The Complete Guide to Planning a St. Kitts & Nevis Wedding

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Getting married in Caribbean surroundings is truly dreamy, and couples have no shortage of options from Aruba to Jamaica. Yet, a St. Kitts wedding offers a chance for a more secluded affair. Ditto for a Nevis wedding.

The dual island found in the West Indies, commonly called St. Kitts and Nevis, is home to misty mountains, colorful tropical flowers and, of course, plenty of beachfront locations. In short, a destination wedding in St. Kitts and Nevis can be a scenic affair. In fact, the seemingly untouched beaches, reefs and rainforests—combined with a quiet luxury resort scene—make Nevis home to some of the best destination weddings. Stunning as the "Queen of the Caribbees" is, don't sleep on St. Kitts. The larger of the two nations is home to lively nightlife, shopping, dining and Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park. Yet, it still manages to keep quiet.

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Like any jet-setting soiree, you'll need to navigate some additional to-do's on your way to saying, "I do," in an unforgettable destination wedding in St. Kitts and Nevis. For instance, you'll likely need to lean more heavily into digital portfolios and online reviews when deciding between St. Kitts and Nevis wedding venues and vendors. There's also the matter of ensuring your ceremony is legally binding. St. Kitts and Nevis destination wedding planners can help you sort out all those details. However, this comprehensive guide to a St. Kitts and Nevis destination wedding will jumpstart your planning.

Why Couples and Wedding Guests Love St. Kitts and Nevis Weddings

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A St. Kitts and Nevis wedding offers many of the same perks as Caribbean hotspots—sand, sea and sun—but quieter and more laidback atmospheres. Nevis, in particular, is lauded for its natural beauty and remote appeal. "Remote" doesn't mean boring, though. Guests and couples will have plenty to do between parties, from lounging on pristinely-kept beaches to wandering rainforests and horseback riding in between. Hiking part of or summiting Nevis Peak (3,200 feet) is another potential itinerary item—or just enjoy the view from below. A trip to the quiet Lover's Beach seems appropriate for a destination wedding, doesn't it?

St. Kitts is the larger of the two islands and generally has more crowds without losing its off-the-beaten-path feel. A fun nightlife scene and plenty of opportunities for nature-based excursions like zip-lining and hiking appeal to all kinds of to-be-weds.

On either island, couples and guests can delight in some unexpected additions to the headcount, like wild donkeys and monkeys that inhabit the island.

Pro tip: Invite a destination wedding travel expert to join your vendor team. Browse travel agents near you on The Knot Vendor Marketplace for St. Kitts and Nevis wedding expertise, group hotel blocks, flight arrangements and more.

The Best Places to Get Married in St. Kitts and Nevis

When you think "Carribean destination wedding," your mind may instantly drift to toes-in-the-white-sand ceremonies. And those are certainly on the table when getting married in St. Kitts and Nevis. However, the dual island's diverse landscape boasts other worthy options.

Mount Liamuiga

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Mount Liamuiga, a dormant volcano in the northwestern part of St. Kitts, provides a stunning backdrop for daring pairs. At 3,792 feet, it's the tallest misty peak in St. Kitts and Nevis and one of the highest in the eastern Caribbean. When not saying "I do" and dancing with the mountain in view, couples and guests can hike on it, experiencing tropical plants and trees on their way to the top (or turnaround spot). Guided hikes are available.

Banana Bay

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Beachside soiree options are aplenty in St. Kitts and Nevis, but is there anything more tropical-sounding than "Banana Bay?." Set in the south of St. Kitts, Banana Bay's crystal-clear waters and sugary sands are quintessentially Caribbean. It's a haven for sunbathers and adventurers alike (and especially for those looking for a blend of the two). The area's resorts offer beach access, and pairs can lounge on the soft sands or dip their toes in the warm, glistening Caribbean waters. Dive in further by snorkeling and exploring the beauty that lurks below.

