Weddings in Tobago

An increasing number of our clients are married in Tobago, including us, Sue and Steve, who own the property. We also receive regular enquires about weddings and whether this is something that we can arrange. So we thought it would be helpful to give you a picture of what is possible here.

As you can see from our website, the property is stunningly beautiful with views of the ocean, beach, rainforest and village. There are few places with such charm and simplicity and it is a perfect place if you are looking for a romantic setting. Clients have been married in every one of our accommodations and also, as we were, under the Pagoda. In the background is the sound of the ocean, sunsets are glorious and the birdsong is constant. Some clients have alternatively chosen to be married on the beach under simple structures with palm leaf roofs to shelter from the sun or the occasional shower of rain.

Most couples have a simple ceremony with just themselves, the minister, and two witnesses. Porridge and Jeanell, our local managers, make all the arrangements for you and ensure that everything runs smoothly and you have a happy day. Our clients have greatly appreciated their warm-hearted help and support.

Over the last couple of years, Porridge has arranged 15 or 20 weddings, mainly small intimate affairs, but with a few special touches to make it memorable. Depending on what you want, he can arrange most things as long as the theme is simple. One thing to bear in mind is that the people in Tobago are quite religious so a Minister will definitely be part of your wedding and will add his or her own sincere, passionate approach to the marriage. Many clients say the ceremony has been moving and significant as a result. Planning: Porridge and Jeanell will meet with you when you arrive and clarify the arrangements – the day/time, place, Minister, flowers, food and drink. They will also explain the legal requirements to you (see below).

Organising the Legalities: Porridge will drive you to Scarborough in his air-conditioned bus for the registration, which costs 350TTD, (about £35) and do his best to ease that process (queues can be long in Tobago). You must attend in person. He will also arrange for you to meet the Minister to talk through what you would like. The Minister charges 2,000TTD (about £200). If you want champagne or wine for a wedding lunch or supper, he will take you to the wine merchant so you can purchase this. He will also take you to a florist so you can choose your flowers. Jeanell will also arrange a special meal in your accommodation (if you wish) depending on your budget. Or you may want to go out in which case she will recommend a restaurant for you.

To get married in Tobago you need to:

Have your passport for the tax office visit.

Your birth certificate.

Your divorce papers (if appropriate)

Be resident in Tobago for three days before the ceremony. This does not include the day of the ceremony.

The Wedding Day: Porridge will be with you on the day to ensure that everything runs smoothly and will make sure the paperwork is completed and the Minister is paid.

The Marriage Certificate: He will also follow through on your marriage certificate. This can take 6-8 weeks to arrive at your home address. If you are staying with us for an extended honeymoon (three weeks or more), it may arrive before you leave. Or not, Tobago being Tobago!

All the above is local style. It is inexpensive, simple and fun. Porridge doesn’t do champagne flutes, or limos, or dinner jackets, or name cards, or classical music. But he is highly reliable and competent and, just as important; he is fun to be with.

If you want something more elaborate, such as a wedding including family and friends who fly in for the event, Porridge will charge more for his services. Let Jean know exactly what you want and we will tell you if Porridge can arrange it and what he would charge. For example, a party for 25-30 people, flowers, live music, food, and a beach pagoda would probably cost about 8-10,000TTD (about£800-£1,000) for Porridge and Jeanell’s time with an extra charge for everything they provide for you. The bottom line is it all costs a great deal less than in Britain or America with a lot less hassle and more fun. We can accommodate 17 people plus a few extras if all our accommodation is available. We can also help guests find alternative accommodation in the village if necessary.

accommodation

We offer self catering accommodations to suit a range of requirements and budgets. Meals can be cooked by arrangement.  

• The main house is a wooden structure divided into a two bedroom penthouse & two one bedroom apartments (Hummingbird 1 and 2 each sleeps 2, below). Each can be rented separately or combined for larger groups or families.
• Fisherman’s Lodge is a renovated shack offering 800 sq ft of spacious living with a large double bedroom, living room and covered deck area.
• 2 wooden haiku lodges, each with very high quality and spacious accommodation. Coasthanger has one bedroom and an open plan living area, kitchen, shower room and porch. Birdsong has similar open plan living areas but with two bedrooms and two en-suite shower rooms.

All the accommodations offer open, spacious living areas and comfortable seating for both dining and relaxing. Each has stunning and uninterrupted views of the bay and the ocean. Outside is one and a half acres of gardens with sun terraces, a viewing deck, a sheltered pagoda, barbecues and shady spots where you can relax under the mango trees and listen to the mot-mots calling. Banana palms and bamboo grow below with papaya, lemons, plantain, avocado, orange and limes to be enjoyed.

room rates

Room type	Rate per night	Rate per week
Rainforest Penthouse Apartment - 2 bedrooms, 1 shower room 2 person discount (21% reduction)	£185 £145	£1295 £1015
Hummingbird 1 apartment - 1 bedroom, 1 shower room	£105	£735
Hummingbird 2 apartment – 1 bedroom, 1 shower room	£95	£665
Fisherman's Lodge - 1 bedroom, 1 shower room	£150	£1050
Coasthanger Lodge - 1 bedroom, 1 shower room	£145	£1015
Birdsong Lodge - 2 bedrooms, 2 shower rooms 2 person discount (23% reduction)	£210 £160	£1470 £1120

how to find us

Flights are direct from London, Amsterdam and Frankfurt. Arriving in Crown Point, Tobago, we are a 45 minute drive or taxi ride from the airport.