Frequently Asked Questions - Bermuda Weddings

Q: WHY MARRY IN BERMUDA INSTEAD OF ANOTHER ISLAND?

A: Because it is so easy! Bermuda is one of the most romantic, breathtakingly beautiful islands in the world with renowned soft pink sand beaches. Bermuda is a safe, secluded haven with friendly people who will always provide you with a smile and a greeting of either “good morning” or “good afternoon”. This lovely island of Bermuda is like no other, a jewel in the Atlantic Ocean. Bermuda is also less than two hours from the Atlantic seaboard (New York, Boston).

Q. IS OUR MARRIAGE LEGAL?
A. Yes, your marriage is legal worldwide. The Bridal Suite will airmail your official Marriage Certificate with a raised seal within 30 days after your wedding. Expected arrival time 6 weeks by airmail from date of wedding.

Q: CAN THE BRIDAL SUITE MAKE HOTEL/AIR/CRUISE ARRANGEMENTS FOR US TO REACH BERMUDA?
A. Yes. Our travel agents can assist you with your travel plans. They are familiar with Bermuda’s resorts, large and small, and also arrange cruises to Bermuda.

We also recommend you contact the Bermuda Department of Tourism in Bermuda and ask them to send you a booklet called “Where to Stay” which has listings and photos with amenities of all the properties in Bermuda – website: www.bermudatourism.com. Another website to look at would be the Bermuda Hotel Association website: www.bermudareservation.net.

Q. WHAT AIRLINES FLY DIRECT TO BERMUDA?
A. Bermuda is serviced by a number of airlines with direct service by Air Canada from Toronto and Halifax (seasonal), British Airways from London England and various airlines in the US direct from New York, Atlanta, Boston, Baltimore, Newark and Philadelphia.

Q. WE ONLY HAVE A FEW DAYS AVAILABLE TO BE IN BERMUDA. IS THERE A LENGTH OF STAY REQUIRED BEFORE WE CAN MARRY?
A. No. You do not need to be in Bermuda for any number of days prior to your wedding day. We handle all your legalities (filing of your Notice of Intended Marriage) prior to your wedding. You can arrive and marry on the same day and leave the next if you wish.

Q. DO WE NEED BLOOD TESTS?
A. No blood tests are required in Bermuda prior to marrying. Bride & Groom on the beach

Q. WHAT LEGAL DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED TO MARRY IN BERMUDA?
A. Please download the Notice of Intended Marriage application form from our Table of Contents. The Notice can be also obtained from the Registrar’s office and the Bermuda Dept.of Tourism website www.bermudatourism.com. Complete the Notice in detail (see instructions under “Marriage License Requirements/Instructions”) and send by airmail, express mail or Federal Express courier to The Bridal Suite for filing. Enclose with the Notice a US cashiers/bank draft/check or international money order payable to the Accountant General for US$267 ($243 Notice filing, $24 Marriage Certificate). Also enclose photocopies of final divorce decrees or death certificate, if applicable. Upon receipt, The Bridal Suite will file your Notice with the Registry Office. Your license will be issued 15 working days after your Notice has been filed and is valid for 3 months from the date of issue.

Q. ARE WITNESSES REQUIRED?
A. Yes, Bermuda law requires 2 witnesses to witness and sign your marriage certificate, who must be 18 years of age or older. The Bridal Suite will provide witnesses for you if necessary.

Q. CAN WE MARRY IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH?
A. Yes visitors to Bermuda can marry in the Catholic Church. divorced persons cannot marry in the Catholic Church. There are stringent rules which must be adhered to prior to the marriage. Please view their website for further information at www.dobcc.bm. The church fees in US dollars for a Catholic church wedding is: Church fee $750, stipend for the priest $150 plus $500 for the Diocese Ministries. Prices are subject to increases. Catholic priests do not perform outdoor ceremonies, only marriages within the Catholic church.

Q. CAN WE HAVE AN OUTDOOR CIVIL CEREMONY?
A. Civil ceremonies are only performed indoors at the Registrar General’s offices in Hamilton by either the Registrar General, the Assistant Registrar General or the Acting Registrar General. A non-denominational ceremony can be performed outdoors by a minister. There are no Justices of the Peace in Bermuda.

Q. CAN I BRING MY OWN MINISTER, PRIEST, RABBI, TO MARRY ME oR MY OWN PHOTOGRAPHER?
A. Yes, but your clergy must complete a Marriage Officer License application form obtained from the Registry Office and also obtain permission from the Bermuda Department of Immigration. Registry Office (441) 297-7706; Bermuda Department of Immigration (441) 297-7940. Work permits must be required for services who fly into Bermuda to perform a service.

Q. WHAT ABOUT GRATUITIES? IS IT APPROPRIATE TO TIP?
A: Gratuities are always appreciated by those services, who have helped to make your wedding day special and have provided excellent service. Some services to consider are:

Minister
Photographer
Videographer
Taxi drivers
Horse & Carriage
Pastry Chef
Florist
your coordinator

In Bermuda a 15% gratuity is automatically applied to restaurant/hotel bills.

