Caribbean:

Antigua

Antigua is located in the middle of the British Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean with Monserrat and Guadaloupe to the north and Nevis and St. Kitts to the west. The largest of the islands, Antigua is about 14 miles long and 11 miles wide, encompassing 108 square miles. Temperatures generally range from the mid-seventies in the winter to the mid-eighties in the summer. The annual rainfall averages only 45 inches, making it the sunniest of the Eastern Caribbean islands.

Boasting 365 picturesque coves and secluded bays, with fine, white sand and clear blue seas, Antigua’s beaches certainly make up for its lack of tropical scenery; it is said that if you stayed a year you could relax on a different beach every single day.

Weather

Key to symbols used:
T - Average daily maximum temperatures
S - Average daily sunshine hours
R - Average monthly rainfall (if higher than 0.5”)

Flight time: 8 hours
GMT + or -: - 4
Visa: Not required

Documents and legal requirements
Residency: There is no set period of residency required before the ceremony can be performed. Arrangements can begin immediately after your arrival.
Proof of identity: A valid 10-year passport or birth certificate and a photograph
Proof of status: A declaration signed in Antigua and obtained from an authorised solicitor is required– see other information.
Divorced: you must produce your original Decree Absolute stamped with the seal of the court or a certified copy.
Widowed: you must produce the Death Certificate of your former spouse and your previous Marriage Certificate.
Age limit: All applicants should be eighteen years and over. If you are aged under 18 years you must provide parental consent in the form of Statutory Declaration stamped and signed by a solicitor.
Name change: If your name has been changed by Deed Poll you must provide legal proof that has been stamped and signed by a solicitor. This also applies if a divorced woman has reverted back to her maiden name.
Fees: (a) Special Licence: US $150 or EC$405 to be paid on application in Antigua.
(b) Registration fee: US$40 or EC$108.
(c) Marriage Officer: Dependent on location selected for the ceremony.

The ceremony
Your wedding ceremony may be performed by the Registrar or the Deputy Registrar in the Registrar’s Office or by a civil Marriage Officer at an appointed place and time, between the hours of 6.00am and 8.00pm.
Religious ceremonies
The legal formalities for a religious ceremony are the same as with civil ceremonies, however, arrangements should be made with the corresponding Church Official well in advance of your arrival in Antigua and all the documents necessary for performance of this ceremony must be provided. You should contact the Antiguan High Commission and Tourist Office for details on ministers who will perform your wedding ceremony.

Other information

Antiguan High Commission and Tourist Office 15 Thayer Street, London W1 Tel: 020-7486 7073/5 Fax: 020-7486 1466 Email: antbar@msn.com www.interknowledge.com

Commonwealth Institute official website www.antigua-barbuda.com

Always check with local authorities as this information may be subject to change.