t have to worry about exchange rates. In TCI, the U.S. dollar is the official currency used! Restaurants, hotels, and taxis will accept traveler’s cheques. Furthermore, most debit and credit cards are accepted, and you’ll find most local banks are equipped with ATMs.
Tipping is also simple and straightforward here; 15% is the recommended amount of gratuity. That goes for everyone: from your waiter or bartender, to bellhop or cab driver, to tour guides and water sports staff. As it is in America, feel free to tip more generously for exceptional service, and a little less generously for poor service.
In Turks and Caicos, it is not uncommon to see a 10-15% service charge automatically added to your bill, be it at your hotel or resort or local watering hole. So make sure to check your receipt before paying! Finally, when budgeting for your destination wedding or honeymoon, know that all restaurants and hotels charge an additional 12% government tax.
Climate & Beaches
Climate
The weather in Turks and Caicos is exactly what you would expect from a tropical island. The remarkably consistent daytime high temperatures fluctuate from an average of 81 degrees Fahrenheit in January to 88 in July. Generally, May through October is considered the hot portion of the year, when daytime heat and humidity could send you scurrying to the nearest pool or air-conditioned clubhouse.
Of course, the "cold" season in Turks & Caicos — typically November through April — pleases most visitors from the United States and Europe. Those looking to get married in 65-degree weather would be remiss to dismiss TCI as a wedding destination.
Hurricane season happens between June and November; which means big discounts for you and your party on resorts and vendors. The most rainfall occurs in the later part of the year, from September through December… but on an average of 350 days of the year, sunshine is guaranteed!
Beaches
The island of Providenciales is home to one of the best beaches Turks and Caicos has to offer. Allow the stunning blue water and immaculate white sand to take your breath away at Grace Bay Beach — the world's finest beach, according to local fans. There, you'll glimpse views that you've only ever seen in your wildest dreams. Grab some scuba gear and explore the azure waters or relax on the sand and bask in the warmth of the sun.
Middle Caicos offers plenty of picturesque views and island flavor, with Mudjin Harbour serving as the island's crown jewel. Visitors with an urge for exploration will love adventuring through the open-faced cave, which also provides a spectacular view of the surrounding beach.
If you and your wedding crew stop by the island of Grand Turk, don't forget to dip your toes in the water of Governor's Beach. You'll marvel at the water's clarity. More secluded than most of the popular destination beaches on Turks and Caicos, Governor's Beach is the perfect spot for unwinding.
Getting Around
Turks & Caicos boasts eight airports, two of which offer international flights. Providenciales International Airport (PLS) is the preferred landing spot for flights coming into the country from abroad, but Grand Turk JAGS McCartney International Airport (GDT) also services international travelers.
Once on the ground, you can explore the islands through a variety of modes of transportation, including taxis, rental cars and scooters. Jitney taxis can also be found throughout the islands, but authorities recommend avoiding this mode of transportation.
Traveling to North and Middle Caicos from Providenciales is a breeze thanks to the ferry service that departs from Heaving Down Rock Marina. Prefer to take things slow and travel on foot? Check out the islands' plentiful walking trails, ideal for exploring with your wedding guests!
Activities & Attractions
Activities
While it may be tempting to bask in the glow of the sun and relax on your favorite beach chair, TCI offers too much fun to stay in one spot for long! This is especially true during the Turks and Caicos Music and Cultural Festival, when artists from all over the world perform in front of vacationers and natives alike. This yearly festival lasts a full week and is typically scheduled for the end of July. Prepare for thrilling music from such notable artists such as LL Cool J, John Legend, and Anita Baker.
History buffs looking to satisfy their need to learn something, even while on vacation, will want to visit the Grand Turk Lighthouse — the only such structure in the entire country. While on Grand Turk, stop by Her Majesty's Prison to hear the fascinating stories behind the complex. Built during the 1830s, it certainly boasts a long history. Keep in mind: the complex is only open to visitors when a cruise ship is in port.
Wrap up your historical tour of Grand Turk at the Turks & Caicos National Museum, home to the Molasses Reef Wreck. The remains of a Spanish sailing ship that was once blown up by treasure hunters, the Molasses Reef Wreck sounds like something straight out of a Pirates of the Caribbean movie, and will no doubt thrill any children in your group.
No visit to a collection of islands such as Turks & Caicos would be complete without heart-racing water activities. After saying 'I do,' you and your spouse can cement your bond while parasailing, snorkeling, scuba diving or jet skiing.
Nightlife
Thrill-seekers looking to get wild every night with their bachelor party group should expect a chiller scene than the nightlife in other Caribbean nations. While a couple of bars scattered throughout the islands feature live music, the island nation's residents generally prefer to take it easy once the sun goes down.
The Casablanca Casino on Providenciales offers classic casino games. Families or wedding parties with younger vacationers will certainly appreciate the Thursday night Island Fish Fry at Bight Park, where locals and tourists alike come together to enjoy tasty food and live music performances.
Travelers stationed on Providenciales can visit a little slice of home at Danny Buoys, an Irish-themed sports bar that features karaoke, live music, and a DJ every Saturday night. Sports lovers who can't pull themselves away from their favorite team can saddle up to the bar and watch the game while enjoying drink specials and pizza. If you prefer to hit up a variety of venues, check out one of the nation's guided pub crawls.