GRENADA, THE ULTIMATE ALL SEASON WEDDING DESTINATION
Grenada, one of the world’s true paradise islands, welcomes those who wish to ‘tie the knot’ to its shores! Imagine getting married on a treasure island against a backdrop of palm-fringed white sands and a turquoise sea sparkling behind you, or on a sailboat, or in an harbor, scented with the perfume of exotic tropical flowers. Together with its sister islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique, Grenada is renowned as one of the prettiest and least spoiled islands in the Caribbean.
There is no spot on earth that provides as romantic a setting and ‘joie de vivre’ for a wedding as lush, tropical Grenada, a true paradise getaway. Its pristine white sands, gently swaying palms, and fragrant, emerald green mountains provide a spectacular backdrop for that most special of days - and an unforgettable honeymoon. With an array of attractions and the welcoming grace of its people, Grenada ensures that those first days of married life will be remembered as an unbroken series of exciting and romantic pleasures.
Grenada has a selection of hotels and inns that range from the most exciting and glamorous to the most tranquil and intimate. Many of the island’s best establishments offer wedding and honeymoon packages custom-fitted to the couple’s every wish and desire. There is no need to worry about the hassles of intricate arrangements, as weddings and honeymoon packages are designed specifically to make each experience relaxing and carefree.
Legal requirements for a marriage in Grenada The law requires that visitors be resident on the island for a minimum of three days (including weekends and public holidays) before applying for a license.
On the third day, the necessary stamp duty and license fees are paid, and an application for a Marriage License is made in person, at the Office of the Prime Minister.
Generally the license is ready within two working days. This may take slightly longer if either partner is divorced, as documents must then be sent to the Ministry of Legal Affairs. The documents required are:
Valid Passports
Birth Certificates
Sworn Affidavit (or letter from a Clergy Man, Lawyer or Registry), attesting that neither party has not been married previously
Decree Absolute, for each divorced party
If widowed, Death Certificate of the deceased
Legal proof if a name was changed by Deed Poll
If under the age of 21, written parental consent by way of an Affidavit from a Lawyer or Notary Public.
All documents must be in English. If the originals are in another language, they must be translated into English and certified. NO blood or medical tests are required for marriages in Grenada.
The cost of marriage applications and licenses is quite inexpensive in Grenada, approximately $20 – 30. Most Government offices to apply for a marriage license are open from 8 am to 4 pm from Monday to Friday and are closed on Public Holidays and Weekends.
In Grenada there are about 10-12 independent wedding planners to help plan a wedding. Wedding planners will generally provide assistance with photographers, florists, beauty salons, etc.
Many hotels will make the necessary legal arrangements once the couple has arrived and most include all legal fees in their rate. Typical packages also include:
Transport to and from the Registrar’s Office where couples submit an application for a license to marry;
Decoration of the chosen location for the ceremony;
The bridal bouquet and groom’s buttonhole;
If required, witnesses to the ceremony, a best man and maid of honor;
The services of a professional photographer, including the provision of negatives and prints;
The wedding cake;
A celebratory bottle of champagne;
Hors D'oeuvre for six.
Honeymoon Packages Whether a couple prefers water sports or inland adventures, Grenada has something to make your honeymoon extra special. Many properties overlook the beautiful horseshoe-shaped harbor of St. George’s, Grenada’s capital, surrounded by white sand beaches and set against lush tropical rainforest.
As a gesture of best wishes for the marriage, many hotels and inns on Grenada offer newlyweds a complimentary room upgrade, along with a basket of the island’s famed tropical fruits. A complimentary champagne breakfast is also typically provided.
All information relating to wedding packages, accommodations and wedding planners are available at grenadagrenadines.com Top 40 tourist attractions in Grenada: Located at the southernmost tip of the Windward Islands about 100 miles off the coast of South America, Grenada is actually made up of three separate island states: Grenada, and its sister islands, Carriacou (KARRy-a-COU) and Petite Martinique.
