Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding in Belize

Take the stress out of planning your destination wedding in Belize. With the right information and venue, you can have a wedding that feels like a vacation! 

After our many years in Belize, we’ve learned a thing or two about throwing a perfect Caribbean beach wedding. Below are tips on legal requirements, travel information, and Belize wedding venues. We walk you through every step of your journey to your dream destination wedding in paradise.

There is more to planning a destination wedding than beaches and ocean views (though that is certainly a big part of it). Before you exchange vows with your loved one in paradise, there are certain requirements and legalities you should review.

One of the people getting married should be in Belize at least 72 hours before they apply for their marriage license. The application process itself will vary depending on the couples’ circumstances, so we advise working with your wedding coordinator or venue to make sure things run smoothly.

After applying, it will take two days to obtain your marriage license. Two witnesses will need to be at your ceremony. After your ceremony, register the marriage with the Belize Registry Department.

Before zipping off to Belize, make sure you and your partner have all the needed documents to avoid any issues. 

• Original Birth Certificate: No copies here! Both partners will need to present their original birth certificates. 

• Proof of Citizenship: Bring documentation to prove your country of origin, like a passport. 

• Divorce Certificate: If either partner was previously married, they need to provide the original death or divorce certificate. 

For more detailed information on the specific requirements and processes, refer to the Attorney General’s Ministry of Belize website.

In addition to your travel costs, you will need to account for off-site excursions and a wedding photographer (ask your wedding venue for recommendations; they can often get you a great deal). A marriage license in Belize runs $100 per couple, plus an administrative fee, courier service charges, notarizing services, and a Minister’s Fee. 

To save you time and money, our basic Caribbean destination wedding all-inclusive package (USD 1,999) includes the above fees, plus we handle registering your marriage and obtaining a copy of your Marriage Document.  

The basic wedding package also includes planning and coordination of your event, wedding ceremony personalization, set-up, decoration, and continental breakfast for all guests. Optional add-ons include music, off-site excursions, food, bar service, white tents, hair and makeup, wedding cake, and flowers.

Planning an intimate destination wedding in Belize presents a world of opportunities for a memorable and romantic celebration. One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is selecting the wedding venue. Here are some things to consider: 

Nestled along the beach in San Pedro, Blue Tang Inn is the perfect backdrop for a dreamy, intimate beach wedding. Imagine exchanging vows amid swaying palm trees and the stunning turquoise waters of Ambergris Caye. 

While exploring Belize wedding venues, there are several factors you should consider: 

• Capacity: Make sure your venue can accommodate your guest list.

• Accessibility: Consider the venue’s accessibility to transportation, local attractions, bars, towns, and off-site excursions. Some venues can be very remote, which can pose an issue if you are a couple that wants to spend your honeymoon exploring the area or going on off-site excursions.

• Location: Does the area match your wedding vision (whether it be beach, island-themed, or jungle)?

• Amenities: Does your chosen venue offer wedding planning, accommodations (for you AND your guests), catering, music, or airport transportation?

Once you have these basics out of the way, you can start planning smaller details and customizing your package as desired. Whether you want to add things like live music or a beachfront BBQ to your reception or other details like bar service, a tent, massage treatments, hair and makeup, cakes, flowers, and more, we’re here to help. 

Blue Tang Inn’s location on the beach makes executing a gorgeous beachfront ceremony easy. Perhaps you’re picturing a sunset wedding, exchanging your vows as the waves crash gently on the shore behind you. These are the images Caribbean weddings are made of, and you can certainly find that right here in Belize. We can fit any theme or style in beachfront ceremonies, too, so your wedding looks and feels just the way you want it. 

Though beachfront ceremonies are the most popular, we offer a more private, intimate experience aboard Sirena Azul, our traditional-styled sailboat. This option adds a sense of adventure and exclusivity to your big day, something you won’t find at other Belize wedding venues.

Imagine saying “I do” as the sun dips into the Caribbean Sea, a soft sea breeze stirring across the waves as you make your vows. A sailboat wedding is an unforgettable way to begin your forever — intimate, breathtaking, and effortlessly romantic.

At Blue Tang Inn, we offer private sailboat ceremonies aboard the Sirena Azul. Our package includes:

• A private charter for 1-4 guests (including the bride and groom)

• Light appetizers, beer, sodas, and wine.

• Application and processing of marriage license

For a wedding ceremony at sunset, you should plan to depart the pier in front of our Inn between 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm (local time). We can help you make arrangements for flowers, a wedding cake, and a photographer. 

The biggest stressor of a Belize destination wedding is well, getting there! Here are some travel tips to help make sure your special day goes off without a hitch:

Before jetting off to exchange vows, ensure your travel documents are in order. A valid passport is required for entry to Belize. Non-US citizens should check their embassy or consulate for entry requirements.

Book your flight early. May is one of the most popular months to get married in the Caribbean — it marks the end of peak tourist season and falls right before hurricane season begins. Multiple airlines fly direct to Belize City, including American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Airlines. Wednesdays usually offer the best rates for international travel. 

Blue Tang Inn can arrange Island Air for guests from Belize International Airport to Ambergris Caye, with 15-20 minute flights running every hour until 5:30 pm (local time). We also provide complimentary roundtrip transportation from the San Pedro airstrip to the Inn if we reserve your local flight to San Pedro.

Bring your dress in a garment bag as a carry-on item (or carefully packed in a carry-on bag). You’d hate to lose your dress in the event the airline loses your checked luggage. When you arrive, see if the place you are staying offers steaming services to freshen up your gown. 

To make the most of your Belize destination wedding:

• Limit that guest list! Fewer guests equals lower costs and more private time for you.

• Hire a reliable wedding planner or coordinator. 

• Get Travel and Wedding Insurance.

• Work with your venue to book off-site excursions.

• Add a private session at sunrise or sunset with your photographer outside the ceremony for some gorgeous pictures.

Don’t forget about your honeymoon! Plan the perfect ending to your perfect wedding with an adventure-filled (or relaxation-filled) Caribbean honeymoon in Belize. 

Our Honeymoon Package offers everything you need for an unforgettable Caribbean honeymoon in Belize. It includes the following:

• Private Sunset Sail for two on our Sirena Azul sailboat. Beverages and appetizers are included.

• 8-hour golf cart rental to explore San Pedro Town and Ambergris Caye.

• Full-day Lamanai Maya Ruins Tour with lunch, transportation, and local guide. 

• Relaxing 1-hour couples massage

• Round-trip local air from BZE International Airport to San Pedro Town.

• Round-trip taxi transfer to Blue Tang Inn. 

We can also help you arrange other exciting excursions like scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, and inland trips to see rainforests and caves. 

Crystal-clear turquoise waters, tropical jungles,  and pristine white sandy beaches await you.. Whether you choose to tie the knot under swaying palm trees or overlooking the breathtaking Caribbean Sea, every moment of your destination wedding in Belize is destined to be unforgettable.

If you’re ready to start planning your destination wedding or honeymoon, our stunning wedding venue is waiting. Email us at info@bluetanginn.com or book online.

 

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