There is magic in that moment and the mind immediately wanders to a magical isle and, seemingly out of nowhere, appear visions of a ceremony in an intimate setting, surrounded by loved ones and in an ambiance created just for you. Voila, you are in Curaçao.
Written by Hanna Bakboord
Yes, I will! And with those three simple words, you embark on what you believe will be a life journey with your loved one. And you want the start of that journey on your wedding day to be one of the most special days of your life There is excitement in the air as the preparations get underway and, amidst all the anxiety about getting everything right, you are having the time of your life. And yes, there are decisions to be made. Should the wedding ceremony be kept in a castle or on the beach? Or is the beautiful tropical garden of a top-class hotel or a picturesque 18th-century church the best setting? Should it just be a small gathering of loved ones and friends or a grandiose event in a romantic location? Whatever the question, Curaçao is the answer for all you couples who are planning a destination wedding.
Weddings in Curaçao
Weddings in Curaçao are becoming increasingly popular. And no wonder, because what could be better than saying ‘yes’ on a sunny beach or under the shade of a palm tree; the possibilities for translating that ‘yes I will’ into a day of joy and a lifetime of treasured memories are endless in Curaçao.
The mix of sun, sea, welcoming people and a world of choices for that special day make this tropical paradise, one of the jewels that is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, one of the most romantic wedding places in the Caribbean.
Say yes to each other and cast your worries to the winds that caress the island!
Sandra and Mark
It had to be a wedding with a difference. A wedding á la Sandra and Mark. So they opted for the sun, sea, sand, and ambiance that is unique to Curaçao. The week of the wedding, Sandra and Mark spent a few days alone on the island. It was heavenly.
From April 20 to April 27, 2014, they stayed with some of their wedding guests at Blue Bay Beach Hotel and, on April 24, they tied the knot.
Of course, there was a lot to be done during that week and they found that on the island there were many resorts that offered help with wedding planning. Sandra had visited the island before the marriage and had been to several locations. Eventually, they decided to contract a wedding planner. In consultation with Sandra, the wedding planner sought out the kind of suppliers who offered the goods and services that were in keeping with the theme that Sandra had chosen. Sandra chose the colors white, cream and navy blue, and asked the guests to reflect these colors in their wardrobe.
Together they chose the wedding venue and the wedding planner conducted the wedding in just the way that Sandra had desired.
“Everything was stylishly arranged. Beautifully set tables for guests, wonderful moments and the final word ‘Yes, I will’ on the beach evoked tears of joy from many of the guests. Sandra recalls that those words, along with the pronouncement of the union of man and wife, followed by the instruction to “kiss the bride” in this most romantic of settings, would forever be one of her most cherished memories.
The best locations
Curaçao offers a variety of choices when it comes to wedding venues. Almost all hotels have both small and large rooms that can be fully decorated as desired. There are also several resorts with private beaches that are ideal for wedding ceremonies. Enjoy the blue sky, the sea and the glorious sunshine on board a large sailboat as it cruises over the waters of the blue Caribbean Sea. Curaçao is also known for its historical buildings and monuments which themselves add a distinctive charm to wedding ceremonies. And if you really want it to be completely different, then getting married on the uninhabited island of Klein Curaçao would be the ultimate. Suffice it to say that in Curaçao you can get married anywhere, even with dolphins in the background or, for the more adventurous, you can yourselves be immersed with the dolphins in the water. It can all happen in sunny Curaçao!
Local specialties
Traditionally, guests receive a glass of bubbly to toast the newlyweds. For the wedding, there are often snacks and cake available. Various suppliers like Patisserie La Vie en Rose, for example, prepare delicious cakes using French recipes, but with a touch of Curaçao. They also make beautiful wedding cakes which obviously are a must for the fairytale wedding of your dreams. Local dishes are also recommended for after the ceremony. Bolo Pretu is a black fruit cake that is popular at wedding ceremonies. The cake is a mix of dried fruit and liquor, a real marriage-treat!
Curaçao is also the place for a Honeymoon or renewal of vows.
Escape for your honeymoon to this gem in the Caribbean. Curaçao is the ideal location for your honeymoon or renewal of your wedding vows. Fall in love with the beautiful beaches, excellent dive sites, warm culture on the island, and obviously fall more in love with each other.
The island lies outside the “hurricane belt”, so it’s a good place to be throughout the year. In Curaçao, you enjoy tropical temperatures between 27-30 degrees. The trade winds, typical of the Leeward Islands, create a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere.
Surinam Airways maintains four weekly flights to Curaçao. More information via www.flyslm.com and www.curacao.com
