St Lucia has just won the ‘World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination 2010’ award, so if any future brides and grooms are planning a destination wedding, then St Lucia is not a bad choice!

I (Louisa) have lived in St Lucia for 5 years and have some family over there and in Barbados. So without further ado here is my mini guide to St Lucia!

Getting to St Lucia – it will take you about the same amount of time to fly from the UK to New York – 7-8 hours. Fly either BA or Virgin depending on who you have airmiles with.

Getting to St Lucia – it will take you about the same amount of time to fly from the UK to New York – 7-8 hours. Fly either BA or Virgin depending on who you have airmiles with. I have never flown with anyone else so I can’t tell you about their service! You will most likely land at Hewanorra airport which is south of the island. You will probably have to get a taxi all the way to Rodney Bay, as that is where most of the hotels are. This will take you about 45 minutes.

Castries – the capital of the country. Most of the cruise ships come in here but it is expensive to shop in the shopping area round here so go to the market and pick up a few souvenirs including St Lucia’s special delicacy – banana ketchup!

Castries – the capital of the country. Most of the cruise ships come in here but it is expensive to shop in the shopping area round here so go to the market and pick up a few souvenirs including St Lucia’s special delicacy – banana ketchup! Catch a taxi (more like a people carrier than a taxi) round the island – it is only about $2. Jump in, say hello to the other passengers and take in the view.

There is a little airport at Castries you can use to island hop to the surrounding islands like Barbados. It is cool to walk up the tarmac to the plane – but remember nobody goes by seat allocation as on the ticket – it is a free for all!

There is a little airport at Castries you can use to island hop to the surrounding islands like Barbados. It is cool to walk up the tarmac to the plane – but remember nobody goes by seat allocation as on the ticket – it is a free for all!

Pigeon Island – this is like a National Park. You boat over to here from Rodney Bay (quickest way) – don’t forget your picnic!
Also don’t forget a visit to the walk through volcano – the Pitons and the sulphur spring in Soufriere! Try a sulphur bath too.

Don’t forget your hat – the noonday sun is a killer!
It’s easy to get married in St Lucia. If you wish to get married on the same day when you pay for the marriage licence fee it will cost EC$540 (US$200/GBP £124) if you are able to produce all the necessary documents.

You can also opt to stay two days and upwards on island where you would be required to pay EC$335 (US $125 GBP £77). A local Solicitor would be able to apply for a license on your behalf.

Finally don’t spend all your money in St Lucia – you will need your Departure Tax of EC $68 (US $26/ GBP £16) per person over the age of 12!

Here is a list of the documents that you need to obtain a marriage license in St Lucia:

• Passport
• Birth Certificate
• Decree Absolute (if one of the parties is divorced)
• In the case of a widow/widower a Death Certificate of first spouse is required
• If a name has been changed, a Deed Poll is required
• If one of the parties is under the age of 18, evidence of a consent of parents is required in the form of a sworn affidavit stamped by a Notary Public
• If any required documents are not in English, an authenticated translation must be available

Do try all the delicious food dishes that St Lucia has to offer – you won’t be disappointed!
Finally don’t spend all your money in St Lucia – you will need your Departure Tax of EC $68 (US $26/ GBP £16) per person over the age of 12!