Take an island tour… All who visit Grenada comment on the friendly people! None are more hospitable than the tour guides who take guests around the island. They are a veritable encyclopedia of history and natural science that arrange visits to major waterfalls, hikes in the Grand Etang Rainforest, visits to towns and markets, strolls through the Carenage that encircles the picturesque horse shoe harbour in St. George’s, tours of archaeological and historical sites, and can even plan a picnic in a choice location.
Go river tubing… For the more adventurous, located at the Balthazar Estate is Adventure River Tubing. Wet, wild and wonderful with guides accompanying you on the journey, gently spinning and swirling in the currents of the river, taking in the exotic scenery, tropical vegetation and wildlife. A thrilling ride down the river, stopping only in the pools along the way, then finally at the last one, an opportunity for a swim before enjoying a Rum Punch or glass of local fruit juice.
Visit Carriacou… Unspoiled Carriacou (90-minute ferry ride away from Grenada/or 15 minutes by air) is the tiny island with 7,000 inhabitants. It is one of the last places on earth where old traditions are preserved, such as the Big Drum Dance, elaborate wooden boat building handed down from Scottish ancestors and accompanying ceremonies that are a blend of Caribbean and Glaswegian heritages. It’s a spectacular center for scuba diving and snorkeling, or taking a water taxi adventure to neighboring Sandy Island.
See La Sagesse Nature Centre – romance amid nature… One of Grenada's most spectacular nature centers, La Sagesse is composed of three beaches and lush flora with towering mangrove trees, coconut trees and small estuary pockets, where salt water and fresh water meet. The mixing of salt and fresh water attracts a variety of tropical fish and birds, making La Sagesse one of the best places in Grenada to enjoy wildlife. Nestled in a deep bay with cliffs on both sides, this white-sand, turquoise water and palm-tree studded beach is filled with beauty and Eco sensitivity. This picturesque spot on a secluded sandy beach, surrounded by lush vegetation is the ideal place to exchange wedding vows.
Walk the Grand Anse Beach, having a Carib at the turning point – recognized as one of the world’s best beaches…Grenada’s most famous beaches and one of the largest in the Caribbean – this is the stretch called Grand Anse. This is a perfect place to walk particularly at the end of the day when locals come to have a swim. Grand Anse Beach, a sheltered two-mile stretch of perfect sand, dotted with sea grape and palm trees, just south of the capital St. George’s, is recognized as being one of the world’s best beaches and probably the most suitable in the world for families. Grand Anse is accessible, with restaurants, beach vendors and water sport facilities. At the north part of the beach, enjoy a laid-back cold Carib at a thatched bar called the Turning Point, or meet Jennifer Hosten, the 1970 Miss World and former High Commissioner to Canada who still maintains a house in Manotick. Sunday brunch pancakes are served with maple syrup and Caribbean specialties.
Explore, hike and bird watch in Grand Etang… Hike a three to four mile, half-day rainforest trek through the 30-acre Grand Etang Forest to Concord Falls, a spectacular waterfall, then take a refreshing dip in the swimming hole or visit several natural wildlife sanctuaries. Grand Etang Lake (one of Grenada’s extinct volcanoes) is a virtual bird watchers paradise, where avian enthusiasts will be enthralled by the rare tropical species that make Grenada their habitat such as the Grenada Dove (the national bird of Grenada), Gree-Gree, Hook-Billed Kite, which can be seen swooping down from atop the towering mahoganies of the Mount Qua Qua Trial. Graceful herons fish patiently in the crystal clear waters of Grand Etang Lake, while brightly plumbed wonders, such as the Antillean Crested Hummingbird, can be spotted among the many tropical blooms.
Watch turtles hatch – a nest in show… Grenada is one of the three sites in the Caribbean that annually hosts 150+ female leatherbacks. The turtles make the arduous journey from their feeding grounds in North America to the tropical climate of Grenada to lay their eggs. These ancient reptiles have been around for over 165 million years and have managed to outlive the dinosaurs. Levera Beach is where the nesting females bury their eggs in the sand in order to incubate them and to protect them from predators. Best viewing is in May and June of each year.
