Couples choosing to get married in Aruba generally first have their civil ceremony, the legal part of the wedding, in the morning, followed by a beach blessing in the afternoon or evening. Civil ceremonies always take place in the Civil House, which is a historic, sea-colored renovated mansion in downtown Oranjestad. Couples then have the choice of many hotels and resorts in which to hold their ceremony and reception. From beach blessings on the sands at sunset, to receptions aboard a catamaran, to reciting vows to the rhythm of steel-pan drums, Aruba offers an authentic island experience for couples tying the knot. Below are current wedding packages being offered in Aruba:
At Bucuti Beach Resort, weddings are designed individually for each bride and groom. The resort offers a choice of packages to begin the planning process which includes a decorated wedding area on the beach, services performed by a non-denominational official, flowers, champagne and music, plus planning assistance from the resort's wedding coordinator. In addition to the beach blessing, Bucuti Beach Resort will also coordinate a couple's civil ceremony, and can offer a sit-down wedding reception dinner on the beach for up to 12 people, or a buffet-style dinner on the beach for up to 50 guests. For more information, email [email protected].
The Holiday Inn Resort Aruba offers a "Free Caribbean Wedding" package exclusively for couples who book a minimum seven-night stay on the all-inclusive plan in a Superior Ocean Front Room. The package includes a romantic wedding location on the beach, professional wedding planning services, a non-denominational pastor, one-tiered wedding cake, garden-fresh bridal bouquet and boutonnière, a bottle of champagne, marriage certificate, preparation of all documents and a special gift from the resort. Themed decorations and a complimentary candlelight dinner for two are also included in the package. Videography and photography services, music and reception/banquet options are also available at additional costs. An $850 fee applies for stays less than seven nights. The "Free Caribbean Wedding" program is valid through Dec. 31. For more information, call 800-HOLIDAY or visit www.caribbeanhi.com/aruba.
At The Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, couples have the option to get married under an archway replica of a traditional Aruban kunuku house on the resort's beach. Champagne and cake are served after the ceremony amid the sounds of Caribbean steel drums. Components of the package include a palm-fringed walkway to the kunuku archway decorated with tropical flowers; a professional photographer; a one-tier wedding cake; flower arrangements for the signage table, bridal bouquet and groom's boutonniere; a bottle of champagne; one hour of live steel drum music before and after the ceremony; the service of a non-denominational pastor; a wedding certificate as a keepsake; and services of the resort's on-site wedding coordinator. This package is available year-round, and starts from $2,350, excluding service charges and taxes. For more information, call 011-297-520-6634 or visit www.arubamarriott.com.
The Occidental Grand Aruba offers an online date confirmation system, save-the-date invitation tool, and value-added amenities for weddings, honeymoons and anniversary trips. Couples may simply visit www.occidentalweddings.com to reserve their wedding date, and an on-site wedding coordinator from the Aruba resort will contact them within two business days to create a celebration that fits their style and budget. Additionally, the online save-the-date tool provides a cost-effective and eco-friendly way for couples to send personalized notices to guests, and an online link for guests to reserve and pay for their rooms directly. As the Occidental Grand Aruba is an all-inclusive resort, a plethora of dining options and daily and nightly activities are available to guests throughout their stay, providing no surprises on the hotel bill at check-out time.
For those planning their rehearsal dinner, Red Sail Sports offers a dinner sail experience, including views of the sunset along Aruba's scenic coast, followed by a Caribbean buffet catered by award-winning chefs. Private charters for up to 38 people (seated) or 80 people (reception style) are available, and prices start from $105 per person, for a minimum of 20 people. Red Sail Sports can also accommodate wedding receptions on their catamarans. The boat departs from the Palm Beach pier and sails along Aruba's scenic coastline. Guests can enjoy music, hors d'oeuvres and a complimentary bar featuring wine, beer and cocktails as they watch the sun go down over the water. Private charters for up to 100 guests are available, starting from $45 per person. To book a private sail, call 011-297-586-1603 or email [email protected].
Aruba also offers honeymoon options. Aruba's "One Cool Honeymoon" program, at participating hotels and resorts, receive a bottle of champagne in their room upon arrival, a souvenir gift from their resort, as well as one free hotel night stay upon their return anniversary visit. Honeymooning couples also receive special discounts on spa treatments, island tours, snorkeling excursions and on meals at select restaurants. Newlyweds only need to identify themselves while booking their hotel accommodations to automatically receive these special offers. For more information, visit www.aruba.com/SpecializedVacations/weddings.aspx.
Bucuti Beach Resort and Tara Beach Suites, Aruba's first adults-only resort, offers the "One Happy Honeymoon" package for newlyweds. The package features hotel accommodations with a balcony or terrace, a bottle of champagne, a sunrise breakfast buffet, candlelight dinner for two on the beach and a daytime snorkel or sunset sailing cruise. Couples also receive a gift basket upon arrival, which includes chilled champagne; a basket of chocolate, cheese and crackers; engraved champagne flutes; and a souvenir door hanger. Prices for a five-night package start from $1,615, and prices for a seven-night package start at $2,125 from April 19 to Dec. 22. All taxes and service fees are included. For more information, call 011-297-583-1100 or visit www.bucuti.com.
Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino announces the "Escape! Romance Package," which includes accommodations; complimentary daily breakfast at the hotel's new restaurant, La Vista, for two; a bottle of champagne and strawberries in the room upon arrival; and dinner for two at Simply Fish, located on the sandy beach overlooking the Aruba sunset. This package is available year-round with a four-night minimum stay, and guests can enter booking code LVU when calling 800-228-9290 or visit www.arubamarriott.com.
Newlyweds staying a minimum of three nights at the Occidental Grand Aruba can take advantage of a complimentary honeymoon package featuring a variety of amenities including resort discounts, congratulatory in-room items, continental breakfast in bed, and more. Couples looking to enjoy a more indulgent honeymoon experience can upgrade to a premium honeymoon at any Occidental Hotels & Resorts property for just $400 per couple, including the complimentary honeymoon package amenities, plus exclusive experiences including couples massages, dinner for two, and more. For more information, call 800-858-2258 or visit www.occidentalwedding
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