What can be more romantic than saying "I Do" on a beautiful island with the turquoise waters of the Caribbean as a backdrop?
Whether you are dreaming of a simple beachside ceremony at sunset or a formal exchange of vows followed by a lavish reception at a 5-star resort, this guide will help you plan your Turks and Caicos destination wedding just the way you envision it.
The best part is that it's easy to fall in love with Providenciales, the main island of the Turks and Caicos. It is a wonderful place to share your special day with family and friends, and with many direct flights from the US, it’s easy to get to.
With miles of shoreline, white sand beaches and dozens of secluded coves, there are many beach settings you can choose from for your exchange of vows.
Turks and Caicos is renowned for its beauty and for the variety of beachfront resorts and hotels that can accommodate an outdoor wedding celebration. Those seeking a more secluded setting may prefer the beaches on the south side of the island, like Long Bay, Sapodilla Bay, and Taylor Bay beach.
There are also several beachfront resorts on private islands like Parrot Cay, Ambergris Cay and SailRock that are very private and exclusive destination wedding venues.
Getting to the Turks and Caicos from the United States and Canada is easy. And you'll have a wide selection of accommodations, including private villas, luxurious resorts, and boutique hotels.
Photo courtesy of COMO Parrot Cay
The most important thing you need to know is that if you don't have the proper documents to present, you will not be able to marry in Turks and Caicos. Period.
So be sure you have all the following with you when you go to apply for your marriage certificate in person:
The Registrar's Office is open Monday through Friday between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m, and the certificate must be received two days before a ceremony can take place, so plan accordingly.
Some ministers may require proof of church membership if you want a church wedding. The ceremony may be conducted either by a local minister or the Justice of the Peace. The couple must have two witnesses present.
Cruise ship passengers may obtain same-day licenses for a special fee, and they are exempted from the 48-hour residency requirement.
For more information, you can contact the registrar general’s office Turks & Caicos islands tel: 649-946-2801
Getting married in a foreign country, especially on an island in the Caribbean, requires knowing all the requirements well in advance, as well as careful planning and coordination so that there will be no surprises on your "big day."
Other than knowing the marriage requirements in TCI here is a list of helpful resources and information:
Magical wedding venues and resort accommodations are a specialty of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Here are the top recommendations:
This intimate and exclusive hotel is an adult-only resort located on the western end of Grace Bay beach. The Beach House is a great location for those seeking a quiet and sophisticated atmosphere.
The Beach House is part of the Turks and Caicos Collection, which includes Blue Haven Resort and Alexandra Resort, and brings together a wealth of shared amenities, services, and staff.
Onsite at Beach House are several dining and bar options, Elevate Spa, and a good complement of amenities. The resort offers wedding packages, which includes the ceremony and officiant, music, photography services, décor, catering and a wedding cake, and more.
Why it is popular: It’s a small, quiet property, far from the main hotel area, with a calm stretch of beach out front. Everything about it feels intimate and personal.
What to consider: There are fewer restaurants and bars within walking distance than you’ll find at hotels on the eastern end of Grace Bay.
Grace Bay Club is one of the oldest luxury resorts in the Turks and Caicos. This classic resort features three restaurants, two bars, a spa, and several pools.
Wedding packages can accommodate groups from just the couple to 120 guests, and the resort’s event planners will help to arrange every aspect of the special day.
Why it is popular: The beach fronting the resort is incredible and often one of the calmest sections on Grace Bay Beach. Many restaurants, shops, and bars are within walking distance.
What to consider: The Grace Bay Club is on the most densely developed section of the beach, and as a result, the beach area can get crowded and a bit noisy and may not feel as private as desired.
The exclusive COMO Parrot Cay Resort, located on the private island of Parrot Cay within the Turks and Caicos Islands, is another beautiful location for a destination wedding. And it was in fact the venue of several celebrity weddings.
Parrot Cay has long been a retreat for the rich and famous, starting with Count and Countess Czernin in the 1950s, and more recently Bruce Willis and Donna Karan. Like its neighboring cays, Parrot Cay boasts of a spectacular beach on its north coast.
Why it is popular: Voted one of the best event destinations in the Caribbean for 2020 by both Condé Nast and Fodor, this resort is very experienced in staging everything from rehearsal dinners to intimate ceremonies.
