St. Lucia, a 27 mile long mango shaped island in the Winward Islands of the Lesser Antilles, is truly a paradise. Surrounded by the Caribbean Sea on the West, and the Atlantic Ocean on the East, St. Lucia’s twin mountain peaks, the Pitons, rise 2,000 feet above sea-level. The island is home to many beautiful rain forests, and home to the beautiful and elusive St. Lucia Parrot.
The island was the subject of heated war between the French and the British for over a century, with both attempting to make it a colony. St. Lucia became an independent member of the British Commonwealth in 1979, but the island retains a strong attachment to its French culture (most evident in the beautiful lilting accent, and the delicious rich Creole cuisine).
The most often-heard saying in St. Lucia is “no pressure, no problem.” This slogan, emblazoned across t-shirts, and other souvenir items, is a true way of life on the gorgeous island. This is the place for you if you want to be pampered in a true island paradise, if you want to snorkel in outstanding reefs, laze about on white-sand shores, see amazing creatures in lush rain forests (the native islanders call St. Lucia the Island of the Iguana), and sip on delicious tropical drinks made with St. Lucia’s award winning locally distilled rum.
Travel Considerations:
- Passports are required for all travelers, with the exception of US and Canadian residents. These visitors are allowed with a valid return ticket and picture ID, as long as they are staying for 6 months or less.
- Currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, but US Dollars are widely accepted on the Island. (US $1 = approximately EC $2.65
- The commonly spoken language is English, but a French-based patois is also prevalent.
- St. Lucia's temperature ranges from 65-85 degrees (Fahrenheit) from December to May and 75-95 degrees from June to November.
- You will be responsible for an EC $35 departure tax per person before leaving the Island. At the St. Lucian airport they say, “if you don’t pay then you stay!”
- Time in St. Lucia is US Eastern Standard Time plus one hour
- The two airports on St. Lucia are Vigi Airport in the north, and Hewanorra Airport in the South. There are also several seaports, one accommodating cruise ships. Please check with your local International Airport for flights and connecting airports.
Where to Stay:
St. Lucia offers a large variety of accommodations to visitors, including Hotels & Resorts (including several all-inclusive resorts), Inns, Guest Houses and Villas. Please visit The St. Lucia Tourist Board’s site for more information.
Weddings:
Most of the accommodations on the island offer wedding packages, but the following offer special wedding packages: Anse Chastanet, Club St. Lucia, Green Parrot Inn, Le Sport, Royal St. Lucian, Sandals St. Lucia, Sandals Halcyon, Rex St. Lucian, and Windjammer.
Documents Required/What you will pay:
-Passport
-Birth Certificate
-Proof of Divorce/Death Certificate of former spouse (if applicable)
-A sworn, notarized parental affidavit if under 18
-Deed Pool, if changing names
-You MUST be on the island for at least two business days (time for solicitor to file application with Attorney General)
-Notarial Fees & Marriage License - EC$302.50
-Registrar Fees - EC$120.00
-Marriage Certificate - EC$8.00
Weddings (Church and outside of Churches) can be preformed within 5 days of arrival if all procedures are followed. It is best to check with your resort/hotel to see if they can assist you in planning ahead.
For more information on St. Lucia including the phone numbers/websites of your local St. Lucia tourist board, please visit the Official Website of St. Lucia’s Tourist Board
No comments:
Post a Comment