Belize is an excellent choice for those looking for a low-key intimate wedding set on a beautiful natural backdrop. Over the past couple years, there has been a general trend to move wedding venues out of ballrooms and into more exotic destinations. The Caribbean and Mexico take on so many weddings each year that they almost feel pre-fabricated, where the only thing that changes is the bride and groom. As a result, couples have been looking for more intimate and personal locations. If you can give up the opulence of ballroom weddings for a pristine natural setting, Belize is an excellent option to consider. One of the wedding planners we use on Caye Caulker reminisced about a mother-in-law who demanded fine linens and china silverware for the reception. The wedding planner responded, “we don’t have those luxuries on Caye Caulker”, a tiny island of about 1,000 residents. In Belize, it’s bare feet on a sandy beach instead of high-heals on a marble floor. If this sounds like your cup of tea, then consider planning your wedding in Belize. Recently, renewal of vows for couples that are already married have become quite popular too.
The locations and options for a wedding in Belize are vast. The most popular weddings are bare foot weddings on a sandy beach at sunset. You can walk down an isle lined with conch shells and flowers and say your vows under an archway made from palm fronds. Probably the second most popular venue is tying the knot beside a waterfall in the jungle. For a truly magnificent setting you can hold hands at the base of a Mayan temple. If you and your fiancé are divers, you can even have an underwater wedding! Believe it or not, it’s been done already. If you want something a little more conservative, while still retaining an exotic charm, some beach resorts have small chapels nestled right along the beach. There are a variety of ministers of various religions in Belize or you can also have a non-denominational wedding. A lot of couples choose to personalize their vows as well. A wedding in Belize is 100% legal and is valid worldwide. We work with several wedding coordinators to assist you with all of the planning and preparations for your ceremony.
Belize Wedding Requirements - Paperwork: Your marriage is legal anywhere in the world. You must be in Belize 3 days prior to the wedding. You must bring a valid passport. Proof of marital status if widowed or divorced. The paperwork can be a bit tricky having to deal with the General Registry and having documents notarized. But don’t worry, we can take care of all of this for you. Ceremony: Start by choosing a romantic location. We’ll work with you to plan the decorations, catering and arrange for a photographer, vidoegrapher and beauty preparations. The ceremony can be conducted by a non-denominational Justic of the Peace or my a religous minister (several religons are represented in Belize). Suggestions: There are not many bridal shops in Belize, so bring your wedding attire. It's always a good idea to be inlove, we'll take care of the rest.
Belize Honeymoons & Anniversaries
After the perfect wedding, a spectacular honeymoon awaits. Or, you can consider celebrating your wedding anniversary in Belize as well. There are many things you can do with your Belize honeymoon so planning your vacation all depends on what you want to see and do. One of the first decisions you have to make is picking which destination you'd like to visit. Many couples opt for a jungle and beach combination, spending a few nights in a jungle lodge and then moving on to a nice resort on the beach. However you can very well spend your entire honeymoon on the beach, so really it all depends on you. Probably the most popular jungle destination for honeymooners is the Cayo district. Some of the top luxury jungle lodges here are Blancaneaux Lodge & Chaa Creek Resort. Hidden Valley Inn is a nother beautiful jungle lodge where you actually have a private picnic beside your very own waterfall. If you're an adventurous couple that enjoys exploring deep caves and rappelling down 400 foot cliffs then you can consider Caves Branch Jungle Lodge. If you want an absolutely secluded and serence atmoshpere in one of the wildest jungles in Belize you can stay at Chan Chich Lodge, which is nestled in 150, 000 acre private reserve in Orange Walk. On the other hand, the most popular beach destination for honeymooners in Belize is Ambergris Caye. If you want to be close to the bars, restaurants and shops in San Pedro Town you can pick one of the resorts nearby like Ramon's Village Resort or Xanadu Island Resort. If you prefer more seclusion stay at one of the resorts north or sough of town such as Victoria House or Mata Chica Resort. If money is not an options you can be completely pampered at Azul Resort or on the private island of Cayo Espanto, which is just behind Ambergris Caye. Placencia is another popular beach destination for couples. Turtle Inn is a gorgeous thatched roof resort on the beach. If you prefer the comforts of a villa you can try The Inn at Robert's Grove. If you want a beach destination that is more off the beathen path you can consider Kanantik Resort south of Dangriga, or Pelican's Pouch Resort on Southwater Caye. This by no means covers all the destinations and resorts that would work for a honeymoon, but it's a good place to start. Most resorts will take special care of couples on their honeymoon so be prepared to get pampered.