‘Spice’ up your life with Grenada’s products…Grenada produces allspice, clove, cinnamon, ginger, bay leaves, tumeric and sapote, and is one of the world’s major suppliers of nutmeg and mace. Recommended visits include Dougaldston Spice Estate, a historical monument to Grenada’s past of spice growing and processing; Gouyave and Grenville Nutmeg Processing Station, the largest in Grenada; Grenada Sugar Factory to savour rum products; River Antoine Rum Distillery to view processes that have changed little since the 1800’s, and remains the oldest functioning rum-propelled distillery not only in Grenada, but the Caribbean; Westerhall Rum Distillery with vestiges of old artefacts used in the rum refining process; and the Grenada Chocolate Factory for the pure taste of rich local chocolate.
Dive the unspoiled paradise… Located on the west coast edged by one long offshore reef, lays the 600-foot wreck of the Bianca C, the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean. Popularly referred to as ‘the Titanic of the Caribbean,’ competent divers speak admirably of its stunning pull as a premier dive option. The vast reefs and numerous dive sights surrounding Grenada allow aquanauts to explore without being crowded by other divers. Divers can enjoy a solitary expedition or book a group tour with one of Grenada's many dive shops. There are more than 28 sites including reefs, wrecks and walls most within 15-20 minutes from dive shops.
Experience part of Grenada’s ‘colorful’ history - Carib village… A visit is incomplete without a stop at the Kalinago/Carib village on the northern part of Grenada. It was here in 1671 that 40 Caribs leapt to their death in preference to succumbing to French colonists. Later a town was built close to this historic site called Morne des Sateurs or Leaper’s Hill. A newly created Kalinago/Carib village gives an opportunity to view the type of lifestyle that characterized the indigenous Carib people of Grenada. Nine kilometers away is the largest burial site of the Arawaks complete with their archaeological possessions.
Explore Grenada by Yachting Style… As the yachting industry in Grenada continues to grow, more marinas and boatyards are being added, providing dry dock facilities and ever increasing repair and restocking facilities. Each year, Grenada hosts a variety of water based activities including the Spice Isle Bill Fishing Tournament, Grenada Sailing Festival, Carriacou Easter Regatta and monthly yacht races by the Grenada Yacht Club.
Explore the coastline on a Safari High Speed Zodiac… This is a new and unique Zodiac boat ride that highlights shoreline sightseeing and showcases the history, ecology and geography of the island through the eyes of a well-trained and experienced tour guide. The ride on the vessel is nothing short of amazing, very dry and smooth. Approximately 30’ long, it was manufactured in Europe and used by many Coast Guard units, military and commercial operators. Dive or Snorkel the Underwater Sculpture Gardens in Molinaire Bay… Created by artist Jason de Caires Taylor, with the support of the Grenada Board of Tourism the sculptures located in Molinaire Bay, has been constructed with 65-life size individual sculptures so that divers or snorkelers can view from their respective vantage points. This is the only one of its kind in the world…as well with time the sculptures will preserve the ecology/marine life of the Molinaire reef. The statues not only create a hauntingly beautiful landscape, but also act as artificial reefs and will change appearances as they become home to various marine life. The statues have been carefully placed in shallow waters so divers, snorkelers and passengers of passing glass-bottom boats can access and view the statues.
Dive in Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique… The state of Grenada, offers a unique dive product, both topside and underwater. Slipping below the calm surface, diving enthusiasts are treated to some of the most breathtaking underwater scenery and abundant marine life in the Caribbean. With over 30 dive sites, Grenada and its sister islands make ideal diving destinations. Grenada and Carriacou are known for spectacular walls and wrecks, with sharks, turtles, lobsters and giant moray eels gliding against the backdrop of soft coral forest, striking reefs and sponges. Enjoy Grenada’s festivals and events the best in the Caribbean… Let your body succumb to the rhythms of the Carriacou Marron festival; and come sail away at Grenada’s ‘Round-the-Island Easter Regatta’ both held in April; dance to the beat of the Grenada Drum festival held in May; and celebrate Grenada’s heritage with the Annual Carnival held in August of each year.
Discover, eat, smell nutmeg and all spices nice in Grenada…a few fast facts… Known as the ‘Spice of the Caribbean’ Grenada as examples:
Gouyave and Grenville Nutmeg Processing Stations are the largest in Grenada.
