Barbados

Barbados is a pear-shaped coral limestone island that stretches 34 kilometres (21 miles) north and 23 kilometres (14 miles) east to west, Barbados is the most easterly of the eastern Caribbean islands. Although small, Barbados boasts a remarkably varied landscape – in just an hour you can pass through the lush rain forest of St, Thomas, the rugged rocky coast of St. Joseph, and the gentle, sloping hills of St. Andrew.

Even for the first time visitor, Barbados is a familiar and friendly land. For three consecutive decades Barbados was under British Rule so don’t be surprised when you stumble across Nelson’s column in Trafalgar Square or strangely familiar place names such as Hastings or Scotland! The famed west coast offers white sand beaches lapped by warm Caribbean waters and is known for some of the most sophisticated hotels in the Caribbean. Venture away from the resort areas to find cane fields and plantation houses, familiar cricket grounds, hilly headlands and caves. The south coast boasts white sands and foaming surf, a combination favoured by windsurfers and beach lovers.

Weather

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
T	83	83	85	86	87	87	86	87	87	86	85	83
S	9	9	9	9	9	8	8	9	8	8	8	8
R	3	1	1	1	2	4	6	6	7	7	8	4

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: 8.5 hours
GMT = or -: - 4
Visa: Not required

Prior arrangements
You must first make the necessary arrangements with the Minister of Religion or the Magistrate who will officiate at the marriage ceremony. The minister of the Clerk of the Court (in the case where the Magistrate is officiating) would then provide you with a letter to be taken to: Ministry of Home Affairs, Level five, General Post Office Building, Cheapside, Barbados Tel: 001-246 228 8950 Fax: 001-246 437 3794
This letter must be presented at the time of filling in the application in order to obtain your marriage licence.

Documents and legal requirements
Residency: It is now possible for ceremonies to take place on the day of your arrival providing your documents are in order. Apply to the Ministry of Legal Affairs, Bridgetown.
Proof of ID: Original or certified copies of your birth certificates or valid passports and airline tickets.
Divorced: If either of you have been divorced you must produce an original Decree Absolute (not the Decree Nisi).
Widowed: If either of you have been widowed, a copy of the marriage certificate or death certificate in respect of your deceased spouse is required.
Age restriction: If you are aged under 18 years parental consent in the form of Statutory Declaration stamped and signed by a solicitor is essential.
Name change: If your name has been changed by Deed Poll legal proof, stamped and signed by a solicitor is required. This also applies if a married woman has reverted back to her maiden name.
Adopted: If you are adopted the adoption certificate must be produced.
Fees: $150 cash and a $25 stamp in order to obtain the licence. In addition, a fee of $100 or £50 respectively must be paid at the court if a magistrate performs the ceremony. This is paid after you return to the court upon receipt of the marriage licence. The marriage licence must be presented to the Clerk of the Court.

Documents required for Marriage in a Catholic Church
Pre-marital enquiry: A pre-marital enquiry must be completed and signed by both of you, obtainable from your local priest.
Baptismal certificates: Your baptismal certificates issued within the last six months.
Freedom to marry statement: A Freedom to Marry statement, signed by your local Parish priest.
Certificate of Participation: A Certificate of Participation in a programme of preparation for marriage.
Mixed marriage: In the case of a mixed marriage, you must obtain permission to marry or dispensation from Disparity of Cult, issued by the Bishop of the Catholic Party.
Testimonial letters: Testimonial letters from your Bishop.

Your Bishop must send all these documents to:
Mrs Hirma M Lewis
Chancellor
Diocese of Bridgetown
St. Patrick’s Presbytery
P.O Box 1223
Jemmotts Lane
Bridgetown Barbados
Tel: 001-246 426 3510 or 001-246 426 2325
Fax: 001- 246 429 6198

Ceremonies
Barbados offers every imaginable romantic setting for your wedding from beaches to a coconut grove or flower forest, an elegant church to a submarine or even under ground in a cave.

Marriage Certificate: It costs $20 to obtain a copy of the marriage certificate from the registration department.

Other information

Barbados Tourism Authority 263 Tottenham Court Road London W1P 0LA Tel. No: 020-7636 9448 Fax: 020-7637 1496 Email: barbadosuk@aol.com www.barbados.org	Barbados High Commission 1 Great Russell Street London WC1B 3JY Tel: 020-7631 4975
Registrar of the Supreme Court Registration Department Coleridge Street Bridgetown Barbados Tel: 001-246 426 3461 Fax: 001-246 426 2405 Office hours Monday to Friday 8.15 – 4.30	Ministry of Home Affairs Level Five General Post Office Building Cheapside Bridgetown Barbados Tel: 001-246 228 8950 Fax: 001-246 437 3794