Wedding Locations

you will find every gemstone and style on display – from dazzling diamonds in every imaginable cut and size, to alternatives such as Cayman’s local Caymanite, a semiprecious stone of the dolostone family.

Shopping for bridal gifts is also easy in Cayman, as there is a huge array of jewellery set with crystals, pearls or fashion jewellery. For the groomsmen and male family members, Cayman has a good selection of stores selling Cuban cigars, men’s jewellery, cufflinks and watches, as well as fine wines and spirits. With six locations across the Island, Island Jewellers (Tel: (345) 640 5200) specialises in diamonds, wedding bands and wedding party gifts. Island Jewellers can help you put together gifts for the whole wedding party before your arrival and have them gift wrapped and delivered to your hotel. Kirk Freeport (SEE

AD OUTSIDE BACK COVER) has been a premier retailer of duty free jewellery, watches, fragrances, leather, crystal and china, and accessories in the Cayman Islands since 1972. For weddings, birthdays and many other special moments in life, their network of over 22 stores across Grand Cayman makes it easy to shop for unique and beautiful gifts. For a full list of locations in George Town and Seven Mile Beach, visit www.kirkfreeport. com or call (345) 949 7477. Magnum Jewelers (Tel: (345) 946 4130) offers a wide range of fine jewellery, including rings, bracelets and necklaces. They also stock Jaeger-LeCoultre and Frederique Constant watches. They are located on Cardinall Avenue in George Town.

Duty on Wedding Gifts Wedding guests coming to Cayman with gifts for the bride and groom are legally required to declare the gifts and pay the relevant duty costs. The duty applies to most gifts, except for books, cameras, crystal glassware, tableware and kitchenware (made of porcelain or china). in-house catering for wedding events at their resort locations; however, Mise en Place (Tel: (345) 623 2433) provides an extensive range of gourmet catering options. The Cake Studio (Tel: (345) 926 4944) is a bespoke cake shop specialising in couture and custom cake designs. The studio offers a bake-to-order service for weddings, baby showers, birthdays or any other special occasion. They create custom recipes and cake designs and have even been featured in Cake Central magazine. Cake prices start at CI$100. Visit www.thecakestudiocayman.com or their Facebook page for inspiration. Kirk Market’s bakery also make excellent cakes for a reasonable price.

Wedding Celebrants & Planners Coordinating your dream wedding in Cayman from a distance, or on-Island, can be a breeze with the assistance of one of Cayman’s local wedding planners. Simply Weddings can orchestrate every detail for visitors or cruise ship weddings. They also plan romantic wedding vow renewals. Elopements are welcome, and no lead time is necessary once the documents are in order. Call (345) 949 9933, email: mywedding@candw.ky or visit www. simplyweddingscayman.com. (SEE AD PAGE 386) Celebrations Ltd. (Tel: (345) 623 2044) can organise anything from a simple beach wedding to an elaborate wedding weekend.

Wedding Locations Many brides-to-be dream of marrying on the world-famous Seven Mile Beach, which is consistently voted in the ‘Top 10 Beaches in the World’ for romantic weddings. There are many other options however, including lush, tropical gardens and other unique Caymanian locations.

The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (Tel: (345) 945 8111 or email: events@ nationalgallery.org.ky) offers a variety of areas, including the sculpture garden. This contemporary cultural institution has a lot to offer: stunning architecture, gorgeous sculpture gardens and galleries highlighting work by Cayman’s mostrecognisable artists. Pedro St. James (SEE AD PAGE 387) is an 18th century historic site in the Cayman Islands. Spanning seven acres of tropical landscaped gardens, with stunning panoramic ocean views, this is a picture-perfect wedding venue. The three-story Great House, known also as ‘Pedro Castle’, is typical of a late 1700s plantation-style home in the Caribbean, and provides a fabulous backdrop for picturesque wedding photographs. The property can accommodate a variety of wedding celebrations, from intimate gatherings to large groups of 800 or more guests. For more information, call (345) 947 3329, email: info@pedrostjames.ky or visit www.pedrostjames.ky.Boasting 65 acres of tropical gardens and nature reserve,

