A Guide to Weddings in the Turks and Caicos

January 9, 2015

The Turks and Caicos is an archipelago of small Caribbean islands and cays located just southeast of the Bahamas.

The islands are protected by one of the longest barrier reefs in the world, which is a key congregation point for migrating Humpback whales. As well, Ambassador dolphins cruise just off Grace Bay Beach.

The white sand beaches and turquoise waters found throughout this string of islands are an incredible sight and make for magical, romantic weddings.

With that in mind, we’ve prepared this Turks and Caicos wedding guide that includes information about:

Basic information about our lovely Caribbean islands
Excursion ideas for honeymooners and wedding guests
Where in Providenciales couples can go to take the best wedding photos.

Key Turks and Caicos Facts

Where are the Turks and Caicos Islands?

By air, the Turks and Caicos Islands are located just an hour from the North American mainland, just to the southeast of the Bahamas.

Cockburn Town, the capital of Turks and Caicos, is located on the small island of Grand Turk. Providenciales, home to the territory’s only international airport with direct flights to London, New York and other main airport hubs, is the heart of Turks and Caicos and the site of the world-famous Grace Bay Beach.

We have included some basic information about flights to Provo and the Turks and Caicos at the end of this article.

First, here are some basic facts that anyone not familiar with Turks and Caicos should know:

From November to May, the average temperature ranges between 82 to 84 degrees
The Turks and Caicos Islands consist of 40 islands and cays (pronounced keys)
The territory is 575 miles southeast of Miami (about an hour by plane)
English is spoken and American currency is accepted
There are 350 days of sunshine each year
Providenciales is home to Grace Bay Beach, the #1 beach in the Caribbean and #2 Beach in the world according to TripAdvisor
Grace Bay Beach was voted the third best beach in the world according to CNN Travel’s 2013 “World’s 100 Best Beaches” rankings
US arrivals are required to display a passport, as do visitors from other countries; visas are usually not needed
The Turks & Caicos Islands are a British dependency

Planning a Wedding on Providenciales

Many visitors seek out the Turks and Caicos to enjoy snorkeling, diving, paddling, or to simply relax on the beach. However, the Turks and Caicos have also developed a quiet reputation as the setting for the most romantic weddings in the world.

Perfect Wedding Photo Spots on Provo

Chalk Sound

Located on the east end of the island of Provo, Chalk Sound is a protected lagoon featuring fantastic and stunning shades of aquamarine.

Long Bay Beach

With little development, this beach on the Windward side of the island is famous for its seclusion, and is the perfect spot to get a private photo of your wedding.

Grace Bay Beach

The powdery white sand of Grace Bay Beach contrasts beautifully with the turquoise water and onyx sky. On top of that, Grace Bay Beach is on the west (leeward) side of the island, and makes for perfect sunset photos. The Sands at Grace Bay is situated on this world-renowned beach, offering couples incredible photo opportunities with the convenience of staying at the resort.

The Sands has partnered with Brilliant by Tropical Imaging, to offer speciality priced packages to capture your special moments during your wedding, honeymoon, and vacation.

Menu Planning Ideas

The island-inspired cuisine of the Turks and Caicos, like that in the rest of the Caribbean, benefits from a rich variety of local influences. There are common themes in many dishes include spices, bananas, fresh citrus, corn and ocean salt.

Freshly caught fish include Grouper and Mahi Mahi, as well as Spiny Turks & Caicos lobsters when in season. The Turks & Caicos Islands are well-known for their iconic conch, a kind of shellfish notable for its distinctive shell , delicious taste, and variety of preparation options here on Provo.

Hemingway’s Beachfront Restaurant

Right on Grace Bay Beach, with beautiful sunset views, Hemingway’s Beachfront Restaurant & Bar has won numerous awards for its delectable island cuisine and is the perfect beachside venue for wedding receptions and rehearsal dinners.

Try the rum punch while on Provo!

A rum-based punch is often served during celebrations and weddings, and is a popular drink in the coastal bars, eateries and at our resort.

You can read more and download wedding dining packages on our website.

Things to do in the Turks & Caicos for Honeymooners and Your Guests

Whether you’re planning a luxurious destination wedding with guests from all over the world, or you’re celebrating an intimate and laid-back ceremony for two, there are plenty of fun and unique things for you and your wedding guests to do during your visit to Turks & Caicos.

While many visitors enjoy simply soaking up the sun or trying out watersports activities offered on Grace Bay Beach, here are some additional island adventures and excursions:

Tour the Islands

Dive one of the longest coral reefs in the world. Take a sailing cruise to one of the many small cays that make up the Turks and Caicos island chain. Explore a limestone cave and learn more about the first inhabitants of our island chain.

Go on a Sailing Trip

Sailing is a great way to explore the Turks and Caicos. The Caicos Bight to the south of Providenciales is a shallow body of water perfect for snorkeling, swimming, fishing, or just island hopping to secluded destinations.

The more open, deeper waters north of Providenciales are the gateway to everything from scuba diving one of the world’s longest barrier reefs to romantic sunset cruises.

Other sailing trips can be made to Little Water Cay, also known Iguana Island, as well as North and Middle Caicos. Private sunset sailing charters are also offered for interested couples or wedding parties and are an ideal way to celebrate your special day with a champagne toast at sea with your loved ones and guests.

Go Snorkeling

Some of the best snorkeling spots (and indeed some of the best in the Caribbean) are located near Providenciales and Grace Bay Beach.

We offer our resort guests complimentary use of our snorkeling equipment for underwater exploration during your stay. Snorkeling excursions are great for all ages and ability levels and usually include a sailing trip that cruises past white powder-soft beaches to anchor at isolated reefs.

Visas, Currency, Wedding Paperwork and Other Information

When planning a wedding in Turks and Caicos, keep in mind the following considerations and legal requirements:

Be in TCI for at least three business days prior to your wedding.
Bring 3 copies of your birth certificates and passports notarized by a notary or signed by a justice of the peace.
Any passports or documentation written in any language other than English should be translated in advance and notarized by the applicable consulate.
You will need to supply a copy of the TCI Immigration Arrival and Departure Form. You will receive this upon entering Turks and Caicos. This will need to be notarized.
Application for a Marriage License Form and Declarant Application Form are to be hand written by the couple upon arrival and signed with the marriage officiate.
Marriage licenses are issued at the office of the Registrar in Providenciales.

Our resort staff can provide any assistance you may need regarding other details of your ceremony.

Flying Times From Major Cities with Direct Flights to Provo

New York – 3 hours
Toronto & Montreal, Canada – 3 ½ Hours
London, UK – 8 Hours
Atlanta, GA – 2 Hours
Bahamas; Dominican Republic; Haiti – 45 Minutes
Miami, FL – 1 Hour
Continental Airlines offers direct flights from New Jersey
Boston – 3 ½ Hours

Check out our most recent flights page for more information about air carriers and airport hubs.