Island Weddings

Island Weddings

It's no wonder so many couples want to exchange their vows in Bermuda. For starters, this subtropical paradise has loads of pink beaches -- and little red tape. Factor in easy access from the United States; a well-established infrastructure that includes English-speaking wedding personnel; and a remarkably high romance quotient (the island even has an honest-to-goodness Lover's Lane!) and you can understand why Bermuda is an ideal spot to tie the knot.

There are more than 100 places of worship on the island and you can be married in most of them. Two of the prettiest churches, especially for a small wedding, are Christ Church (Church of Scotland/Presbyterian) in Warwick Parish and St. Paul's (Church of England/Anglican) in Paget Parish. If you prefer to wed in a natural setting, you can choose from a nearly endless number of lovely locations, including beaches, gardens, parks, and the gorgeous grounds of historic properties. If you wish to bring your own minister to perform the ceremony, you need permission from the Department of Immigration. Civil weddings take place in the Marriage Room at the Registrar's office -- a surprisingly attractive venue.

Want to add some local flavor to the festivities? Follow Bermudian tradition by serving two wedding cakes. In this part of the world the groom's cake is plain, often a pound cake, wrapped in gold leaf to symbolize prosperity. The multitier bride's cake is a dark fruitcake wrapped in silver leaf to symbolize purity. A cedar seedling, placed atop one of them, is later planted by the couple to represent their growing love. Another tradition is for the bride and groom to walk hand-in-hand beneath a Bermuda moongate -- an archway made of limestone and coral usually found at the entrance to gardens. It's said that all who do so are assured everlasting luck. Afterward, it's customary for the couple to travel on to their honeymoon destination in a classic horse-drawn carriage.

If you're dreaming of a full-service wedding, it's a good idea to contact a local coordinator to handle the legalities and logistics. Knowledgeable wedding consultants at Bridal Suite (441/292-2025. www.bridalsuitebermudaweddings.com) the Wedding Salon (441/292-5677. www.bermudaweddingsalon.com) Bermuda Bride (441/232-2344. www.bermudabride.com) can help you plan the perfect day. Several of the larger hotels also have their own in-house coordinators. You'll need to request a "Notice of Intended Marriage" form from the Registrar General's Office and file it at least four weeks prior to the wedding. Obtain one by calling 441/297-7709 or download a copy at www.bermudatourism.com.