the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park (SEE AD PAGE 387) is a magical setting for a wedding celebration. Manicured lawns can host as many as 100 people, or a more intimate affair can be held in one of the park’s lush alcoves. Facilities at the Park include full access to the air-conditioned conference room at the Visitor’s Centre and golf carts to transport guests and the bridal party around the park. Park opening hours are 9am-5.30pm daily (last admission at 4.30pm), but evening weddings can be booked from 5pm until midnight. For more information call (345) 947 9462, email: info@botanicpark.ky or visit www. botanic-park.ky/events/weddings. Camana Bay features its own private island, perfect for an intimate wedding celebration, complete with a wooden promenade deck over the water for a proper nuptial aisle. For more information email: events@

camanabay.com. The Cayman Turtle Centre offers a unique setting to say ‘I do’. Whether you’re looking for an intimate wedding or an elaborate affair, the Turtle Centre offers a perfectly distinctive ceremony and reception location in a beautiful natural setting with unique photo opportunities. They also offer full-service catering and a full bar. Call (345) 949 3894 or email: events@turtle.ky. Caribbean Club located in the heart of Seven Mile Beach is the perfect back drop for a gorgeous wedding

celebration, whether it be a barefoot beach ceremony or a large traditional wedding. Offering luxurious accommodation and with LUCA restaurant for the reception, the private setting of Caribbean Club makes this one of the best locations in the Caribbean. Visit www.caribclub.com for

more information. The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman specialises in personalised, high-end wedding celebrations. Choose to exchange your vows in the wedding pavilion on the Great Lawn surrounded by tropical blooms or the magical setting of Seven Mile Beach as the sun sets over the Caribbean Sea. You then have the choice of five different venues on-site for the reception, with the ballroom being able to host up to 500 guests. Their experienced wedding planners will ensure your day runs smoothly whether it’s just the two of you or include 100s of your family and friends. For more information, call (345) 943 9000 or visit www.ritzcarlton. com/grandcayman. The Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa is an AAA Five Diamond resort in Grand Cayman offering beach front destination weddings, landscaped garden receptions and ballroom space for indoor events. The beautifully designed ballroom is complemented by an extensive lawn surrounded by botanical beauty. For a casual affair, say ‘I do’ on the beach and spend your wedding night in the top-floor Presidential Suite with panoramic views across SMB. Choose between the contemporary beachfront, four-bedroom private bungalow, perfect for intimate gatherings of up to 50 guests or the Beach Deck, which is a private alfresco space suitable for larger parties. Visit www.seafireresortandspa.com. Kaibo (email: mywedding@kaibo.ky), located in the nature reserve of Cayman’s Rum Point, is one of the most popular locations in the Cayman Islands for weddings because of its private white sand beach, clear water, easy access by boat and friendly staff devoted to making your wedding a deeply personal celebration. Choose to host your wedding on the secluded, palm-fronded beach or in the plantation-style house, upstairs. Both offer award winning menus from a beach buffet to a 3-course menu, a boutique wine cellar, a Rare Rum Bar, plus access to some of the finest chefs and bartenders in the Cayman Islands. For more information visit www.kaibo.ky/wedding. The Wharf Restaurant is also a spectacular site for a beach wedding of up to 300 people. For more information visit www.wharf.ky. Sunset Bay on Old Prospect Point Road is a 300-person venue hidden in the grounds of a quaint colonial-style estate. It features a beautiful garden set right on the water. Email: sales@catering.ky for information. Smith Cove, also known as Smith Barcadere, is a beautiful public beach that is a popular wedding location but you will need to contact a wedding planner to arrange a ceremony here. Another option is to rent a villa on the beach. Contact Cayman Villas at reservations@caymanvillas.com for a list of stunning private villas that are available to rent, with several beach front options. Their professional, local staff will assist you with all accommodations, to provide you with the best location for your special day, and they will put you in touch with the best restaurants/caterers, floral shops, photographers and more, to ensure you create the perfect Caribbean wedding. You can find them at www.caymanvillas.com. For the true naturalist, with plans for a beach or ‘scuba diving underwater wedding ceremony’ surrounded by the true beauty

of Cayman contact Cathy Church’s Photo Centre (Tel: (345) 949 7415 or 1 (607) 330 3504, or visit www.linfronda.com). (SEE AD PAGES 197, 391 & 453) Another wonderful location is Dart Park (Tel: (345) 946 8250). If you would rather opt for a more traditional affair, Grand Cayman boasts over 200 churches for religious ceremonies. Refer to the Community Life chapter for a list of churches.

