Pre-wedding Visit to Aruba... Civil Cermony Paperwork?

[May and Moe]

Hi Everyone,

I've been following the Aruba Wedding Forums for the past few months, but this is my first post.

FI & I engaged in August of 2009 and we're planning to get married in Aruba in May of 2011.

We have a trip planned for this Thursday (Apr 15) to fly down for 4 nights so that we can check out some of the resorts we're considering... (staying at the Div-Divi)

A friend of ours had mentioned that we should look into "starting the paperwork" that is required to be filled-out for the civil ceremony in City Hall... He said that it would save a ton of time if we got it out of the way now as opposed to spending most of a day doing it while we're on our wedding trip.

My question to all of the Aruba Wedding Pro's out there is if they know anything about this? If it is possible, do you know if we'll need to have any special paperwork with us (Birth cirtificates, SS, etc...)? Do we have to call ahead and make an appointment? Would any fees have to be paid at this time?

I'll stop asking questions there...

While this is our first post, I have a feeling we'll become quite the regulars around here over the course of the next year...

Thanks in advance,

Moe & May

[Andrea J.]

http://www.aruba.com/SpecializedVaca...oneymoons.aspx
try checking this link

congratulations on your engagement and your upcoming trip and your first post to the forum!
i hope many of our aruba wedding experts will help you out!

[girliegirl]

I'm no pro or expert of this matter however I am getting married at the Divi next month so the questions you have asked I am familiar with. The paperwork which includes the long form birth certificate with raised seal, the intent to marry form, the affidavit of single status, and copy of passsport pictures, are needed at least 4 weeks prior to the wedding date if you are having a civil ceremony on the island. If you are catholic or jewish and wish to have a religious ceremony the documents mentioned along with other documents are needed a few months before the date. I submitted my forms just two weeks ago and everything is fine. We were advised not to start the paperwork too early. If you plan to have the wedding through the Divi, Aruba Weddings For You will be the company to plan your big day. They have been very helpful and quick in returning emails, unlike some other companies that have been mentioned on this forum. If you would like you can make an appt with them and they will inform you of everything to get the ball rolling! You will either be working with Marjorie (who has been planning our day) or Lorraine! Hope this was helpful in some way!

[May and Moe]

That's a huge help... Thanks, girliegirl.

I've had a few e-mails with Marjorie from A.W.F.Y. I'm going to have to let her know we're coming down this week and see if she'll have time to meet with us.

One question about the Divi-divi.... Are you having your Reception on the resort? We were recently told from another couple that the Divi doesn't allow for Reception Dinners to be held on the resort because it hinders other all-inclusive couples vacationing there... Is this true?

Thanks in advance,

M&M

[girliegirl]

That I'm not sure of....we are having our reception upon our return home to make it convenient for all who would like to come. That is a good question though,hopefully Marjorie will be able to meet with you and go over everything with you!

[A_J_Mitch]

Hello Moe & May,
I'm getting married in Aruba this July and choose to have all my guests stay at the Divi-Divi but we ended up renting out Ren Island for our wedding reception. The Divi didn't offer much as far as a "reception" and with Renaissance Island being so private, we decided to go with that. I'm just going to rent a bus to transport all our guests from the Divi to the Renaissance.

We are however having our rehearsal dinner at the Red parrot at the Divi but we may or may not have a "private" seating area.
I guess it depends on your budget/preference..
If you have any question feel free to message me.
Good Luck
-Andrea-

[soxgirl]

I am getting married at the Divi the beginning of May. Marjorie has been AMAZING to work with. Great at returning emails and has really helped me to ease my nerves about planning a destination wedding. She has taken care of everything.

In terms of a reception, we are having the ceremony at the Divi, but then we are having the reception at the Divi Phoenix. We too are having our rehearsal dinner at the Red Parrot. We leave in just over two weeks, the time flies!

I'm sure I will post my advice and thoughts after we return.

Good luck!

Suzanne

[Karen Lutzker]

If you are staying at Divi or the Tam and using their wedding planners you can certainly have your reception at Divi Phoenix, Divi Links but that will not be included in your all inclusive plan. Many couples that stay at Divi and the Tam have their receptions at other locations if they are not using the Divi wedding planners that can only use Divi properties. As far as documents for a civil ceremony in Aruba, just as long as your document copies get into the Aruba Civil house 1 month before your civil wedding date, you will be fine. Originals go with you on day of civil ceremony.