beachbunny

Hello! (my first time using Fodor forum (any forum!)hope this is right!)
My fiance and I are trying to choose between St. Barths or Anguilla to be married. (i understand all the various marriage requirements). We've never been to either island and we were hoping for some help in decision making
We will be hosting a small group of well traveled friends from USA, Europe & Dubai. Anguilla looks gorgeous and sounds very romantic. St. Barths looks gorgeous and sounds like a fun place - and our group loves a good party! My fiance & I have been together 10 yrs. so we already seem married! (And it's his 2nd wedding) So - we are mainly wanting a wonderful, fun, EXPERIENCE for our family and friends to feel a part of also. We don't all get to see each other that often, but we'll make the big trips for big occassions! We've also heard it can take a while to drive from place to place in St. Barths &/or Anguilla - would this be a problem for a group? Any help from all you very experienced Caribbean lovers on which paradise to choose would be really, really appreciated! Thanks so much!!!

A_Traveller

Both are terrific islands but they are as different from each other as night and day. First off, Anguill is a flat, arid and scrubby coral based island with some of the most fantastic sugar white sand beaches (35 in all) in the Caribbean. It is long and narrow (one main road traverses the entire length of the island. It takes about 40 minutes to go from one end to the other. There's very little traffic on the island so getting around is relatively easy if you use rental cars. Taxis are available but can get expensive. If you are travelling with a large group you probably want to rent a large van or 2 or more vehicles. It is a very quiet island that appeals to those wishing to relax on the beach during the day, have dinner at one of the islands 80+ restaurants then go to bed. There's very little shopping on the island - limited to t-shirts, souveniers and trinkets. It's not a "party" type of island and may be too quiet for your group.

St. Barth's is a hilly island with numerous smaller cove-like white and golden sand beaches, clear waters and all manner of watersports. The island has a definite European feel (think Paris of the Caribbean). The island is very French and boasts the greatest concentration of gourmet restaurants in the Caribbea, There's plenty of upscale chic fashion shopping. The island is among the most expensive in the Caribbean (although Anguilla is also on the pricey side). The island can be crowded in high season making it difficult to get around the main town of Gustavia. Once on the outskirts of town travelling gets easier. The island is relatively small and can be circumvented in about an hour. This is a very active island with lots of nightlife. Like Anguilla transportation is easiest if you use a rental car or van or take taxis (which can be expensive). From what you said, St. Barths might be the best location for you and your party loving friends.

elisemf

There are a lot of factors that I think you need to consider-- first of all, unless you are a French citizen, the requirements really are major-- including a one month minimum residency: you can check this out here:

http://www.st-barths.com/guidepgs/practical.html#

Anguilla is much more approachable from the requirements realities.


What time of year? Do you want to all stay together in one hotel or villa? Do you speak French? Will you need an on-island organizer? Are there children in your group?
What kind of celebration do you seek? a restaurant? Lastly, what is your budget?

I am very familiar with both these islands, and if you provide more information, I will be happy to make suggestions.

Barbara1

Anguilla is very easy to get married in. Very little needed.
and the beaches in Anguilla are beautiful.. a wedding on the beach would be heavenly.

escapetoo

beachbunny-Anguilla! We were married on the beach at Cap Juluca in November 2005. We had 50 friends and family with us - most stayed at Cap and a few (6) stayed at Rendezvous Bay ... it was AMAZING and so easy working with the lovely staff at CJ ... most of our guests (and my husband and I) made a long vacation of it - anywhere from 4 days to 2 weeks ... all of our guests still talk about how wonderful everything was

100dm

See all the beautiful beaches on my website www.iledestbarth.com and go to St. Barth.

Travcarib

We had our vows renewed in Anguilla and it was really amazing. We had a small beach ceremony at sunset and it was incredibly romantic. There are lots of different options for resorts in Anguilla so people could stay at different places. CuisinArt is a nice place to stay in you are a group. I have seen many small wedding parties there. We were at Cap Juluca too and it is much more of a quiet romantic feel.