Wedding Flowers There are fabulous floral ideas to select from when designing your wedding bouquets and arrangements. When planning your event, it is best to remember that most flowers will have to be flown in for the event, which can become costly. A floral theme based on local varieties offers a uniquely ‘Cayman’ feel to your wedding and might help to keep costs under control. Good choices for wedding flowers include: Celebrations Ltd. (Tel: (345) 623 2044) and Kirk Market (Tel: (345) 949 7022) who can create truly stunning arrangements, bouquets and centrepieces for your event or every day needs. Every Bloomin’ Thing (Tel: (345) 945 1701) and Trisha’s Roses (Tel: (345) 949 2423) also create wonderful wedding arrangements.

Wedding Hair & Makeup Every bride wants to look their best on their wedding day. If you are looking for an experienced makeup artist that will have you looking stunning for your big

day, contact Luxury Couture Beauty. Run by talented makeup artist Kadian, she will help you achieve the perfect makeup look for your wedding that will go with any aesthetic. Luxury Couture Beauty also sells make up products and offers makeup lessons, eyelash tinting and brow tinting. Call (345) 926 5075 for a free consultation or email: luxurycoutureky@gmail.com.

Beauty by Kadian

With over 10 years of experience styling Caribbean weddings, Kadian will help you achieve a flawless bridal look using only the best high-quality vegan & hypo-allergenic makeup products

LC

LUXURY COUTURE Beauty

For a free consultation, call (345) 926 5075 or email luxurycoutureky@gmail.com @beautybykadian

Wedding Music & Entertainment One of many ways to express your personal style during the ceremony and celebrations on your wedding day is your choice of music and entertainment. Whether you are looking for a live band to keep everyone on their feet all night or something more refined, there are options for all tastes and budgets. Popular choices include the Cayman Music School, which specialises in beautiful music for weddings and memorable occasions. Small instrumental ensembles, solo singers and musicians can be arranged for your entertainment needs. Classical and jazz are popular musical styles for weddings. For more information, call (345) 938 3838, email: info@caymanmusicschool.com or visit www.caymanmusicschool.com. Local band Bona Fide is a popular wedding band with an extensive repertoire to keep your friends and family entertained. They are also open to learning new songs. Visit www.bonafidecayman.com for more information and to make a booking. Wedding Dance Classes & Bachelor/ Bachelorette Parties If you’re worried about the first dance then take some private lessons at Quinntessential Movement (www.qmovement.dance)

or Centre Pointe Dance Studio (www. centrepointedancestudio.com) to increase your confidence on the dancefloor, or even wow your guests with a special choregraphed dance.

Good options for bachelor or bachelorette parties include boat parties (see the Boating chapter for more information), spa days or dinner at one of the Island’s luxury hotels such as the

Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman, Kimpton Seafire, Marriott Beach Resort or the Westin Beach Resort. To rent a house or condo for a staycation on the beach, contact Cayman Villas for information.

Private rum tours are available at

Cayman Spirits Company, or a special creative class at the 3 Girls & A Kiln pottery shop in Camana Bay can be set up for fun and creative afternoon. Wedding Photographers & Videographers Meeting the right photographer is as important as finding the perfect wedding dress. No keepsake from your wedding day will be treasured as much as your photographs. Below is a list of the top wedding photographers and videographers in Grand Cayman. Rebecca from Rebecca

Davidson Photography is an expert in capturing wedding images. The Cayman Islands has been her home for most of her life and photographing families, children, commercial images and weddings, as she has done for the last 20 years, is her passion. She is professional, knowledgeable and will capture you perfectly producing stunning images. Her work is featured in over 10 internationally sold publications and she offers a range of photography packages to suit all. Her style is relaxed, fun and creative. Follow her on Instagram (@rebeccadavidsonphotography) to see her latest images. Call (345) 916 1654, email: wedding@rebeccadavidson.com or visit www.rebeccadavidson.com. (SEE AD THIS PAGE