Q. WHAT HAPPENS IN CASE OF INCLEMENT WEATHER ON MY WEDDING DAY OR HEAVEN FORBID A HURRICANE?
A. If weather happens to turn inclement just before your wedding, your ceremony will be held at your minister’s church or a hotel location for a small fee, if available. A tent rental is also advised if you are concerned about a threat of rain. But, let the weather be the least of your worries and don’t let it hamper your special day if it happens to rain. Showers come and go intermittently. Hurricane season officially begins mid June to mid October. As Bermuda is not in the Caribbean, hurricanes are not a large threat as in other islands. Since 1987 until the present, Bermuda has only experienced four major hurricanes.

Q. WHAT IF OUR SHIP DOESN’T COME INTO PORT?
A. We would recommend you purchase travelers/wedding insurance through your insurance company. The Bridal Suite does not provide a refund but will honor a rescheduling of your wedding for another day of your choice provided services are available. Keep in mind certain services such as flowers will need to be reordered.

Q. WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN BERMUDA?
A. Bermuda is a semi-tropical island. We enjoy a mild climate all year because of the warm Gulf Stream, but we do experience seasons although moderately. Our most hottest and humid months are from July to mid October with temperatures averaging 85F. Our winter months are from December to March, temperatures averaging 65F +. Bermuda doesn’t have an identifiable rainy season as rain falls evenly throughout the year. For a look at Bermuda’s weather pages, please view: www.bermudaweather.bm.

Q. WHAT TIME ZONE IS BERMUDA IN?
A. Bermuda is in Atlantic Standard time, which is 1 hour ahead of Eastern Standard time (New York, Boston, Toronto).

Q. CAN WE RENT TUXEDOS OR A WEDDING DRESS?
A. Tuxedo rentals are available but there are no wedding dress rentals. We recommend you bring your wedding attire in a garment bag as carry on luggage. Once in Bermuda, hang your dress up. The humidity should eliminate any wrinkles. You may wish to bring a small travel iron or steamer with you if you have concerns.

Q. CAN WE BRING OUR BRIDAL FLOWERS TO BERMUDA OR TAKE OUR FLOWERS BACK WITH US?
A. Not if they are fresh flowers – Bermuda customs does not allow entry of fresh flowers. Silk flowers are no problem. You will need to check with customs on your return to verify the importation policies of your country. We have had numerous brides who have taken their flowers back to the United States after their wedding in Bermuda.

Q. CAN WE BRING LIQUOR INTO BERMUDA WITH US?
A. Yes. You are allowed 1 bottle per person by Bermuda law.

Q. CAN CARS BE RENTED IN BERMUDA?
A. No. Taxis are available for hire as well as buses, ferries, horse & carriages or the rental of motor scooters. You need to be 16 years of age to rent a scooter and no license is required. Remember to be careful as our roads are narrow and winding and can be challenging to an inexperienced driver. We also drive on the left hand side of the road.

Q. WHAT CURRENCY IS USED IN BERMUDA?
A. The Bermuda dollar is equivalent in value to the US dollar. Either can be used. US travelers checks are also advisable, US dollars in cash and major credit cards (AMX, Visa, MC) are accepted in most establishments.

Q. WHEN IS PEAK SEASON IN BERMUDA?
A. Peak season in Bermuda begins in May through October where all hotels, restaurants, shops and sightseeing attractions are open all year round. Off season provides lower rates for hotels and air travel if you are on a budget.

Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE LOCAL CUSTOMS IN BERMUDA FOR WEDDINGS?
A. It is traditional to either arrive or depart in a horse & carriage on your wedding day. Some couples wish to marry under a moongate as legend has it if you walk through a moongate with your beloved, you will have good fortune and happiness throughout your lifetime. The Bridal Suite has a lovely Bermuda moongate made from Bermuda cedar with a 35 ft. white carpet with plants in stands on either side of the moongate. Traditionally two wedding cakes are made, one is a rum fruitcake for the bride covered in edible silver leaves; the groom’s pound cake is covered with 24 karat gold leaves.

Q. HOW DO I RESERVE MY WEDDING DATE?
A. You will provide and return the following to our office:

A non-refundable deposit of US$500 for groups up to 6, $1500 up to 25, $2500 up to 50, and $3500 for groups up to 100 payable by a US bank certified/cashiers chec/draft or credit card (MC, Visa, AMX). A service charge of 5% is applied if using a credit card. Your deposit is credited against your final total for services.
E-Mail (Via On-line Form) or Fax your Wedding Planner Worksheet & signed contract to our office. Once received, you will receive a formal letter of confirmation and we will begin the administration process. Contact us directly to receive a detailed Price List and Contract.

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