Nevis Peak

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Escape to the remote Nevis for beachfront and mountain vistas. Venues near Nevis Peak offer up-close looks at the potentially active volcano, the island's tallest point. (If it makes you feel any better, it hasn't erupted since the prehistoric days). It's possible to hike or even cycle the trails, giving couples and their guests a way to take in Nevis' natural beauty during downtime. Summiting is considered challenging, but it is a goal for more advanced hikers because of the unbelievable views below and the cloud forest at the top. Yet, many hikers can enjoy a short walk through the tropical fauna and perhaps spot an African green vervet monkey.

Pro tip: As you consider your wedding location, remember your newlywed vacation. Plan an amazing St. Kitts and Nevis honeymoon with our complete guide.

The Top St. Kitts and Nevis Destination Wedding Venues

Photo: Park Hyatt St. Kitts

St. Kitts and Nevis wedding venues offer gorgeous backdrops that play into the dual-island's natural beauty. Many are located within hotels and resorts, streamlining planning and negating the need for additional transportation. St. Kitts and Nevis has its fair share of chain and boutique spots, so couples can choose between trusted brands and bespoke, one-of-a-kind locations. Some places may offer St. Kitts and Nevis wedding packages with amenities and perks, like planning services and select decor.

Four Seasons Resort Nevis, Nevis

A five-star luxury retreat beside Pinney's Beach and near Nevis Peak, Four Seasons Resort Nevis is an upmarket choice for a wedding. Rooms with poppy colors instantly put guests in a happy state of mind, and suites, villas and guesthouses offer plenty of space for getting ready. A spattering of restaurants, three outdoor pools and a spa will keep couples and guests plenty satisfied, busy and relaxed. Ceremony and reception sites include a private villa, golf course and beachfront setting. Wedding planners provide white-glove service, ensuring your day is absolute perfection. Numerous packages include perks like decor, photography and even spa treatments.

Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour, St. Kitts

Set in Banana Bay, Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour is dripping in out-of-this-world amenities. Think suites with rooftop pools and sundecks and villas with private gyms—your wedding party will adore getting ready and gathering in these spaces. Couples can choose between five indoor and outdoor venues for their big day that offer vistas and backdrops like the golden beach, sparkling Caribbean Sea and charming gardens. A full-service planning team will help you choose your venue, pick decor options like floor-length linens and a stay in the honeymoon suite with a plunge pool. Packages and bespoke options are available.

Mount Nevis Hotel, Nevis

A laidback hideaway with whitewashed rooms splashed with colorful decor, Mount Nevis Hotel is a true tropical escape. Many rooms include balconies ripe for taking in Caribbean breezes, and it's not far from the sun-kissed Oualie Beach. Weddings epitomize Caribbean magic. Say "I do" with the mountains of St. Kitts in the distance. Ceremonies can take place in a landmark 200-year-old church built by Thomas John Cottle, once the president of Nevis. Packages are available for two-person elopements to larger affairs and include planning services.

Pro tip: Once you've decided on your wedding venue, send out destination wedding save-the-dates with important info so your guest can book the time off and start thinking about travel plans.

St. Kitts and Nevis Wedding Legal Requirements

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A St. Kitts and Nevis wedding is a site to see. You'll also want to make sure that you have a legally-binding ceremony. It's possible to have one on the dual-island, but some couples may choose to tie the knot at home first legally. A St. Kitts and Nevis wedding planner or event coordinator can help you sort out the details of how to get a marriage license in St. Kitts and Nevis and ensure all the legal requirements are fulfilled. Here's what to know about the legal aspects of getting married in St. Kitts and Nevis.

Legal Weddings vs. Symbolic Weddings

Couples having a destination wedding in St. Kitts and Nevis can host a legal or symbolic ceremony. Some couples may choose the symbolic route because it's more straightforward. This process involves getting married in your hometown in the US before jetting off for a symbolic wedding in St. Kitts and Nevis in front of your nearest and dearest. However, getting married legally in St. Kitts and Nevis is possible if you're willing to jump through a few more hoops, including a residence requirement.