If you want good dining and maybe some nightlife, that will affect your decision on where to go and where to stay. Most luxury resorts will have a great restaurant and bar, however if you want options you need to stay in a resort close to a town. San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye has a great selection of bars and restaurants. Dining ranges from a barbecue on the beach to a 3 course meal at a classy restaurant. You can cool off with a cold beer during the day and at night you'll find live bands and even a nightclub for some dancing. Maybe this is why Ambergris Caye is so popular with couples. Placencia is more laid back and has several restaurants and bars to choose from. There is a small and intimage Italian restaurant on the beach where the chef is from Rome, so the food is authentic. Or head over to Sugar Reef and catch a beatiful sunset over the lagoon and then sing some kareoke. Most other beach destinations other than these 2 will not offer little to no dining and nightlife options. Also, most jungle lodges are secluded but usually have great food and drinks.
The possiblities for tours and activities are vast. Soft adventures in the jungle include visiting a Maya Ruin or horseback riding to a waterfall. You'll find a lot of Maya ruins around the Cayo district such as Caracol, Xunantunich and Tikal if you venture into Guatemala. Mountain Pine Ridge has a lot of waterfalls. Of course if you want some adrenaline you can kayak over white water rapids or hike deep into caves littered with Mayan artifacts. Actun Tunichil Muknal cave should not be missed if you like adventure. On the beach, of course there is the ever popular snorkeling or diving on the Barrier Reef. Some snorkeling tour are aboard a catamaran sailing boat which make the trip even more fun. There are also sunset cruises aboard sailboats which are quite romantic. Aside from classical tours other activities you can do to heat things up might include a massage (some resorts have spas), a private candlelite dinner (on the beach for example) or you can even hire a band to serenade your significant other.
The possibilities for romantic encounters in Belize are endless. The sun and humidity of the tropics have a way of warming up that love between couples. The beautiful sceneries, romantic resorts and overall relaxed atmosphere of Belize are sure to make your honeymoon or anniversary one to remember.
Where to Go
The country provides a variety of beautiful natural backdrops where you can escape for a memorable wedding or romantic honeymoon. Each destination offers its unique natural setting, whether it’s lush rainforests or tropical islands.
San Ignacio: The natural beauty of the pine and broadleaf forests areound this area, along with its many natural attractions, provide a perfect romantic atmosphere. Enjoy a massage with your partner or lounge in a hot tub at sunset. For weddings you can tie the knot at the base of an ancient Mayan temple or beside a majestic waterfall.
Ambergris Caye: This island is probably the most popular with couples, who range from young honeymooners to retired couples who come to renew their vows. Beaches and lazy palms set the ideal tropical island backdrop. For weddings, the ever popular barefoot beach ceremony at sunset can't be beat. For a beatutiful private island experience with immaculate service and privacy consider Cayo Espanto resort.
Caye Chapel: Although this private island resort is primarily known for its golf, the share opulence and luxury of the property provides the perfect backdrop for a spectacular wedding. The entire island can be reserved for you and your friends and family. After the wedding, you can explore other destinations in the country for your honeymoon.
Placencia: Some of the most beautiful beaches in the country make this perfect backdrop for an exotic beach wedding. One resort even comes with its own beach chapel. Imagine waking up in the morning to the sounds of waves crashing on the beach. Several deserted tropical islands line its coast where you can also say “I do”. If you're planning a honeymoon or anniversary, this is a great destination to consider as well.
Caye Caulker: This island is cloaked with an air of tranquility and relaxation. It provides an ideal setting if you are looking for a low-key and laid-back wedding or honeymoon. You can also find better deals here, than its island cousin, Ambergris Caye.
Sailing Charters: A great way to spend your honeymoon or anniversary is on a romantic sailing trip exploring Belize's coastline. You may bareboat or be pampered by a fully crewed charter. You can do an entire honeymoon on the sailboat or add a few days in the sea to your vacation on land. Charter companies include TMM Yacht Charters and Aubisque Catamaran Charters.
