Getting married on Bonaire
Your dream wedding in a tropical paradise
Getting married on Bonaire… that feels like a dream.
Imagine:
- With your bare feet in the soft, white sand
- Surrounded by waving palm trees
- While the azure sea provides a serene backdrop
- You say "yes" to the love of your life under the warm sun
- And afterwards, a beautiful, naturally tanned skin on all your wedding photos.
Bonaire offers the perfect setting for an unforgettable wedding in an exotic location.
Why getting married on Bonaire is a great choice
Are you looking for a dream location to get married? Consider getting married on Bonaire! This sun-drenched Caribbean island offers a breathtaking setting for your special day.
Here are some reasons why Bonaire is the ideal place to get married:
- A perfect climate: Bonaire has a stable and sunny climate all year round with constant temperatures of around 30 degrees Celsius. This means that you can get married in Bonaire at any time of the year without having to worry about unexpected weather conditions. Even during the rainy season from October to January, temperatures remain warm and showers short.
- Hospitable atmosphere: The people of Bonaire are known for their hospitality and friendliness, which will make you feel welcome right away. Many people who visit Bonaire return, which is why one of Bonaire’s slogans is: ‘Once a visitor, always a friend.’ This says everything about the hospitable atmosphere that prevails here on Bonaire.
- Tropical colorful locations: When you decide to get married on Bonaire, it means that you will enjoy the tranquility, the clear azure blue ocean, and the untouched nature full of cacti, palm trees, and exotic animals such as flamingos and parrots.
The island offers scenic locations such as the turquoise lagoons at Sorobon, famous as a wind and kite surfing paradise, and the enchanting Seru Largu lookout point with panoramic views over Bonaire, including the salt pans and Klein Bonaire.
The colorful capital Kralendijk offers a cozy atmosphere with nice bars, restaurants and nice souvenir shops, without the hustle and bustle of high-rise buildings and traffic lights.
- Unique experiences for you and your wedding guests: In addition to a beautiful wedding location, Bonaire offers numerous activities for your guests. Together with your guests, you can enjoy the spectacular underwater world that makes Bonaire so special. Think of snorkeling and diving off the coast of Bonaire, where you will spot beautiful fish, coral and sea turtles, and with a bit of luck, dolphins.
Options also include a beautiful boat trip along the coastline of Bonaire, exploring the island on an island tour where you will see unique sights such as the salt pans, 1000 Steps beach, the slave huts and Washington Slagbaai Park where you only drive off-road, or a barbecue on the beach during a romantic sunset.
- Easy holiday destination for Dutch people: Bonaire is a Special Municipality of the Netherlands and is one and a half times larger than the Dutch Wadden Island of Texel. Bonaire is easily accessible from the Netherlands with a flight of about 10 hours. With a bit of luck, you will have a direct flight. Moreover, you only need a passport to visit the island. However, keep in mind that you will have to pay a visitor tax upon arrival. Although the main language is Papiamentu, you can easily make yourself understood in Dutch, English, and/or Spanish. You can easily withdraw money with your Dutch debit cards or pay with the American dollar (USD), and the tap water is safe to drink.
- Cultural diversity and local traditions: The island has a rich culture and history that you can incorporate into your Bonaire wedding. Consider hiring a local salsa or brass band, employing local dancers in traditional costumes, and serving local delicacies such as pastechi, stoba (stew), and traditional drinks such as awa di lamunchi or cactus liquer. This will add an authentic and unique touch to your special day.
- Your Honeymoon: You don’t have to book a separate honeymoon. After your wedding day, Bonaire offers plenty of romantic activities for an unforgettable honeymoon. Enjoy relaxing beach days and romantic dinners on the beach during sunset, or opt for adventurous excursions such as kite surfing, exploring Bonaire’s caves, or kayaking through the protected mangrove area.
- Same-sex marriage: Since 2012, same-sex couples have been officially allowed to get married on Bonaire. The island offers a warm and safe environment where you can seal your love for each other. With its breathtaking nature, expansive beaches and welcoming community, Bonaire is the ideal location to make your wedding day unforgettable. Bonaire is known for its friendly atmosphere, where everyone is welcome to celebrate their love. It is a place where you can fully focus on what really matters: your commitment and celebrating your unique story. Getting married on Bonaire means choosing a destination that welcomes your love with open arms.