Grenada is the world’s largest producer of nutmeg after Indonesia.
Local plantation owners who had brought them from the East Indies first imported nutmeg seeds to Grenada in 1843. The local plantation owners had visited the East Indies in order to help farmers there improve their method of sugar extraction and ended up bringing the nutmeg seeds back with them.
Indulge in soft adventure and support eco activities in Grenada… Hike, bird watch, mountain bike, kayak, para sail and other – as a leader in the growth of eco tourism, the government of Grenada is committed to preserving and sustaining the island's natural beauty. Measures have been taken to ensure that Grenada remains an unspoiled Caribbean gem. Through initiatives such as designating one sixth of the land mass to parks, natural sanctuaries and wildlife preserves, Grenada strives to limit human encroachment and to provide travelers with environmentally friendly and ecologically sound activities on the island.
Participate in varied water sports… Swimming in the pristine, safe, reef protected waters off the island is unlike anything in the world. With the temperature on the island hovering constantly around the 30-degree mark, the waters are warm and inviting for sailing, snorkeling and scuba.Avid sailors can charter a yacht and crew and take a tour around Grenada and the neighboring islands. More experienced sailors can "bareboat" or crew their own boats for a day or longer. Deep-sea fishing is exceptional and game fishers who find themselves in Grenada during the annual Spice Island Billfish Tournament in January might just net themselves a cash prize.
Search out the majestic whales off the coast of Grenada… Another popular island water sport doesn't involve getting in the water at all. Whale watching is a year round activity in Grenada and several tour operators offer daily and half day trips in search of resident pods of humpback, killer and sperm whales.
Immerse your mind in colonial and indigenous history points of Grenada… Grenada's long and storied history and its unique culture help make the island the perfect adventure vacation spot for history buffs. Historians can go back in time through Grenada's colonial past by visiting a number of local landmarks. The hilltop forts that surround the island are worth a visit and many are privately owned and in different stages of restoration. One of the few remaining sugar cane plantations, River Antoine Estate, continues to make Grenada's famous bay rum the 18th century way. At the River Antoine Estate, river water is still used to grind the cane and the Estate and distillery remain impressive testaments to colonial times.
Indulge in Fish Friday in Gouyave… Nestled in the heart of Gouyave, one of the Caribbean’s premier ‘fish villages’. For many years Gouyave has been host to the annual Fisherman’s Birthday celebrations (June 29th). Now, expanded the festivities to become a weekly street festival held every Friday afternoon and evening. The festival offers visitors a chance to sample some of the Caribbean’s finest local delicacies, seafood and music.
Explore day and night Grenada’s underwater masters on ‘Wind Dancer’…The Wind Dancer is a live aboard dive vessel fit to cruise with a maximum of 18 guests. Outfitted with a full service dive center and ten-member crew, including a Grenadian chef and dive master, the Wind Dancer has everything to meet the needs of any diving vacation. The MV Wind Dancer sails into the Grenadines and to offshore islands around Grenada and Carriacou.
Experience a bygone era at Grenada’s plantation houses… Grenada is an island steeped in history and culture that comes alive with a visit to the island's beautiful plantation houses such as the beautification of Plas Manje. Walk through history and be enveloped with spices at Douglaston... One of Grenada’s oldest spice estates and primary spice processing plants offers authentic spice processing, lectures and demonstrations on primary spice production – re creating an art/skill of centuries ago. Eat, walk and talk plantation life at Morne Fendue Plantation…Located in the parish of St. Patrick, on the northern side of Grenada, the charming Morne Fendue Plantation complete with period furniture and antique imported stained glass windows. Each guest room has an extensive balcony that overlooks scenic St. Catherine's Mountain, the sea and offers excellent sunset views. Morne Fendue Plantation is known for its outstanding West Indian Buffet. Continue the plantation exploration at Mount Edgecombe Plantation… Grenada takes a great deal of pride in its historical plantations, with the restoration of Mount Edgecombe Plantation, a beautiful private working plantation in St. Mark. Unlike most traditional plantations that specialize in one particular crop, the Mount Edgecombe Plantation has set out to produce every fruit, vegetable and spice that can grow in Grenada. This will also be the sight of Grenada's first Eco natural holistic spa, located at Tufton Hall within walking distance. Spa treatments will be set in a tropical rainforest environment so guests can enjoy a more natural and spiritually revitalizing experience.
