St Lucia Destination Wedding | Guide to Planning a Wedding in St Lucia

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There is endless inspiration when you choose to plan a St. Lucia destination wedding!! There’s the crystal clear beaches, the lush rainforests to explore, and mountains to hike that make for the ultimate adventure and relaxing wedding destination location. This St Lucia elopement guide includes all the info you need to know from sharing locations, activities to do, answering FAQs, and more!

Where is St. Lucia?

St. Lucia is part of the Caribbean Islands, and located more eastern out of the islands.

How to Get to St Lucia

There are 2 airports that are on St. Lucia:

Hewanorra International Airport (UVF): It’s located in Vieux Fort, in the south of the island. This is the primary airport for international flights and works with major airlines like Delta, British Airways, and American Airlines.
George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU): It’s located in Castries, near the capital city. This airport handles more regional flights, particularly from other Caribbean islands, but is a closer option for travelers heading to Sandals resorts in the area.

If you’re planning on renting a car and driving in St Lucia:

A temporary driver’s license is required, on top of your usual driver’s license. You can get a temporary driver’s license from the rental car company or a police station.
People drive on the left side of the road!!
As far as road conditions, expect narrow and winding roads with steep inclines, sharp turns, and potholes. There are also a lot of roundabouts, which can be confusing sometimes.
Be aware of pedestrians, buses, and wild animals (particularly dogs, chickens, and goats) as you’re driving too.

Why Should You Elope at St Lucia?

St. Lucia offers a variety of absolutely breathtaking landscapes from their crystal clear beaches, lush rainforests, and Piton mountains. All kinds of adventures and activities are offered on the island – or there are plenty of places to simply relax and take in the beauty.

FAQs About Eloping at St Lucia for a Destination Wedding

Do I need to live in or be from St. Lucia to get a marriage license?

No, you do not to be a resident of St. Lucia to obtain a marriage license. You will need to arrive to St. Lucia two business days prior to your wedding ceremony (excludes holidays). Although there are some circumstances where you could get married on the same-day as your arrival; however, it costs a bit more to do so.

What paperwork is required to obtain a marriage license in St. Lucia?

You will need to show a passport and a birth certificate. If applicable, you will also need a divorce decree, a death certificate if you were a widow, and/or a deed poll certificate.

How much does it cost to get a marriage license in St. Lucia?

It costs EC$335 if you apply for a marriage certifcate at least one day ahead of time. Otherwise, if you’re wanting to get married on the same day as your arrival, it costs EC$540. (EC = East Caribbean dollar, which is St. Lucia’s local currency).

Can we have a family member or friend perform the wedding ceremony?

Yes, you can have a friend or family member be a part of your wedding ceremony in St. Lucia. However, a government-appointed officiant, known as the Island Registrar, must conduct the official, legally binding part of the marriage ceremony.

Your chosen friend or family member cannot legally solemnize the marriage, but they can:

Participate in the ceremony: They can give a speech, share a reading (like a poem or prayer), or contribute in other meaningful ways.
Officiate a symbolic ceremony: If you choose to handle the legal aspects (obtaining your marriage license and certificate) in your home country, you can then have a symbolic ceremony where your friend or family member leads the proceedings as an officiant.

Legal vs. Symbolic Ceremony: Be clear about whether you are having a legally recognized marriage in St. Lucia or a symbolic ceremony with the legal portion handled elsewhere when talking with wedding planners and/or wedding venues.

Will we need a witness to get married for a St Lucia destination wedding?

Two witnesses are required for your St. Lucia wedding. You can ask either two guests to be your witness, two vendors (your photographer and videographer, for example), or you can ask two strangers that are hanging out near your ceremony. I’m always happy to sign your witness paper if you do not want any guests present at your elopement in St. Lucia too!

Best Locations for Your St Lucia Destination Wedding

St Lucia Resorts

While there are tons of resorts located on St Lucia, here are some I’d love to recommend —

Stonefield Villa Resort is an incredible option for an intimate St Lucia destination wedding. Each villa comes with its own pool, amazing views, and all the needed amenities. Check out their website here.

Sandals Resorts: There are 3 all-inclusive, adult-only Sandals resorts located in St Lucia. You are allowed to stay at one resort, but explore the other resorts with a shuttle bus running between each resort – meaning you have full access to 27 restaurants, 21 bars, 11 pools and the most friendly staff. Check out their website here.

Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort is known for its views of the Pitons and tropical rainforest with options to stay at a beach bungalow, a mountain cottage, or a private suite in their gardens. This resort is within walking distance (literal steps away!) from Sugar Beach. Check out their website here.

Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa offers tons of amenities, including walking distance of the beach, air conditioning, baby-sitters, and more. This resort also has a range of wedding packages and venues, including a dedicated wedding area. Check out their website here.

Windjammer Landing Resort is an all-inclusive resort with hillside villas, beach views, and multiple needed amenities. They offer a variety of wedding packages and venues, including beachfront locations and private villas for you and your guests. Check out their website here.

St Lucia Beaches

A lot of the resorts (such as the ones listed above) on St Lucia have private wedding venues directly on the beach to get married at whether it’s a legal ceremony or a symbolic ceremony. However, here are a few more beach options to get married on:

Reduit Beach
Sugar Beach
Pigeon Island

Best Time to Get Married in St Lucia

Weather: The best time to get married in St Lucia is generally during their dry season for an outdoor ceremony and celebrations, which is December through June. December through April, especially, has the best weather; but this also means a higher cost in traveling prices, accommodations, etc. to keep in mind. July through November is during hurricane season, which can cause rain and disruptions to your outdoor ceremony and/or celebrations; but it also means a lower cost within traveling prices, accommodations, etc.

Crowds: Due to a high volume of tourists in the winter and early spring months, May and June are the best time of year to avoid crowds while still getting to enjoy the dry season (with slightly more humidity). July through November also has smaller crowds due to the potential of hurricane season hitting (although St Lucia is generally spared from major hurricane damage).

Activities to Do For Your St Lucia Destination Wedding

Go on a sunset catamaran around the island for views along the coast, stopping at hidden coves and beaches.
Relax on the beach with a gorment picnic – such as at Sugar Beach, Anse Chastanet, or Marigot Bay
Go hiking: both Gros Piton and Petit Piton offers gorgeous panoramic views, or Tet Paul Nature Trail offers stunning views of the Pitons
Go ziplining through the rainforest in St. Lucia
Diamond Botanical Gardens: explore the beautiful gardens and waterfalls here
Enjoy a mud bath (that also has waterfalls!) at the Sulphur Springs
Take a ATV tour to explore the in-land areas of St. Lucia
Go snorkeling to see the amazing marine life in St. Lucia. Anse Chastanet is a great snorkeling spot!
Check out Castries Market, a local market for souvenirs and local produce
Go stargazing: St. Lucia is dark enough to be able to see the Milky Way

St Lucia Destination Wedding Photographer

Well hey there – if you didn’t know me already, I’m Emily! I’m a Destination wedding and elopement photographer. I spend a lot of time photographing adventure elopements of rad couples around the world.

If you’re looking for a photographer for your destination wedding in St. Lucia who will:

Photograph your beautiful destination wedding through storytelling photos that you can look back on for the rest of your life
Help you come up with your dream vision for your photos
Help you find activities in the local area to make your elopement intentional, unique, and memorable

…then I’m your person!!!

Visit my website to learn more about me, get to know my approach to photography, and then reach out to me if you think we’re a good fit. I cannot wait to hear from you and start planning your dream destination wedding!!