Information provided by one of Bermuda’s premiere wedding consultants–Nicki Begg of Bermuda Bride. For further information, check her listing under Wedding Consultants in your Yellow Pages® or log-on to www.bermudabride.com

BE A BERMUDA BRIDE
No other place in the world combines beauty, sophistication and accessibility as naturally as Bermuda. Sunset cruises aboard splendid yachts, sunrise strolls along coral pink sand beaches, and midnight strolls through moonlit gardens. Bermuda is a tropical delight. All the services of our world renowned tourism industry are available and the weather is as accommodating as the people.

The island has an educated and affluent population who respect privacy and intimacy. In fact, many of the world’s celebrities visit for exactly this reason. Be it a wedding party of two or two hundred, Bermuda will feel like your private island paradise.

Bermuda is less than a two-hour flight from the U.S. east coast making travel for guests simple and convenient. It also means that any special or imported needs can easily be arranged.

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
Blood tests and health certificates are NOT required.

The Notice of Intended Marriage (pdf-36k) form must be completed in full and the original sent to your wedding planner or the Registrar General’s office.

Divorcees must provide copies of their final divorce decree or Decree Absolute with the Notice of Intended Marriage.

PUBLISHING THE “NOTICE OF INTENDED MARRIAGE”
The Registry staff publishes this notice in two of the local papers. A period of 15 days must elapse from the date of receipt of the notice by the Registry before the Registrar General may issue the license to marry. Parties to the intended marriage are NOT required to be resident during this time. The license to marry must be issued within three months of the receipt of the notice by the Registrar General and remains valid for three months from the date of issue.

ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS
As of this writing, the fee for a marriage application is $200.00. This covers the newspaper publications and license. Marriage certificates are available at an additional cost of $20.00 if ordered at the same time. Otherwise, an additional certificate is $36.

CALLING OF BANNS IN CHURCH FOR BRITISH SUBJECTS
Only British subjects resident in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland who intend to marry a British subject resident in Bermuda may have their banns called in Church. These banns would have to be called in their normal place of worship, and the banns of the British subject resident in Bermuda would be called in Bermuda. Thereafter, the couple may be married in Bermuda.

Note: where church marriage ceremonies are concerned, there are two points of importance.

• Divorced persons should be aware that they cannot be married in any of the Catholic churches in Bermuda. However, church weddings for divorcees can sometimes be arranged by special request with the minister concerned at other churches such as the Anglican, Methodist, Presbyterian, A.M.E., etc.
• It is possible for non-resident Roman Catholics to be married in certain Catholic Churches in Bermuda. Any non-resident couple wishing to be married in Bermuda should refer to the website of the Roman Catholic Church in Bermuda, www.dobcc.bm. On the website you will find a tab for "International Weddings" which clearly sets out what one has to do in order to comply with the criteria of the Roman Catholic Churches here in Bermuda. If further information or clarification is needed, please call the Roman Catholic Chancery Office at (441) 232-4414.

MINORS
All persons under the age of 21 must have the written consent of both parents, the surviving parent or legal guardian. There is space provided on the Notice of Intended Marriage form where the person(s) giving consent must sign.

Where the person(s) is not on the island, he must sign the form before a Notary Public or attach a written form of consent witnessed by a Notary Public, to the completed Notice of Intended Marriage.

Ask Bermuda Bride

What if I lose or need an extra Marriage Certificate?
Additional Certificates cost $20 if you have the Certificate Number or if ordered at the same time as the original Certificate. Otherwise, each additional Certificate is $36 (this fee is regulated by the Bermuda Government and is subject to change).

Is my marriage legal worldwide?
Within one month of your wedding, you will receive an official Marriage Certificate that is recognized and legal worldwide. However you may wish to register with your local town or City Hall.

How long must people be on the island before they can marry?
There is no required length of stay before or after marrying in Bermuda, however you must have completed the requirements spelled out in the Legal Requirements portion of this article.

Are witnesses required?
Two witnesses who are at least 18 years old must sign your marriage license. These can be supplied Monday through Friday at the Registrar’s office or through your Wedding Consultant–see your Yellow Pages®.

Where can I get married?
There are many, many breathtaking locations around the island. You may wish to be married in a lush garden setting, on a cliff top overlooking the South Shore, under a moongate, barefoot in the sand, on a luxury yacht, in the grounds of your hotel, or in the Registrar’s office.

Can I get married in a church?
There are many beautiful churches on the island that are available for a fee. If you are divorced most churches will not marry you without the Minister offering counseling prior to your marriage. Special restrictions apply to members of the Catholic church. See Legal Requirements section for details.

We wish to be married by a Rabbi, is that possible?
There are no rabbis resident in Bermuda. However a Bermuda Wedding Consultant can arrange the necessary paperwork for your rabbi to perform your ceremony.

Can I have a non-denominational ceremony in Bermuda?
You can either be married in the Registrar’s Office or if you choose to have a ceremony in a different setting, a minister will preside over the marriage service.

Can my fiancé rent formal wear in Bermuda?
A wide selection of tuxedos and morning suits are available. Your Wedding Consultant can assist you with arrangements. You can also consult the Yellow Pages® under the heading Formal Wear