Bermuda weddings are very popular and every year many couples choose to travel to the island to tie the knot. With beautiful locations, few legal formalities and close proximity to the US it’s consistently rated as one of the best wedding destinations in the world.
Many couples cannot afford the costs of a large wedding at home and a destination wedding in Bermuda, combined with a honeymoon, is often a cheaper option. It’s also likely to be more intimate, memorable and much more like a vacation with your closest family friends.
When planning your wedding, bear in mind the small size of the island. Venues, photographers, hotels etc. can get busy in the summer months. Try and book early to avoid disappointment.
Laws
The laws governing marriage in Bermuda are fairly simple. Simply complete the Notice of Intended Form and send it off to the Registrar General. The marriage licence can be issued two weeks later.
The wedding ceremony can be held at the Registry or in a church, or in a public space such as a hotel, beach, or park.
Marriage ceremonies at the Registry will be conducted by the Registrar General or the Assistant Registrar General. For ceremonies elsewhere you’ll need a registered Marriage Officer (clergy). Your hotel or wedding planner can help you find one.
Venues
Most couples travelling to the island choose to get married on a beach or at a hotel. The island has a good selection of both to choose from.
Popular beaches for the wedding ceremony include Jobson’s Cove, Stonehole Bay, and Warwick Long Bay.
The Reefs, Fairmont Southampton, Fairmont Hamilton Princess, Coco Reef and Rosewood Tucker’s Point are just some of the hotels that specialise in hosting wedding ceremonies and receptions. Many have in-house wedding co-ordinators that can help plan your special day. Some offer complete wedding packages.
Other sites for the wedding ceremony include parks, historic houses, and even forts.
For more information about venues visit our guide to Bermuda’s wedding locations.
Photographers
Bermuda has a number of brilliant photographers that can capture the moments from your special day. They are familiar with all the popular wedding venues well and know the best locations for the perfect photo.
Our guide to wedding photographers features the profiles of wedding specialists such as Amanda Temple Photography, Howarth Photography, and Ace Studios. Each includes galleries of their photos and links to their websites and Facebook pages.
Catering
If your wedding ceremony or reception is being held at a hotel, their in-house team will usually take care of the catering, table decorations etc. If its elsewhere, you’ll need to use one of the island’s catering companies. In addition to the food, many can also supply tables, chairs, linens, the bar, waiters, bartenders, tents etc.
Florists
Bermuda has a number of talented florists that can enhance your wedding event.
Formalwear
Most brides purchase their wedding dresses from their hometown. Grooms and groomsmen can hire or purchase traditional Bermuda wedding attire (shorts and blazer) from the English Sports Shop in Hamilton.
Wedding Planners and Consultants
If you don’t want the headache of organising everything yourself there’s a great selection of wedding planners willing do the hard work for you.
Companies such as Bermuda Bride, Bermuda Event Solutions, and To Have & To Hold are all based on the island and operated by residents. They have the knowledge, contacts, and local expertise to make sure your wedding goes smoothly and to budget.
They can handle all aspects of the wedding including legal formalities, finding a minister, photography, hair stylists and make-up artists, decorations, invites, flowers, music, catering, transport, and accommodation.