& PAGE 399) Cathy Church’s Photo Centre (Tel: (345) 949 7415 or 1 (607) 330 3504 or visit www.cathychurch.com) offers professional photographers, such as Lin Fronda (www. linfronda.com), who provides wedding, event and group photography to meet your style requests from funky to elegant. Email: lin@cathychurch.com for quotes on everything from a family beach portrait to a multi-day wedding extravaganza. For underwater events, including weddings and baby photos, choose awardwinning Cathy Church to personally take your special photos. (Email: cathy@ cathychurch.com). Cathy Church’s also offers excellent photo printing services and will provide you with a beautiful print package from luxurious framed canvas to inexpensive 4” x 6” prints. (SEE AD THIS PAGE &

PAGES 197 & 453) Pictures By Shankar (Tel: (345) 925 1777, email: info@picturesbyshankar. com) has developed its reputation on the foundational premise that photography is all encompassing, not just imagery. It is their experience that is offered and the

moments they capture. Their exclusive experience provides an insight into clients lives for generations to come.

Deep Blue Images/Julie Corsetti (Tel: (345) 916 0016, email: info@deepblueimages. com or visit www.deepblueimages.com) captures the romance, emotion and beauty of every occasion. Her team offers a creative and passionate style, making sure the photographs will be treasured for

years. Guy Waller Photography specialises in bespoke wedding and family portrait photography capturing memories and joyful moments. Tel: (345) 321 3336, email: guy@pinkpalmstudio.com or visit www.guywaller.com.

Wedding Stationery & Invitations When the time arrives to send out invitations, Studio Two Sixteen (Tel: (345) 938 8363 or email: hello@ studiotwosixteen.com) can create personalised invitations, as well as announcement cards, thank you cards, signage and party favours.

Wedding Transportation There are plenty of options for ferrying you and your guests to and from your wedding. Cayman Airways offers travel packages for wedding parties and honeymoons. Email: weddings@caymanairways.net. Island Air (Tel: (345) 949 5252) offers a complete service for private and chartered aircraft including a ground handling and refuelling service. Webster’s Tours Ltd. (Tel: (345) 945 1433) offers airport transfers, on-Island transfers, and tours. Finally,

Cayman Luxury Excursions offers private transportation services in their Mercedes minivan. Call (345) 326 2018 or email: info@cayluxe.com for more information.

ONCE YOU ARE MARRIED

Immediately after you are pronounced husband and wife, you and your spouse, along with your Civil Registrar/Marriage Officer and two witnesses (aged 18 or older), must sign three certified copies of the Marriage Register. One copy, called the Certified Copy of Marriage Register, is yours to keep for your records. Your Civil Registrar/Marriage Officer is required by law to keep one copy in their Marriage Book. The third copy must be filed by your Civil Registrar/Marriage Officer with the Registrar of Marriages at the General Registry, located on the first floor of the Government Administration Building.

It is your responsibility to obtain the Registered Marriage Certificate (RMC) of your marriage from the General Registry, unless you have arranged with your wedding celebrant to obtain this and forward it to you. This document is your legal Marriage Certificate and should be secured with your other important documents. The cost of the RMC is CI$15. Ensure everything on the marriage registry is correct; changes to errors on the document costs CI$40. The RMC will have the details of your marriage, a watermark of the Coat of Arms of the Cayman Islands and the raised seal of the Registrar General on the front and the words ‘secure copy’ on the reverse.

European Union citizens (except the United Kingdom and Ireland) may need to have their RMC apostilled (or authenticated). This does not apply to citizens of the United States, Canada or the Commonwealth. Persons from Asia, South and Central America should check with their Embassy or Civil Registrar/ Marriage Officer, as to whether an apostille is required for their country.

You will need to produce your Registered Marriage Certificate when you return home to get a new passport and a driver’s licence in your married name, get your marital status changed on health and social security documents and for a myriad of other reasons. If you were to get divorced at a later date, then your Registered Marriage Certificate would also be required. It is an important document, so you should make sure you obtain it and keep it safe. THE

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PHOTOGRAPHY FOR ALL OCCASIONS

BY CATHY CHURCH’S PHOTO CENTRE