The resort’s customized level of service, culinary offerings and private island setting creates a wedding experience you and your guests will never forget. Parrot Cay resort amenities include a spa, yoga retreat, two gourmet restaurants, and a great collection of water sports equipment.
Parrot Cay is accustomed to catering and fine dining; from large events to a romantic couple’s dinner on the beach.
What to consider: You pay for what you get, and at Parrot Cay, the extraordinary venue and services will come at a steep price.
Photo courtesy of COMO Parrot Cay
You will have access to every level of accommodations, from simple hotels to high-end resorts to private luxury villas. You will want all of your guests to feel they have the right room for their interests and budget, while not being too far from the action.
Finding the right accommodation type for everyone, and keeping the group close together is one of the services offered by WIMCO Villas.
Depending on your guest list and their budgets, WIMCO can provide options at a 4- or 5-star hotel, or a collection of adjacent private villas.
We represent over 149 fine vacation villas that are available for couples and small families or for large family groups, with private bedrooms and baths for six couples or more.
Most villas have private pools and full housekeeping services, and we can even arrange for butlers, cooks, shopping services and chauffeurs if desired.
As a full-service vacation specialist, we are experts in planning Turks and Caicos stays that cater to specific needs.
There are many fine hotels and resorts in and around Providenciales. Those on Grace Bay are known for their beaches, luxury services and extraordinary views, as well as their dining and entertainment offerings.
A hotel can provide a complete wedding package, incorporating not only the venue, but planning assistance, vendor coordination, packages for food and beverage service and, of course, the sleeping accommodations.
Most also include supplementary options and services -- a bridesmaids' luncheon or a groomsmen's breakfast, for instance, changing rooms for the bridal party, tailoring and alteration services, and photography, make-up and hair styling referrals.
Luxury villas offer additional space and privacy, and can be perfect for intimate events, or for large family groups that desire more flexibility and togetherness than hotel rooms offer.
Larger villas can accommodate an extended family group, and additional services like catering and chauffeured transportation are easily arranged.
The travel specialist at WIMCO will be happy to guide you to the right options for your particular situation.
If you are traveling to Turks and Caicos on a vacation, with an eye to doing some research for a destination wedding, we are available to help you evaluate your choices.
And we are happy to share the relative pros and cons of each option based on your particular situation.
Any wedding requires a lot of decisions and details, and planning for a destination wedding that will take place far from home adds a layer of complexity.
By working with an experienced, certified wedding planner, preferably a person or firm that specializes in destination weddings in the Turks & Caicos, you will gain peace of mind.
Entrust a professional with the responsibility of making commitments for services and scheduling, and have a "friend" and confidante to help you through the uncertainties.
You will also very likely save money, and you'll have a point person to calm your fears and help ease the planning. WIMCO can provide a list of experienced local wedding planners.
When you plan a Caribbean island wedding, also consider the weather with its heat and humidity, and whether your wedding will be traditionally formal or decidedly casual.
You want your gown to reflect not only your personality but also complement the mood of the ceremony and the beauty of the surroundings. Think about footwear as well as the dress. Do you want to wear sandals or heels, or will you be barefoot?
Select your gown at home, but remember that you'll want to carry it with you on your flight to Turks and Caicos. For a beach wedding, think of light and flowing fabrics rather than a beaded gown with a sweeping train!
You're getting married in the Caribbean! Hair and makeup should be able to withstand some tropical breezes and relatively high humidity. Free-flowing long tresses, a simple updo or a trendy loose braided bun are all appropriate styles for the day.
Add a unique tiara to hold a short veil or forgo the veil and choose a large, floppy, loosely-woven sunhat instead. Wear a crown of delicate greenery and white flowers, an exotic bloom above one ear, or weave flowers into the braid.
You'll find a look that complements your dress and makes you feel beautiful when you work with creative Turks and Caicos stylists like Tangled Hair Salon or Sheque Perfection.
The Makeup Artistry and Kiss N Makeup Beauty Parlour specialize in personalized service, and will work with you and your entire wedding party to assure that everyone is beautiful for the big day!
If you make an exploratory trip to Providenciales, visit local photographers and also scout out possible sites for engagement and wedding photos. Check out the work of several photographers before you book one.
Ask to see work portfolios, and consider checking the references of any photographer you consider. Compare rates, but understand that you're paying a photographer to capture the "feeling" of the day as well as to make you and your partner look good!