In short, Bonaire is the perfect island if you are looking for sun, peace, unspoiled nature, friendly people and a ‘relaxed vibe’.
Things to consider for your Bonaire Wedding: helpful tips
Do you dream of a wedding ceremony under the Caribbean sun with your bare feet on the beach? That can become reality on Bonaire! Many of the things you would arrange for a wedding in the Netherlands, will also be arranged if you get married on Bonaire.
For example, consider the following matters. I would be happy to take them off your hands:
The official part: All official documents must be submitted correctly and completely to the appropriate authority on Bonaire. Both your marriage registration date and wedding date must be carefully recorded and confirmed. In addition, it is important to choose a suitable wedding officiant who will make the ceremony personal and bring it to life with warmth. You will take the certificate with you to your home country after your wedding to have your marriage officially registered and recognized according to local laws.
The wedding cake: Are you dreaming of a classic three-tier wedding cake, covered in cream-colored fondant and decorated with cream and light pink roses? Or will you be tempted by a modern dessert table, richly filled with a selection of different types of pastries, cupcakes, brownies and other sweets? Whatever you choose, the cake or dessert table will be a delicious and festive conclusion to your reception and/or dinner.
Photography and video: Of course, you want to have your wedding day captured by a talented wedding photographer and perhaps even a videographer. And what about a drone for breathtaking aerial footage? In addition, a photo booth or a 360-degree video booth can add a playful and unforgettable touch. And what could be more romantic than a Same Day Edit video that is shown during the party, so that you and your guests can relive the most beautiful moments of the day? Choose the options that suit you best, and capture every precious memory in a way that will keep your wedding day alive forever.
Flowers: Will you opt for a classic bridal bouquet with timeless flowers and colors, or will you, now that you are on Bonaire, be inspired by the surroundings with a beachy bouquet decorated with shells? Or perhaps you will choose a tropical colorful bouquet that perfectly matches the beautiful colors of the island. Perhaps the groom wants to wear a boutonniere, and perhaps the witnesses will get one too. A wedding arch covered with fresh flowers is a beautiful eye-catcher, and vases of flowers on the dinner table also contribute to an atmospheric look. Whatever you decide, flowers will be a beautiful addition to the atmosphere and style of your special day.
Different types of ceremonies: Are you considering an intimate, often secret elopement, where you marry in complete privacy without guests? Or perhaps a romantic vow renewal, where after so many years of marriage, you renew your vows to each other in gratitude and consciously choose each other again? Or are you opting for a church ceremony, where your marriage is blessed by a minister or priest?
Locations: While many couples dream of getting married on the beautiful beaches of Bonaire, there are other special locations to consider. You can choose to have a ceremony at Bonaire’s historic city hall, the Pasangrahan, on the beautiful beaches of resorts or beach clubs, on an intimate and secluded beach, or even at an enchanting lookout point with a panoramic view of Bonaire. There are also unique options such as a historic mansion, a luxury villa or getting married on a boat on the Caribbean Sea. Do you want to have the entire wedding at one location, or are you considering moving to another, more suitable location for the party? Whatever location you choose, Bonaire offers a variety of options to make your wedding day unforgettable.
Food & Beverage: Do you want a luxurious 5 or 6 course dinner, or do you prefer a simpler but tasty dinner with chicken satay, fries and salad? Perhaps a Caribbean barbecue on the beach would be a better fit for your Bonaire wedding, with freshly grilled meats and colorful side dishes, or you might opt for a refined meal with lobster and oysters. For an authentic experience, you can also opt for local snacks and dishes, such as pastechi, stoba (stew), and other Caribbean specialties. Whatever your preference, Bonaire offers plenty of opportunities to make your wedding culinary experience unforgettable.
Party: Do you prefer a swinging local Latin band or a DJ to get the party going? Perhaps you want to experience the unique atmosphere of a Caribbean brass band, or enjoy the calm sounds of a live musician with guitar or piano. A saxophonist who plays along with the DJ for half an hour also offers a special experience, and a talented singer can complete the musical experience. Whatever your preference, Bonaire offers a variety of musical options to make your party unforgettable.
