Q: Is my marriage legal in other countries?
A:
Yes! You will receive a certified marriage certificate with the official
seal of the Bermuda Registrar General to show to your government offices.
Q: Can I get married in Bermuda if I have been
divorced?
A:
Yes, you must provide copies of your divorce decree when turning in your
Notice of Intended Marriage.
Q: How long does it take to get my marriage license?
A:
Once the Notice of Intended Marriage form and payment has been received by
the Registrar's office, the license will be issued in 15 working days. The
license is then valid for three months from date of issue.
Q: How do I make payment to the Registrar?
A:
Payment to the Registrar General should be made in US dollars, a money order
or cashier's check, and made payable to the Account General. No other form of
payment is accepted.
Q: Can I have a non-religious ceremony in Bermuda?
A: Yes, you can be married in the Registrar's office. There are no
Justice of the Peace in Bermuda and the Registrar can not perform marriages
outside the office. If you choose to have a ceremony in a different setting, a
minister will preside over the service.
Q: If I am Catholic, can I get married in Bermuda?
A: Yes, you can be married in Bermuda, however the Catholic priests of
Bermuda will not perform the ceremony outside the church and you can not be
married in a Catholic church unless you have family relations with a local
Catholic. The ministers that we work with do their best to accommodate you and
will alter their service to accommodate you and will alter their service to
incorporate religious beliefs.
Q: Can I get married in a church?
A: Yes,
although if you have been divorced most churches will not marry you without
prior counseling by the church officials.
Q: Where can I get married?
A: Bermuda
has a full compliment of scenic locations from which to choose. You may select a
garden wedding, ocean front sight, scenic dock on Harrington Sound, under a
moongate, motor yacht, sailboat, registrar's office, your hotel, etc. If you
have any ideas just let us know.
Q: What time zone is Bermuda in?
A: Bermuda
is in Atlantic Standard time. We are one hour ahead of east coast time.
Q: How do I make payment for services?
A:
Payment is accepted to Bermuda Wedding Associates in U.S. dollars or
equivalent. A fifty percent deposit is required at the time of booking with the
balance due one month prior to your arrival. Once you have paid Bermuda Wedding
Associates, we will pay all the vendors on your behalf. This makes for a very
relaxed wedding day. If you would like, we also accept Master Card, and Visa.
There is a small service charge for this service.
Q: Should I tip vendors in Bermuda?
A:
Tipping is entirely up to you and the standard is 15%. It is not, however,
expected by the vendors. If you feel that you have received exceptional service,
please feel free to tip accordingly.
Q: What if it rains on my wedding day?
A:
We strongly recommend a tent for your ceremony. We often get "liquid
sunshine" in Bermuda and a tent also helps with shading from the hot sun.
If you choose to have a tent, it will be delivered, erected and dismantled by
the rental company.
Q: What if I have to cancel my wedding?
A:
If you cancel your wedding for "unforeseen circumstances," i.e.
death in the family, more than one month prior to your wedding date, your money
will be refunded to you less $200. If you cancel your wedding for other reasons
more than one month prior to your wedding date, your money will be refunded less
$500. If you cancel your wedding less than one month prior to your wedding date,
your money will not be refunded.
Q: Do I need a witness for my wedding?
A:
Yes, Bermuda law requires that you have two witnesses to your marriage vows.
If you do not have witnesses, we can provide them for you.
Q: What are some of the local customs and traditions
in Bermuda?
A: Bermuda has many local customs and traditions. Many couples choose to
get married under a moongate, legend says that if you walk with your spouse hand
in hand through a moongate on your wedding day, it is good luck. Couples also
choose to take a romantic horse and carriage ride after their ceremony. It is
also a tradition to have fruit cake on your wedding day that has been soaked in
Bermuda Black Seal rum. The Bermuda Rum Swizzle drink is also very popular --
although, not for the faint hearted!
Q: Can I have music at my wedding?
A:Yes,
there is a large range of musicians available. You may choose from a full band,
a quartet, or a single instrument. Just let us know your preference. We can also
provide a portable CD player with your favorite wedding songs, i.e. Trumpet
Voluntary, Ave Maria, etc.
Q: Can I rent a tuxedo?
A: Yes,
tuxedo's are available, even with Bermuda Shorts if you like. Please provide
your measurements in advance.
Q: Does Bermuda Wedding Associates provide full range
wedding services that are not provided here?
A: Yes, the
information provided here is for the smallest of wedding gatherings. If you
would like to bring your family and friends to Bermuda for a holiday "Weekend
Wedding," we would be happy to help organize a full scale wedding including
the ceremony and reception. We have helped a number of couples with arranging
their wedding for guests up to 250 people. We would gladly help you plan your "Wedding
Weekend" down to the last detail. If you can dream it, we can do it.