St. Maarten/Anguilla "wedding"... help!

[missbonedoc]

Okay, I NEVER thought I would be posting on any sort of wedding message board, but it looks like people are so helpful here!

 

We are having somewhat nontraditional nuptials. I work 80 hours a week and didn't have time to plan a big destination wedding, but thought it would be a way to get around inviting too many people (we just couldn't draw the line between guest 4 and guest 400... so we're going with 4!)

 

When we first started looking into destination weddings, there was so much additional paperwork (and sometimes a waiting period) required that we decided to "make it official" at the courthouse in the States before we go to St. Maarten/St. Martin and Anguilla. Neither of us imagined a courthouse wedding, so we'd like a small faux ceremony on the beach mainly for the beautiful pictures! When we return to the States, we're having a bigger reception/party at the Conrad hotel.

 

Would really appreciate any input or recommendations!

 

-Has anyone gotten married on either island? Is there one you would recommend over the other for the pics? We're staying at the Radisson on St. Martin and CuisinArt on Anguilla.

 

- The wedding planners are quoting a few hundred dollars for the "ceremony" even though there's no paperwork required. Do we really need the coordinator or can we just go to any beach and start saying vows and taking pictures?

 

- Are there any photographers on the islands you recommend? There are a ton of US photogs that I love, but can't really justify $2500 to fly them down for a 1-hour wedding with 4 guests.

 

- The wedding coordinator also quoted me $200 for a bouquet. I'm not particular at all (and actually don't like flowers). Would I be able to find a bunch of fresh flowers on the island? I can bring my own ribbon to tie around the stems!

 

Thanks in advance for all your ideas!

[mlabbe]

Hi, welcome to the forum! There are tons of info on here about what you are looking for, I suggest looking into the posts or doing a search in the forum. Happy planning!

[~Angela~]

I've been to both St. Maarten/St Martin and Anguilla, and while the beaches in St. Maarten are beautiful, the untouched beaches of Anguilla are so incredibly amazing. I think you'll be happy with pictures at either place!

[becks1581]

Welcome to the forum. I've been to St Maarten once and it was absolutely gorgeous...you've picked a perfect location. This forum is a lifesaver...have fun planning!!

[Dmitri_Markine]

Welcome and happy Planning!!

[shellk]

hi,

congratulations.any wedding that is taking place automatically gets the wc.different resorts have different prices.you can just take your own flowers with you.the charge for the ceremony is to pay for the minister.even though there is no paperwork involved they still have to get someone in who knows what they are doing to read out your vows etc etc.you can have it however basic you want it.if you are getting married at the courthouse then do you not want the dw to be special?is the ahr not just for your party?just make sure you will have no regrets in what you arrange.at the mo you sound a little rushed and i wouldnt want you to think i aint got time to organise this when your wc arranges everything.does the resort have any wedding packages?sometimes this way works out cheaper?

[ML YoungLove]

Congrats and welcome to the forum! I would do a search, like suggested above, to find more info on the fabulous locations you chose. I am positive you will find exactly what you are looking for!! Happy planning!