Transport: Are you dreaming of an elegant wedding car to take you to the wedding location in style? Also think of your guests by arranging suitable transport, so that everyone arrives at the location comfortably and can return home safely afterwards. Whether it concerns luxury shuttles, a festive bus or a classic limousine, the transport will run smoothly and perfectly match your wishes.
Beauty: Does the bride want to use a hairstylist, make-up artist and manicurist to look her very best on her big day? Perhaps you’d also like to pamper your most important guests, such as bridesmaids, mothers, sisters and friends, with professional beauty treatments so that they feel beautiful and cared for too. From stylish hairdos and perfectly applied make-up to relaxing manicures and pedicures, we’ll make sure that everyone is radiant and confident by your side.
Wedding planner Bonaire
There is a lot to consider when preparing for a wedding, and even more is expected of you when you live in the Netherlands, the US, or any other country outside Bonaire, but dream of a wedding on sunny Bonaire with the certainty of sun, white beaches and an azure blue sea.
Bonaire is not exactly around the corner. The distance of approximately 7,800 kilometers brings with it extra challenges, especially in terms of organization and submitting the right documents on time. Moreover, you cannot just travel back and forth to visit locations, meet photographers and DJs, find the best bakery for your wedding cake, or select a florist for the most beautiful flowers.
You need a wedding planner who lives on Bonaire, knows the island inside and out, has a large network of valuable contacts and will guide you to your wedding day.
As your wedding planner on Bonaire, I am ready to translate your wishes into concrete actions. I will establish the right contacts for you, make appointments with suppliers, explore locations and guide you to one of the most beautiful days of your life. This way, you can relax and look forward to your big day and fully enjoy your Caribbean dream wedding.
My name is Monique, owner of Caribbean Dream Weddings & Events. Organizing weddings and events is my passion, and I would love to help you make your Caribbean Dream Wedding a reality!
Read more about what I can do for you as a wedding planner here.
Documents required for the marriage ceremony
For a destination wedding on Bonaire it is important to know which specific documents need to be submitted to the Civil Affairs Department, OLB. This includes submitting official documents such as a valid passport, a birth certificate and any other evidence required for the marriage registration. These documents need to be submitted at least 2 weeks before your wedding day.
When booking your flight, also keep in mind that there must be three business days between the marriage registration and your wedding day. Both must take place on Bonaire.
When planning your wedding on Bonaire, you have the choice between an official wedding ceremony (legal/civil marriage) and a ceremonial wedding. An official wedding ceremony is recognized by law and is necessary for the legal binding of your marriage. Although a ceremonial wedding is not legally binding, it offers the opportunity to make your wedding personal and unique.
When planning a destination wedding, a wedding abroad, it is crucial to inquire about the necessary documents and procedures, so that you can enjoy your special day on beautiful Bonaire with peace of mind.
Documents bridal couple
- Copy of both passports
- Birth certificate: the birth certificate may not be older than one year.
- Extract from the basic administration (declaration of marital status). This document may not be older than 6 months. This document must show the current, unmarried marital status
- A declaration of marital capacity
Documents Witnesses
- Copy of passport of all witnesses
Documents children
- Birth certificate and copy of passport. This allows the name of your child(ren) to be included in the marriage booklet
Wedding venues on Bonaire: something for everyone
Beach Wedding: For the ultimate Caribbean experience, you can choose to have a ceremony on one of Bonaire’s many breathtaking beaches. Imagine the soft sand between your toes, the Caribbean sun warming you, and the sound of the waves in the background as you exchange vows. Sorobon, Te Amo beach, and Pink beach are popular beaches to get married on.
Private and secluded: For those looking for something exclusive and intimate, Bonaire also has secluded beaches. These secluded beaches offer the perfect setting for a private ceremony with only your loved ones around you.
Resorts: If you prefer a luxurious wedding, consider a ceremony at one of the many resorts that Bonaire has to offer. Enjoy the care, facilities and convenience of an all-inclusive experience where the experienced wait staff is just a few steps away.
