Your Caribbean Vacation: Antigua & Barbuda

Positioned in the middle of the Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean, 62 miles northwest of Guadeloupe, Antigua and Barbuda are twin paradise islands which offer visitors over 365 beaches, bird sanctuaries, historical buildings and international shopping.

As the largest of the British Leeward Islands Antigua and Barbuda have warm, steady winds, a complex coastline of safe harbors, and a protective, nearly unbroken wall of coral reef. This destination paradise offers a range of pastimes, which includes sailing, yachting, snorkeling and scuba diving. Most people come to Antigua and Barbuda for the solitude of the pure white beaches while others know Antigua for its fantastic sailing facilities.

Other exciting activities include boating, cricket, tennis, windsurfing, hiking and bird watching, golfing, fishing and hunting, horseback riding and more - all of which makes Antigua and Barbuda the true Caribbean gem that it is.  

Along with the sun and the sand comes an interesting history of the islands. A variety of museums there offer artifacts and insight into the island both before and after it was claimed by Europeans. When you get there, hop into a cab and get a tour of the island from one of the natives. Drive along the Fig Tree Drive to experience tropical foliage and banana plantations. Then swing by St. Thomas and peak in the shops that display local crafts and fruits.

Barbuda, which lies 32 miles from its sister island Antigua, is a smaller, less developed island. If you go, be sure to tour the bird sanctuary, home to over 150 tropical species.

Climate:

Antigua and Barbuda enjoys an average of eight and a half hours of sunlight every day. Temperatures generally range from the mid-seventies in the winter to the mid-eighties in the summer. Annual rainfall averages only 45 inches, making it the sunniest of the Eastern Caribbean Islands, and the northeast trade winds are nearly constant, flagging only in September. Low humidity year-round!

Dining and Cuisine:

From beach bars to bistros, Italian to Mexican, there's a great range of restaurants around the island. There is also a variety of fast food places available. Antigua and Barbuda are renowned for their piquant hot sauces - eat with caution.

Indigo at the Beach is the restaurant at the stylish Carlisle Bay Hotel and one of the coolest places to eat on the island. Well-respected Harmony Hall has a great location and serves Italian food with a Caribbean twist.

Shopping:

Two charming shopping areas of Antigua are located in downtown St. John's close to the waterfront at Heritage Quay and Radcliffe Quay.  As a duty free zone, Antigua offers a selection of local arts and crafts, straw goods, pottery and jewelry as well as china, crystals, watches, perfumes, cameras and tobacco.

Most shops are open Monday to Saturday from 8.00am - noon and then 1.00pm - 4.00pm.

On Friday and Saturday mornings the farmers market o­n the southern edge of the city has folk crafts, colorful tropical fruits and a buzzing atmosphere.

Nightlife and Entertainment:

Enjoy the sunset from Shirley Heights. Perched above English Harbour, this one-time military installation now attracts hundred of spectators, particularly on Sundays, when bands play and a big barbecue is fired up. It is also renowned for being a "lovers spot."

English Harbour and St John's have a decent selection of bars, or you could take a gamble at the Paradise Casino, which is the largest casino in the Eastern Caribbean. Once there, order a cocktail made with Antigua's Cavalier rum at the hotel bar.

The island - like many others in the Caribbean - loves to party during Carnival (July to August), a 10-day festival of colorful costumes, talent shows, and good music.

 Weddings:

Like everywhere else in the Caribbean, one can certainly get married while on vacation in this island paradise.

Requirements:

• § A registration fee of US$40 that must be paid at the courthouse at the corner of High and Temple Streets. The application fee for the special marriage license is US$150, and the Marriage Officer's fee is US$50.
• § Both parties will need valid passports as proof of citizenship. If either of you have been previously married, then bring along the original divorce decree or, in the case of a widow or widower, the original marriage and death certificates.
• § Both parties must be over 15, if under 18, written authorization from your parents or guardians is required.

It is important that all documents presented are original or certified original by the issuing departments or offices. Ensure that all documents are in your legal name, and provide affidavits in cases where you are known by another name. Your marriage must also be solemnized or celebrated in the presence of two or more witnesses, apart from the Marriage Officer. (Just ask a guest or two to do this for you).

The Ministry of Legal Affairs is open Monday to Thursday, 8:30am to 4:30pm and on Fridays from 8:00am to 3:00pm. Flights which arrive into Antigua after 3:00pm will not permit couples to get to the Ministry of Justice in time to apply for the Special Marriage License. In such cases, the couple can arrange for the marriage to take place either the next day after completing the application process, or, on any available day thereafter.

For any enquiries regarding your marriage certificate please contact The Registrar's Office in Antigua. Tel/Fax: 001 268 462 3929