Considering its close proximity to the U.S. east coast and the fact that no cases of the Zika virus have ever been reported in Bermuda—a plus for expectant or soon-to-be-expectant mothers—destination weddings are big business on the island. Couples who would like to get married in Bermuda must file a “Notice of Intended Marriage” with the Registry General—a form that can be downloaded on their website (www.gov.bm/getting-married-bermuda). Note that the form must be printed on white, legal-sized paper (8.5” x 14”) to be accepted and completed and mailed to the Registry General along with a cashier’s check or money order for $368. Copies of divorce decrees or death certificates, if applicable, must also be included.  

Once the Registry General receives the “Notice of Intended Marriage,” it will be published, including names and addresses, in the island’s local newspaper. Assuming there is no formal objection, the registry will issue the license 15 days after receiving the notice, which will then be valid for three months.

Civil ceremonies can be performed weekdays or Saturday mornings in the Registry’s Marriage Room for $245 or outdoors on government parks or beaches for $450. Weddings in Bermuda range from simple ceremonies on the beach to large-scale extravaganzas at the Botanical Gardens. Other popular sites include yachts and the Unfinished Church. Churches can be contacted individually and booked for a fee. Many hotels can help make wedding arrangements—reserving the church and clergy, hiring a horse and buggy, ordering the wedding cake, and securing a photographer.

There are also very good wedding planners on the island, including Das Fete (www.dasfete.com; tel. 441/400-5048); The Bridal Suite (www.bridalsuitebermudaweddings.com; tel. 441/292-2025); Bermuda Bride (www.bermudabride.com; tel. 441/295-8697); To Have and To Hold Wedding and Event Planning (www.ththbda.com; tel. 441/236-7473); and Bermuda Event Solutions (www.weddingsolutions.bm; tel. 441/236-9469).  

If you’re doing the planning on your own, and need an excellent photographer, you won’t go wrong with either: Gavin Howarth (www.gavinhowarth.com; tel. 441/532-3234) or Amanda Temple (www.amandatemple.com; tel. 441/236-2339).

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.