Natural Wonders: For a unique wedding venue, you can choose to have a ceremony at one of Bonaire’s natural wonders. Think of a mesmerizing lookout point like Seru Largu, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of much of Bonaire, including Klein Bonaire. Or opt for the rugged Washington Slagbaai National Park, surrounded by pristine nature, or Klein Bonaire, an uninhabited island half a mile off the coast of Bonaire.
Historic and colorful city: Kralendijk, the colorful capital of Bonaire, also offers opportunities for an atmospheric ceremony. With its cozy streets, colorful shops, local markets, and historic buildings, Kralendijk can be the perfect backdrop for a romantic and authentic wedding. The stately and elegant city hall, the Pasangrahan, also offers a beautiful location for a stylish wedding ceremony.
Country House: If you’re dreaming of a wedding with a touch of nostalgia, a country house is the perfect choice. These restored historic homes combine classic historic charm with all the modern conveniences you need. The beautiful historic details and history will add a special touch to your wedding.
Beach Club: For a relaxed atmosphere, a beach club is an excellent choice. Beach clubs combine a relaxed beachy vibe with a stylish interior. Situated right on the sea and with a view of the romantic sunsets of Bonaire, the beach club is the perfect location to get married on Bonaire. A beach club offers all the necessary facilities and without overnight accommodation, your wedding party can continue until the early hours!
Luxury Villa: For an exclusive and intimate experience, you can get married in a luxury villa with a private beach. These venues combine style and comfort, with panoramic ocean views and the opportunity to enjoy your special day in complete privacy. Please note that a villa is usually rented for a minimum of 7 days and is generally not suitable for large parties with many guests. However, for an intimate elopement or a vow renewal, a luxury villa can be the perfect location.
Getting married at sea: Getting married on a boat in Bonaire is a unique and romantic experience. Surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, you will say “I do” as the sun sets and the warm breeze blows through your hair. From an impressive sailboat to a luxurious catamaran, Bonaire offers everything for an unforgettable wedding ceremony at sea.
What are the costs of a wedding on Bonaire?
With me it’s all about a personal approach, because every wedding is unique – just like you! No standard scripts, but a day that completely suits your wishes.
Based on our conversation, I will put together a custom quote, completely tailored to your specific needs. As an independent wedding planner on Bonaire I do not work with exclusive contracts with locations or suppliers, which enables me to think along with you objectively and without prejudice. Transparency is my top priority, so no hidden costs or unpleasant surprises. You pay for my services, and all invoices from external wedding vendors such as the florist, DJ, or baker, come directly to both you and me. I work without commissions, so you always pay a fair price.
Good communication between me and the bride and groom is extremely important to me. It ensures that we are constantly on the same page, that you are not faced with unexpected surprises, and that your wishes and ideas are perfectly translated into your big day.
Whether it’s the perfect wedding venue, creative styling ideas or finding the right vendors – throughout the entire lead-up to your wedding, we stay in constant contact to ensure that your special day fully meets your expectations. Every consultation I have with vendors and the wedding venue, I feed back to you. I guide and advise you, but you make the final decisions. Even the script for the big day only becomes final after we go over it together on Bonaire.
You can contact me for everything around your wedding, from A to Z wedding planning, master of ceremonies, wedding styling, surprising wedding proposals, renewal of vows, to intimate elopements. Together we will make your day on Bonaire an unforgettable experience!
The cost to get married on Bonaire can vary significantly depending on several factors. Consider the location on Bonaire where you want to get married, the number of guests you invite and the specific services you want to hire, such as a photographer, flowers, catering and more.
Weddings in general, as well as on Bonaire, can involve significant costs, so it is important to prioritize. Decide together which parts of your wedding are essential and which are less important.
Make your dream come true by getting married on Bonaire
Getting married on the Caribbean Bonaire doesn’t have to remain a dream: it can become reality! This sun-drenched island offers the perfect setting for a romantic and unforgettable wedding day, with beautiful beaches, crystal clear water and a relaxed atmosphere.
Are you planning to get married on Bonaire? Please contact me and I will be happy to help you plan the perfect wedding day on this beautiful island.
Make your dream wedding on Bonaire come true!