A WEDDING FILLED WITH ROMANCE, SUN & FUN IN BONAIRE, DUTCH CARIBBEAN
Well known as a diver’s paradise, the island of Bonaire is also becoming known as a lover’s paradise. Secluded beaches, hidden coves, private pathways through the mangroves, endless sunny days and starlit nights make this the perfect place for spending time with that special someone. With only 14,000 residents this idyllic and unhurried oasis, free from the distractions of everyday life, offers lovers an authentically Caribbean experience and the perfect setting in which to declare their love and exchange wedding vows.
On Bonaire, we realize that your wedding day is the event of a lifetime, that’s why, no matter how you plan it, it will be done to perfection. From your wedding cake to a garland of tropical flowers, beauty and romance will engulf you as you say “I do” on this island paradise.
If you plan to get married on Bonaire, there are several options regarding wedding arrangements including coordinating your own affair, enlisting the aid of an organizer or working with a particular resort. In 2001, the Bonairean government changed laws for getting married in Bonaire and now allows weddings to take place outside of Passangrahan (the civil house). So the official ceremony can now take place on the beach, underwater or wherever your heart desires. Paperwork must still be submitted four to six weeks in advance, at least one of the people getting married must be in Bonaire for seven days prior to the wedding date (paperwork takes four to seven days to process) and the location of the ceremony must have government approval in advance. Regardless of how you choose to get married, the following procedures must be followed.
For all people intending to get married on Bonaire a letter must be written at least two months in advance to the Governor of the Island Territory of Bonaire (Wilhelminaplein #1, Kralendijk, Bonaire, N.A.) indicating the date and place that the ceremony will take place, a list of witnesses (six minimum for weddings outside of Passangrahan) and requesting permission to marry. This letter should be submitted at least four to six weeks prior to the wedding date along with the following documents:
- Copies of the first page of the bride, groom and witnesses passports (signature and photo page) - Date of arrival in Bonaire - Intended length of stay in Bonaire - Original birth certificates of bride and groom endorsed with Apostille - Proof of eligibility to marry (Declaration of marital status by the Civil Registry) or if divorced or widowed, divorce decree or document of proof is required.
The cost for a wedding in Pasangrahan (the government building) is $160, and prices start at $274 for weddings in other locations.
Self-Arranged If you plan on organizing this special day on your own you should contact the Governor’s Office prior to arriving on Bonaire to confirm that everything has been processed. Upon arriving on Bonaire, the marriage certificate can be purchased. People may bring their own witnesses (maximum two for weddings inside Passangrahan), or choose a Bonairean witness that is registered at the census office.
Organizers Organizers including Multro Travel and Tours, ABC Yachting and Bonaire Tours & Vacations can create a special individualized wedding to remember. For a fee the organizer will coordinate all paperwork and make arrangements for transportation by carriage, boat or car to the ceremony, the wedding bouquet and corsages, and if necessary for local witnesses.
Resorts If you plan to get married on Bonaire many of the resorts including Buddy Dive Resort, Captain Don’s Habitat and Plaza Resort Bonaire can assist in arranging your wedding.
For more information on Bonaire or getting married on Island call the Tourism Corporation Bonaire at 1-800-BONAIRE or visit Bonaire’s website at www.InfoBonaire.com/weddings.html.
