Plan a Dream-Come-True Turks and Caicos Wedding

When you think of a Pinterest-worthy Caribbean beach wedding, Turks and Caicos is definitely a location that comes to mind. With its picturesque settings and vistas so vibrant they look unreal, it's no wonder couples choose to say "I do" in a Turks and Caicos wedding. After all, a Turks & Caicos destination wedding sets the scene for a day you'll cherish for a lifetime.

Technically an archaeological, Turks and Caicos is home to some of the best Caribbean islands and access to one of the largest barrier reef systems on the planet. You and your guests can enjoy underwater adventures in between parties. Resorts often have spas and stylish restaurants.

Though the celebration can be lively, as with all weddings, planning can be tricky. There are so many things to consider, including the best destination wedding location, the legalities of getting married there, and all of the logistics of planning, including transportation and weather.

To help with that, we tapped Keisha L. Delancy, principal and destination wedding specialist for Destination Turks and Caicos, to answer all of our questions. Keep scrolling for expert tips on how to have your version of one of the best destination weddings ever.

Turks and Caicos Wedding Tips in this Article:

• Why Couples and Guests Love Turks and Caicos Weddings
• The Best Places to Get Married in Turks & Caicos
• The Top Turks and Caicos Wedding Venues
• Turks and Caicos Wedding Legal Requirements
• Turks and Caicos Wedding Planning Tips

Why Couples and Guests Love Turks and Caicos Weddings

There are so many reasons why the Turks and Caicos Islands are a go-to destination wedding location for couples. According to Delancy, the top reasons include the islands' year-round tropical weather, the awe-inspiring white-sand beaches (including the award-winning Grace Bay Beach), the vibrant culture, the delicious food and the friendly locals.

Turks & Caicos, she adds, is also an easy destination to travel to—weekly direct flights arrive from various cities in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

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

The Best Places to Get Married in Turks & Caicos

Photo: Debbie Ann Powell/Shutterstock

There is no shortage of beautiful beachfront spots to have your wedding ceremony and wedding reception in Turks & Caicos. Here are some of the top picks to put on your radar.

The Island of Providenciales

Turks & Caicos has many natural landscapes that serve as perfect destination wedding backdrops. Delancy tells us the most popular place to get married in Turks & Caicos is the island of Providenciales. "It offers a variety of venues, from budget-friendly spots to more extravagant luxury weddings," she says. "[Couples] have the option of various beaches, villas, resorts and luxury boats."

The Island of Grand Turk

"The island of Grand Turk is rich in history, with its nicely kept salt ponds, historic Anglican churches that are more than 100 years old, and the breathtaking Governor's Beach," Delancy says. "While this island caters primarily to couples on cruise ships, it is idyllic for couples who desire intimate weddings or wish to be a little further away from Providenciales."

The Private Islands of Parrot Cay and Ambergris Cay

For couples with bigger budgets, Delancy points to the private islands of Parrot Cay and Ambergris Cay, which are frequently visited by celebrities. She describes Parrot Cay—which is located a quick boat ride away from Providenciales—as, "timeless and off the beaten path." Delancy says Ambergris Cay is 20 minutes away by private commuter flight and is, "remote, lush and ideal for a luxury wedding."

Pro tip: As you consider a Turks and Caicos wedding location, don't forget about your newlywed vacation. Plan an amazing Turks and Caicos honeymoon, too, with our complete guide.

The Top Turks and Caicos Wedding Venues

Photo courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos

If you're ready to dip your toes in the sand and say "I do," Turks and Caicos has its fair share of stunning resorts that will let you do both at once. Tying the knot at a resort has multiple benefits for couples and their guests — for starters, no one has to travel anywhere else after jet-setting to a far-flung locale for a destination wedding. Instead, people can relax and stay awhile. On-site planners at local resorts can help couples customize details and find vendors from afar.

The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos

Set on white-sand Grace Bay Beach, The Ritz-Carolton, Turks & Caicos offers waterfront views and luxury at every turn. White-washed rooms with large windows are breezy, airy and let the Caribbean sun pour through. While quiet mornings sipping coffee while peering out at the water will be perfect, particularly post-wedding, couples will embrace the breeziness of planning a wedding here. Packages include beach arcs, a guitarist, and some flowers, and planners ensure even package deals are unique and flawlessly executed.

Grace Bay Club

Nestled along the Atlantic Ocean not far from picturesque limestone cliffs, Grace Bay Club has all the trimmings for a luxurious wedding that doubles as a getaway. Think a spa for pre-wedding priming and pampering and a private beach for quiet, blissful relaxation. Weddings in these parts are essentially a fairytale on a beach. Mother Nature can provide the soundtrack to your waterfront nuptials courtesy of crystal-clear blue waters (also picturesque) and soft sea breezes. Ceremony locations include a private catamaran at sunset, right on the sand or within one of the many private cays by the resort. Wedding planners can help you find your paradise-perfect spot and help you navigate your way to finding pros whose work fit your vision.

