*The official Aruba Brides CHAT thread*

[Sheree10]

Quote:

Originally Posted by hat0112 I actually already checked out the Renaissance and my date is booked (not willing to change it unless I absolutely HAVE to)! I also looked into the Occidental and my date was booked there too. The Divi/Tam isn't booked and so far it is high on my list. I am still waiting to here back from a few other resorts. I am finding out that it takes them a while to respond just like everyone has been saying so I guess I need to get used to it! So are any of you having your reception at another location? I heard that some brides are having the ceremony at one place and the reception at another. I am thinking about doing that, but I guess it will depend on what resort I go with.

I hope it all works out for you and you can secure a location soon. That must be a busy time of the year!

[hat0112]

I have narrowed down my choices! I am considering the Westin, Hyatt, Marriott, and Tamarijn. I think what would make this easier if I could decide if I want all inclusive or not. Both have there pro and cons. But Yeah! Only 4 now……

[Jessica&Adam]

Quote:

Originally Posted by hat0112 I have narrowed down my choices! I am considering the Westin, Hyatt, Marriott, and Tamarijn. I think what would make this easier if I could decide if I want all inclusive or not. Both have there pro and cons. But Yeah! Only 4 now……

I would go w/ the Hyatt. I am going there in May for my 1-year anniversary w/ DH. I know a bunch of people who have honeymooned there and they all say its fabulous. And on tripadvisor its the #1 hotel on Palm Beach!

Aruba Hotel Resorts -Hyatt Regency Resort & Casino- The Best Palm Beach Aruba Hotels

[hat0112]

Well I really like the Hyatt but I am still waiting to get information on their wedding packages. They have no pricing or package information online. I also need to know if my date is booked. I hope not though, that is top on my list, right above Marriott.

[MK1]

Hi,

I recieved some info from the Hyatt when I was considering last summer. Hopefully I'll attach correctly..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Civil Marriage Requirements.pdf

To the Registrar of Marriages in Aruba.pdf

Wedding Menus Information.pdf

Entertainment.pdf

[hat0112]

Thanks for your help! Unfortunately the site won't let me open any of the attachments up. But I have decided on a resort........... The Westin! My FI and I think it is the best choice. I am now waiting to hear from them about holding my wedding date. I can't wait till it is official!!

[beachbride7]

Hi ladies!

 

I am getting married in July 2010 and am debating between Mexico and Aruba. HELP! We are considering Aventurra Spa Palace in Mexico based on amazing reviews through this forum and tripadvisor.com along with more "bang for your buck."

 

However, I loooove to travel, and since I've been to Mexico before, I'd really like to try somewhere new. I'm a school teacher, so July is the perfect time for our wedding...but that also means hurricane season, which is why Aruba is a perfect choice when looking at the various islands in the Caribbean.

 

However, I am concerned about the legal requirements for getting married in Aruba. Is it true that a beach ceremony is not legal? I've read online that you have to go to a courthouse first and then have a symbolic ceremony on the beach. Do any of you have any more information on this? Also, which resort did you choose and why? I'm overwhelmed by all the choices!!! I can't decide whether to go the all-inclusive route or not...does anyone know how expensive meals are in most restaurants in Aruba?

 

Sorry for all the questions!!! Thanks for any and all advice!!

[hat0112]

Quote:

Originally Posted by beachbride7 Hi ladies! I am getting married in July 2010 and am debating between Mexico and Aruba. HELP! We are considering Aventurra Spa Palace in Mexico based on amazing reviews through this forum and tripadvisor.com along with more "bang for your buck." However, I loooove to travel, and since I've been to Mexico before, I'd really like to try somewhere new. I'm a school teacher, so July is the perfect time for our wedding...but that also means hurricane season, which is why Aruba is a perfect choice when looking at the various islands in the Caribbean. However, I am concerned about the legal requirements for getting married in Aruba. Is it true that a beach ceremony is not legal? I've read online that you have to go to a courthouse first and then have a symbolic ceremony on the beach. Do any of you have any more information on this? Also, which resort did you choose and why? I'm overwhelmed by all the choices!!! I can't decide whether to go the all-inclusive route or not...does anyone know how expensive meals are in most restaurants in Aruba? Sorry for all the questions!!! Thanks for any and all advice!!

First of all congrats on getting married! Aruba is a great island for many reasons and the fact that it is off the hurricane belt makes it better! My FI and I are getting married October 2010 at the Westin.

Yes it is true that the ceremony on the beach isn't legal. In Aruba you have to either get married at the courthouse (which has a lot of requirements and paperwork and you have to get a blood test in Aruba and pass to get married) or you can bring a marriage certificate with you. My FI and I decided on getting the marriage license at home and bring it. We both agree that we aren't married until the beach wedding. We didn't want to go through the hassle.

There are a ton of resorts to choose from in Aruba. There are AI, non AI and resorts with AI and non AI options. I think deciding that first will help. We narrowed down our choices to the ones that Apple Vacations recommended (the golden apple) and then our travel agent, and since we had a specific date for our wedding we ruled out resorts that had our date booked. We choose the Westin because it is a 4 star hotel with great prices, our date isn't booked and it offers AI or non AI. We loved that Westin offers both so it leaves the decision to our guests but my FI and I and most of our guests are doing AI.

Good luck with your planning!

[hat0112]

Sorry! I must have gotten myself confused! My cousin is having a DW in Mexico in April 2010 and she was telling me about the requirements to get married there.

[Dianna]

Good luck everyone with your planning!