Do the ‘cocoa dance’ the traditional manner at Belmont Estate…The family owned Belmont estate has existed in the parish of St. Patrick for over three centuries. The plantation sits on 400 acres of lush rolling tropical hills. The estate, which has been in continuous operation for centuries, still produces nutmeg and cocoa. Cocoa is still produced the traditional way, making for a world class export. Guests can explore the cocoa fields that produce world-class beans for export, and learn the story of chocolate in Grenada. They can indulge in a fresh cup of hot cocoa and learn to dance the cocoa (a traditional way of polishing the beans). Guests can enjoy lunch comprising the delights of Creole foods and fresh natural fruits and juices from the plantation. After lunch guests can venture through the remains of an 18th century sugar cane garden or take a donkey cart ride around the property.
Stroll through the botanical wonders of Grenada’s gardens… Balthazar Estate and Botanic Gardens: Once an active producer of nutmeg, bananas and cocoa, Balthazar Estate has changed its focus recently to become Grenada's foremost producer of exotic tropical flowers and herbs. This 396-acre estate features some of Grenada's most beautiful gardens. Balthazar helps represent Grenada each year at the of being awarded gold medals for five consecutive years. Bay Gardens: This 4-hectare large tropical paradise, laid out jungle style, featuring tropical plants from all over the world. St. Rose Nursery: Featuring the Caribbean's largest selections of plants, including many rare and unusual varieties. Laura Herb and Spice Gardens showcases samples of the herbs and spices grown in Grenada. Explore Grenada – a bird watcher’s paradise… With over 8,616 known species of birds around the world, bird watching has becoming one of the fastest growing sports. The variety of subject and portability of equipment make bird watching an ideal hobby to take on vacation. Avian enthusiasts visiting Grenada will be enthralled by the rare tropical species that make the island their home.
Participate in the hustle and bustle of Grenada’s famous ‘Spice Market’… Bustling, noisy and colorful, the market in Market Square is the center of activity in St. George’s. It is the main site for those buying and selling local produce and spices. Marvel at Grenada’s waterfalls…Grenada’s waterfalls are some of the most spectacular in the Caribbean – include Annandale Falls – small, scenic and accessible, Concord Falls – picturesque and ideal for swimming. The first Concord Fall is accessible by road, the second Au Coin, and the third Fountainbleu are accessible only by foot.
Explore the fabulous Forts of Grenada… Grenada’s Forts are historical landmarks of a colonial era, rich in military history and include: Fort Frederick – completed in 1791, this bastion type fort on Richmond Hill commands a panoramic view of St. George’s town and harbor. Fort George – overlooking the harbor, built in 1706. The fort is central to the nation’s history being the centre of the 1983 disturbance with Maurice Bishop. It now is the headquarters of the Royal Grenada Police Force.
Stroll the historic Carenage… The inner harbor is a perfect horseshoe shape and is the center of marine activity in St. George’s. Georgian buildings add character to the ambiance of the Carenage. Coined the most stunning harbor in the Caribbean.
Become an archaeologist for a day – visit Mt. Rich Amerindian Petroglyphs… Situated along the St. Patrick’s river valley of Mount Rich, these petroglyphs are significant as they are the only extensive carvings left that depict the lifestyle of the Amerindians. Viewed on the top and sides of a large stone on the riverbank – where six carvings – headpieces, potter, implements and tools (spears/bows and arrows) used in hunting and fishing was found. Visit Lake Antoine – a perfect extinct volcanic crater… Situated six miles north of Grenville Lake Antoine occupies about 16 acres and has been created in the perfect crater of an extinct volcano.
For more information on Grenada: Contact the Grenada Board of Tourism office at 416-595-1339 or at www.grenadagrenadines.com
