Aruba has long, powder-white beaches - Palm Beach and Eagle Beach, 30 yards deep and miles long are considered two of the finest in the Caribbean. Modern hotels, high-rise and low-rise, offer every facility. For nightlife, there's no shortage of cabarets, cocktail bars and restaurants serving local and world dishes. For gamblers, there are 11 casinos; some of them open day and night.

Aruba is one of the easiest islands to navigate. The people go out of their way to be friendly, that is why Aruba is known as the ‘Island that Happiness Lives’. Rent a car/open jeep and take off to see the island. The interior of the country is fascinating and the rock formation is interesting. Do not forget to visit the ‘natural bridge’

Unlike much of the Caribbean region, Aruba has a dry climate and an arid, cactus-strewn landscape. This climate has helped tourism as visitors to the island can reliably expect warm sunny weather.

THINGS TO DO

Windsurfing: Aruba claims to have the best windsurfing in the Caribbean. Strong winds and consistenly sunny weather make this a fun activity.

Watersports: Scuba, sailing, kite boarding, parasailing and all other watersports are a major activity at the beachfront resorts.

Golf: Aruba also has a few stunning golf courses including Tierra del Sol designed by Robert Trent Jones II.

Nightlife: What sets Aruba apart is its very active nightlife offering a wide range of activities. Casinos, discos, night clubs, party cruises--Aruba has it all. Those staying in Greater Oranjestad can take a party bus and enjoy a guided introduction to Aruba’s nightlife.

CUISINE

Restaurants: this is an island blessed with an abundance of places to eat. From the very upscale, to the local jitney selling food at midnight. There is something to please everyone. Because of the Dutch influence, the cuisine is very international. As with all Caribbean Islands the more upscale restaurants have a wonderful air of relaxed formality. I cannot remember ever having a bad meal in Aruba.

There is nothing like enjoying a relaxed day at the beach and then heading into town to sit at one of the great outdoor cafes/restaurant to watch the sunset.

MARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS

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Civil marriages are now possible in Aruba, but they must take place at the Civil Town House. Couples may also arrange a religious blessing after they have been legally married or just hold a romantic celebration beachside if they prefer.

Civil Legal Marriage Requirements:

• All Civil/Legal Ceremonies must take place in the Civil Town House

  Documents include:

• Copies of birth certificate for bride and groom with apostille (state certification).
• Passport picture page or valid state issued picture I.D. for Bride & Groom.
• Witness (18 years up) passport picture page or valid state issued picture I.D. (minimum 2 witnesses) Witnesses can provided locally if bride and groom are traveling alone at $50 each by a wedding planner.
• Certificate of no impediment for bride and groom (also referred to as a “single status reportâ€? and in some states called a “negative statement of marriageâ€?). This certificate of no impediment is obtained at the bureau of vital statistics which is located in the department of health.
• If either party has been divorced we need to receive a copy of the 1st and last page of the divorce decree(s).
• If either party is a widow(er) we need to receive a copy of the pertaining death certificate. Ceremony can take place in the late morning or early afternoon on Wednesdays, Thursdays or Fridays. Saturdays are also available in the late mornings at an additional $150 surcharge.

• All documents are to be faxed for review and then submitted by courier (i.e. FedEx) at least one (1) month prior to desired wedding date.

Contact: Office of Civil Registry
Attn: Mr. Betto Christiaans
Schoolstraat 2
Oranjestad, Aruba
Tel: 011 (297) 583-4400
Fax: 011 (297) 583-9160
pivaruba@setarnet.aw

Catholic: (Must call first as this is on hold until review of procedures is complete):

• Proof that the prospective bride and groom have attended pre-marriage preparation.
• Permission from their priest to get married in Aruba.
• An official declaration stating that neither party has been previously married in a Church is also required from their local priest.
• Copy of Wedding Certificate showing that they have been legally married in their home country.
• Baptismal and Confirmation certificates of both parties as well as copies of their passports or I.D. Cards.
• The proposed wedding must take place "inside" the Church building.
• All documents must be submitted 4 months prior to chosen wedding date.

Protestant / Episcopalian / Methodist:

• Wedding Ceremony can be affiliated in the local Protestant / Episcopalian or Methodist Churches or anywhere else the couple desires.
• If Married outside Aruba, copy of marriage certificate from their home country.
• Proper attire is required for all "religious blessings" (i.e.: No Swimsuits nor Wraps for the Bride: Shorts are acceptable for the Groom.

Jewish:

• Both partners MUST be Jewish and need to submit a verification of Judaism from the Rabbi of their hometown
• The Aruban Cantor accepts Jewish status certificates from valid Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Liberal and Re-Constructionist Authorities.
• A formal petition needs to be submitted to the Aruba Jewish Community.
• The wedding ceremony may take place either in the synagogue or any other venue of choice.
• The synagogue of Aruba is an independent Conservative-Reform style congregation.

At Sea:

A boat captain is not authorized to officiate a wedding according to Dutch laws. This applies for international waters as well as in port. The only exception to this rule is if he has been given authority by the country under whose flag the ship is registered..

HOTELS