Blue Haven Resort

An all-inclusive hideaway, Blue Haven Resort boasts access to one of the only private Caribbean beaches on Providenciales, offering a truly exclusive feel. Ceremonies can take place on the beach among palm stress and white sand. Beforehand, couples and their parties can get ready in spacious suites with plenty of room to sit pretty (and get photos taken). There's other fun to be had before and after the Big Day. A gigantic chess board, on-site spa, restaurant with firepits and infinity pool offer extra fodder for everyone's itinerary.

Pro tip: Once you've decided on your Turks and Caicos 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.

Turks and Caicos Wedding Legal Requirements

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A Turks & Caicos wedding isn't all white-sand ceremonies and waterfront beach parties. You want to ensure it's legally binding. To do so, you may opt to have a legal wedding stateside before jetting off for your destination soiree. However, getting legally married in Turks & Caicos is possible if you have your heart set on it — you'll just need to follow a few extra steps carefully. Here's what to know about getting a marriage license in Turks and Caicos and other must-dos.

Legal Weddings vs. Symbolic Weddings

For destination weddings, couples typically have two options. First, they can get legally married in the region where they're having their wedding. With this option, however, there are legal documents, procedures and fees required—more on that below. Alternatively, couples can have their civil ceremony in their home country and have a symbolic wedding on their big day.

Required Legal Documents

Getting legally married in Turks & Caicos is relatively simple. "All couples need to submit a certified copy of both partners' [original] birth certificates, passports, bio page and immigration cards," Delancy says. You'll also need proof of marital status. "In addition, if either party was married before, we will need a notarized copy of the divorce decree," Delancy says. If one partner is a widow or widower, a signed copy of their previous spouse's death certificate (original or notarized) is also necessary. "And if they were never married before, they will need to complete an affidavit of non-impediment and have it notarized in their home state," Delancy says. Letters that include both partners' occupations, age of last birthday, address, father's full name, and marital status are also needed. The couple must also show proof of their arrival date in Turks & Caicos — most people use their passport stamp.

Legal Marriage Timeline

To make the wedding planning process as seamless and hassle-free as possible, Delancy recommends working with a wedding planner who is familiar with planning weddings on the islands and can handle all of the logistics for you. Timeline-wise, she advises reaching out a year in advance for a larger wedding and three to six months out for small and intimate ceremonies.

Legal Marriage Cost

As you're planning your wedding budget, it's important to factor in legal fees as well. Delancy says that includes the cost of the marriage license and marriage certificate. If you're working with a wedding planner, the cost of the application process and marriage license may be factored into the cost of the wedding package. "It is a one-time payment, and the wedding planner and officiant are the only people who can assist with processing the license," Delancy says. The license application fee for the license starts at $250.

Turks and Caicos Wedding Planning Tips

Photo courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos

What is the weather like in Turks and Caicos? Are rental cars available? How can you save money on your special day? Answers to these questions and more below.

How to Get There

There are countless flights to Turks & Caicos, though cost will vary depending on the time of year when you visit, Delancy says.

Once you're in Turks & Caicos, note that there is no public transportation available to get around, but there are transportation options, such as taxis and car rentals. Also, Delancy says Google Maps works on the islands, so keep that handy on your phone.

Turks and Caicos Weather

While Turks & Caicos' tropical climate makes it a great location for a destination wedding year-round, Delancy says it's a bit cooler in the evenings from November to March, and you'll often see rain in October, November and sometimes May that typically lasts five to 15 minutes at a time. During hurricane season, which is June to November, the rain may last longer if there's a tropical storm looming.

Choosing Your Turks and Caicos Wedding Venue and Vendors

It can be tricky to plan a wedding in another country. Delancy recommends working with a destination wedding specialist or wedding coordinator who can help you plan everything. (The Knot Marketplace is a great resource for finding one.)

Delancy also suggests mapping out a realistic budget for your destination wedding that includes an additional 10 to 15 percent for things like tips for staff and vendors. She also recommends booking your venue, accommodations and wedding vendors well in advance.

Turks and Caicos Wedding Cost and Budgeting Tips

Turks and Caicos' currency is the US dollar, so Delancy says overall, the country can be considered a more expensive destination wedding location in terms of food, beverage and transportation.

However, she notes that the destination wedding cost in Turks and Caicos varies. Delancy says there are options available at all price points, as costs vary depending on the location and season. Airfare and hotel rates are typically higher during peak season, and better deals are available during the low season.

To save some money, Delancy recommends having your Turks & Caicos wedding during the off-season, booking airlines in advance, and trying to have all guests stay at the same resort or sister properties to qualify for a group rate, which can be 10 to 25 percent less.

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

BethAnn Mayer contributed to this article.