Required Legal Documents

Couples will want to ensure they have all the necessary documents to get married in St. Kitts and Nevis. These documents include:

• A valid passport or birth certificate with a photo ID
• A notarized affidavit confirming single status (if never married) or a former partner's death certificate or notarized divorce decree (if previously married)
• Letters from home ministers/priests confirming that the couple is not married (if having a religious ceremony)
• Letter from home priest confirming that the couple received instruction (if having a Roman Catholic wedding)

Legal Marriage Timeline

Couples must be in St. Kitts and Nevis for two working days before their wedding ceremony. Both parents must be on hand to fill out before a Justice of the Peace. Couples must present all of the necessary documents, with notaries as required. The affidavit confirming a person's single status can be notarized in the US or St. Kitts and Nevis. The divorce decree must be in English or translated to it.

Couples will pay applicable fees and are then free to marry in St. Kitts and Nevis legally.

Legal Marriage Cost

Couples must pay a $20 fee to complete application forms before a Justice of the Peace. A marriage license costs $80 in Nevis and $200 in St. Kitts.

St. Kitts and Nevis Wedding Planning Tips

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Figuring out the legal requirements? Check, done. Whether you've decided on a symbolic or legal ceremony, rest assured a destination wedding in St. Kitts and Nevis will be an unforgettable experience. Planning is part of the fun. From getting there and around to choosing vendors, here's what to know about pulling off a flawless Caribbean soiree.

How to Get to St. Kitts and Nevis

Getting to St. Kitts and Nevis is fairly straightforward, especially for couples living in the Northeast or South. Getting from New York City or Atlanta to St. Kitts and Nevis in under five hours on a nonstop flight is possible. West Coast travelers will have longer treks—and likely layovers. It's about 12 hours with a connecting flight.

Once there, couples and guests can get from point A to point B via taxis, but those can get pricey. A rental car (or bike) gives travelers the most freedom. People can also hop from St. Kitts to Nevis via a 45-minute ferry ride, which runs frequently.

Best Months to Marry in St. Kitts and Nevis

St. Kitts and Nevis enjoy tropical weather year-round—expect temperatures between 72 and 87 degrees. While the weather is consistently warm, St. Kitts and Nevis is home to hurricane season from about June to November. Your best bet for a dry, sunny day is a date in December or January through May. The good news? Those months are frigid in many US states, so pairs can escape the cold and tie the knot all at once—a win-win.

Choosing Your St. Kitts and Nevis Wedding Venue and Vendors

Though St. Kitts and Nevis is a relatively short flight from many areas of the US, you'll still likely be planning from afar. Modern technology has made that easier—platforms like Zoom let you speak with vendors and event coordinators at venues face-to-face. When planning a wedding closer to home, couples can often rely on friends and family for referrals.

When planning a far-flung affair, consider asking the venue staff for recommendations—they've likely worked with many pros and can speak to their quality of work and professionalism. St. Kitts and Nevis destination wedding planners can also help you navigate this space. Regardless, looking at portfolios and reading online reviews from other couples is always a good idea to get a feel for previous work.

Budgeting Tips

What's the destination wedding cost in St. Kitts and Nevis? It's a common question without a straightforward answer. Like any wedding, many factors play into the final price tag—from venue and season choices to final headcount. Generally, weddings in St. Kitts and Nevis can range from $5,000 to $20,000, which is lower than the average cost of a US wedding.

Staying within budget can be one of the more challenging parts of planning a wedding, but couples often have options. For instance, St. Kitts and Nevis wedding packages may offer bang-for-your-buck bundles, such as built-in vendors and planning services. Pairs may also opt to let the dual islands' natural beauty do the talking and go lighter on decor.

Pro tip: Set up a free destination wedding website on The Knot with all the event details including your wedding itinerary, things to do, guest travel information, RSVPs and more.