There are many fine photographers available on Providenciales, so take the time to research packages for still photographs and videography.
Whether you have $600 to spend or $6,000 or more, you're sure to find someone who will be able to please you.
No matter what you want for music, whether it's a soloist at the ceremony, a steel drum band at your beach barbecue, a DJ to spin your favorite romantic oldies or a strictly "island vibe" for your celebration, you'll want to lock in a booking as soon as you have a date and a venue.
Check out musician listings on sites like Wedding Wire, or get recommendations from the venues or your local wedding planner you're considering.
Prices can vary greatly, so ask about packages and also ask for tapes or playlists as you would when booking any talent.
A goodie bag is a great idea to show guests how much you appreciate their attendance. A woven welcome bag, perhaps with a stylized map of the island or a screen-printed Turks and Caicos flag, can be filled with simple, usable gifts like sunscreen and aloe vera, a local map or list of beach restaurants, some crunchy snacks and a bottle of water.
Provide a small keepsake or two for each guest to take home: a picture of you and your partner, a polished shell or some island spices, local sweets or a refrigerator magnet.
Be creative with your selection, and be sure to include a personal note as well.
You cannot plan a realistic budget without knowing the basic price range for different venues and services on the island.
That's why a planning trip is so valuable. If you visit Turks and Caicos on a scouting vacation early in the planning stages, you'll get an idea of what your different options are, and that will help with budget planning.
Although it's easy to overspend, no matter where you plan to celebrate your marriage, you should be able to keep costs under control by working with an experienced wedding consultant and a reputable travel planner.
Basic costs include the venue fee, food and beverage charges, your own travel costs, time of year, and the number of guests you will have.
Your guests will typically pay their own travel and lodging expenses, but you must tactfully make that clear from the outset.
Insurance in case of weather, family emergencies and such annoyances as lost baggage or other unexpected events, is always a good idea.
Also sometimes known as Special Events insurance, it is usually worth the extra peace of mind.
With all the variables of price, weather and crowds, the most popular times to visit Turks & Caicos are December through April, which coincides with peak season pricing for accommodations.
The window of May to July is often considered the best months both for first-time visitors and for destination weddings. In this “low season”, the islands are less crowded and prices for accommodations are substantially lower.
Tip: Visit Providenciales beforehand, so you'll have a better idea of what Turks and Caicos has to offer.
There are so many things to do in the Turks and Caicos in general, and in Providenciales in particular, that you and your guests might want to stay on to prolong the fun.
From great beach bars to stunning beaches, good shopping and great snorkeling and scuba diving, sailing and charter boat rentals that will get you to private cays. There are numerous other adventures and excursions, for every possible interest.
WIMCO has prepared a Turks and Caicos Destination Guide that would make a wonderful arrival gift for your guests. Simply download it here and include it in a "Welcome to the Wedding Party" packet that you prepare for your guests.
Let us know how we can work with you to make your Turks & Caicos destination wedding a dream come true!
Whether you stay on to enjoy additional time in Providenciales, go on an island-hopping expedition for your honeymoon, or find a secluded out-island where you can relax and unwind as a newly-married couple, your vacation planning team at WIMCO stands ready to serve you.
We hope that your Turks & Caicos destination wedding turns out to be the event of a lifetime and that you'll one day be telling your grandchildren about all the wonderful experiences of planning a destination wedding.
You can be sure that you will remember exchanging vows with family and friends by your side in one of the most beautiful settings on earth.
Sunsets and memories are our stock in trade, and we at WIMCO are dedicated to exceeding your expectations in every possible way.
As a full-service luxury travel company, we helped plan many destination weddings in Turks & Caicos. With a highly-rated team of island experts, we not only can assist engaged couples and their families in secure accommodations and flights, but we also have connections with trusted wedding planners and work in tandem with them.
Imagine having someone in your corner who knows the best beaches and how to time events to capture the best sunsets. Who you can rely upon with event scheduling, door-to-door travel coordination so that nothing is left to chance for your big day.
And after your wedding who can recommend and arrange snorkeling expeditions, private boat charters to whisk you away to a secluded island, or book private spa treatments for you and your partner.
The team, at WIMCO has the knowledge, experience, and island contacts to make your wedding dreams come true. Contact us with questions or to begin planning your Turks and Caicos wedding.
Please fill out the form below and we will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
