NUPTIALS IN PARADISE

To borrow from the real estate mavens: “Location, location, location.” It turns out that the notion holds true when planning a wedding. Suffice it to say that not for nothing is our chunk of paradise, with its exotic beauty, unspoiled natural heritage sites and stunning scenery, among the world’s leading wedding and honeymoon destinations.
The Saint Lucia Tourist Board is well aware of the island’s assets, a fact that inspired it to host for the third time the annual “Saint Lucia Love Elated Wedding Symposium, from September 23rd to 27th. The event drew wedding planners from around the world, as well as the region.
The aim was to demonstrate how the SLTB and its partners provide hassle-free weddings in paradise. Mr. Louis Lewis, the director of the board, spoke of the ease of arranging a marriage here, Saint Lucia’s perfect positioning on the global market, and the overall potential for “romance tourism.” Not altogether surprisingly, Mr. Louis proved somewhat reticent on the subject of same-sex weddings. The most he would say, and with a smile from here to there, was: “All are welcome,” at any rate, when it comes to honeymooning.

Events commenced on Pigeon Island with introductory speeches kept deliberately short so that invitees could then eat, drink, dance to the DYP Band and make merry.

More speeches, presentations and networking took place at the Johnson’s Event Centre the next day.
Louis Lewis enjoyed yet another opportunity to tell the gathering why Saint Lucia is the premier wedding and honeymoon destination. “Requirements are extremely easy,” he said. “Saint Lucia is now one of the easiest places in which to get married. No residency; tropical weddings can take place within 24 hours of arrival, providing proper documentation like the same day license is in place. Marriage license requirements are super easy and couples can be married within a few hours.”

Saturday was the ‘big day’ with a mock wedding although the happiness was genuine. The spectacle took place on The Pearl sailing ship with the Pitons as the backdrop. The wedding party and entourage then sailed north while dancing the night away to the melodious sounds of a local folk group.