St Vincent & The Grenadines Wedding Destination Guide
If circumstance has conspired to make St. Vincent somewhat remote, it has also spared it from the hype and glitz that have tarted up other islands. With its mountainous interior, towering volcano, black sand beaches and tiny airport, St. Vincent could be the South Pacific of yesteryear, a Bali Hai of the Caribbean. Little wonder, then, that the producers of the hit movie, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, selected St. Vincent and the Grenadines to shoot this old fashioned swashbuckler. Nowhere else could they find such endless stretches of deserted beach and forested interiors, with no hotels or overhead cables to creep into a shot.
For those willing to journey a little farther afield, these are individual islands offering a little something for adventurers, newlyweds and other romantics seeking unspoiled seclusion.
South of St. Vincent, the 25 or so Vincentian Grenadine Islands are strung across 40 miles of intense blue ocean like a necklace of precious stones on velvet. Until recently they were better known to yachtsmen than to tourists, and therein lies much of their charm. Only seven are inhabited, and even those seem virtually undeveloped compared to many popular island destinations. With stunning white sand beaches, coral reefs and flowered hillsides spilling down to tranquil harbors, they recall the Caribbean of long ago.
These are islands tailor-made for those with more than a bit of Robinson Crusoe in their souls, for whom the lack of fast food joints, souvenir stalls, chain resorts and discothèques is a virtue. Long considered a prime sailing destination, the Grenadines also lend themselves admirably to snorkeling, scuba diving, beach combing, picnicking and just lazing in a hammock. It is difficult to find a crowded beach, and divers marvel at the plethora of world-class yet near-deserted dive sites.
For all its barefoot, 'cast away' appeal, the Grenadines harbor some of the most luxurious resorts in the Caribbean, including Petit St. Vincent, Palm Island and the Frangipani Inn on Bequia. The Saltwhistle Bay Club in Mayreau boasts one of the top 10 beaches in the Caribbean. Yet the Grenadines are so low key that these names are not much in the mainstream. Make your way from island on a leisurely tour by ferryboat or air, or let a local tour operator be your guide.
{Credit: St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ministry of Tourism and Culture}
Entry Requirements
All citizens must posses a valid passport except for UK, US and Canadian who can produce proof of citizenship with a photo ID. All visitors must have an ongoing ticket.
Tourism Offices
The Tourism Offices can often help provide specific details about wedding planning in St Vincent & The Grenadines.
St Vincent & The Grenadines Dept of Tourism
PO Box 834
Bay Street
Kingstown
St Vincent
St Vincent/Grenadines
Tel: 784 457 1502 Fax: 784 456 2610
Email: tourism@caribsurf.com Web: www.svgtourism.com
