Questions and Answers
What's included in a Virgin wedding?
At most resorts and venues we offer a choice of several
wedding packages as described in our wedding brochure. The package is for the
bride and groom, unless otherwise stated. After choosing which package appeals
to you (and your intended of course!), simply book it in conjunction with your
Virgin holiday – it
couldn't be easier!
What kind of ceremony is it?
Most Virgin weddings will be non-denominational services,
conducted by a Notary, Justice of the Peace, Minister or Registrar.
Is it legal?
Absolutely! All ceremonies are performed in accordance
with British Law and legally recognised as binding. If you aren't British,
however, we recommend you contact your relevant Consulate or Embassy to establish
the requirements of your marriage abroad.
Can you guarantee professional photographic and videographic services?
Local freelancers are employed to take photographs and
videos and whilst they work to the highest standards, their equipment and
facilities may not compare to UK standards. Virgin Holidays cannot take any
responsibility in the event of any malfunction of video or photographic equipment.
When will we get our marriage certificate?
In some resorts your marriage certificate is issued straight away. In others,
it could take up to 4 months to be processed and mailed to you. So if you are
planning a marriage blessing when you get back to the UK, please bear this in
mind. If you want more than 1 certificate, request this in resort or your solicitor
can duplicate a copy when you return to the UK.
What day of the week will our wedding take place?
The majority of resorts require a 3 working day residency
period before the ceremony can take place. Most wedding ceremonies take place
Monday to Friday (excluding Public Holidays). Once the date of your wedding
ceremony has been confirmed by the resort, we will then confirm this to you
in writing.
In very exceptional circumstances, the date of your wedding may have to be rescheduled.
This point is worth remembering if you intend to print wedding invitations or
have jewellery engraved. We cannot be held liable for any associated costs of
such items should the wedding date change.
Where will our wedding ceremony take place?
After consulting with the wedding co-ordinator, you can
choose the location of your ceremony, usually in the hotel grounds or a gazebo.
A beach ceremony is not always possible, but you can, if you like, head down
to the sea afterwards for a celebratory glass or 2 of Champagne!
What documentation is required for a wedding abroad?
On our legal requirements
page you'll find details of all the necessary original documentation
you need to bring with you to your chosen resort. As Virgin Holidays
can take no responsibility for failure to comply with this request, we urge
you to check carefully.
Some of our documents are written in a foreign language – is this a problem?
Most of our resorts require documents to be in English.
If they aren't, an acceptable, certified translation is required, but
leave time for this, it can be a lengthy process. However, some documentation
for weddings held in Cuba needs to be translated into Spanish. Please check
with the Weddings Department for further information.
Will we need to complete any paperwork in resort?
You will indeed, so allow at least half a day prior to
your wedding day to deal with legal stuff. In the majority of resorts, this
will be carried out away from your hotel. Transfers to and from the relevant
office can be arranged but may incur an additional fee.
What should we wear for our wedding?
If you're heading for the sun, we recommend clothes to keep
you cool! During mid-afternoon, when the sun is at its hottest, traditional dress
may be unbearable, so brides may want to opt for a light, cotton-weight dress
instead. For grooms, a lightweight, light-coloured suit is ideal.
How do we transport our wedding attire?
Whatever you decide to wear for your big day, all wedding
attire must be carried as part of your hold baggage allowance. Please check
baggage allowance if travelling with an airline other than Virgin Atlantic.
Virgin Atlantic is precluded from hanging garments in the cabin as the CAA
state that this would impede an emergency exit.
Can we have our wedding outfits pressed?
Usually this is not a problem and your hotel will be
happy to oblige.
Are hair and beauty services available?
Hair and beauty services will be available at your hotel, in a neighbouring
hotel or local beauty salon. In some resorts, we can even arrange for a beautician
and hairdresser to come to your room. To avoid disappointment though, book your
appointment as soon as possible after arrival.
What should we do about the sun?
However strong the temptation may be, try not to burn
yourself pre-wedding (or after for that matter!). Use a high-factor sun cream
and if you plan to wear an off-the-shoulder number (the bride that is!),
choose a swimming costume with removable straps to avoid white lines in your
photos.
What will our wedding flowers be like?
Local flowers for the bridal bouquet and groom's
buttonhole vary from season to season. Where possible, we suggest you make
your choice in resort and, if more elaborate styles and content are required,
be prepared to pay a supplement.
Can you provide music for our wedding?
As most hotels hire CD players or cassettes, why not
bring a few of your favourite tunes along to commemorate your special day.
Can we invite guests to our wedding?
You can invite family and friends to your wedding and
we've got some fantastic group offers to prove it! If guests stay at
a different hotel to you, they can purchase a day pass to enable them to
enter your hotel and use its facilities. There may be an additional charge
for guests.
We are staying at a couples/adult-only resort but have guests with children – will it be possible for them to attend our wedding?
Very few adult-only properties allow children to attend
a wedding, but it is worth checking as some are more flexible than others.
How much notice is required to arrange a wedding?
As much as possible, especially if lots of extras are
required! Always have a back-up date in mind, just in case. There are a few
places where you can marry at very short notice. Give us a call for our suggestions.
Are FREE weddings combinable with other special offers?
FREE weddings cannot be combined with any other special offer, including
honeymoon specials in some hotels. Wedding couples are not entitled to honeymoon
offers as they are not married when they arrive. Please check with our Weddings
Department for more information.
Do we need insurance?
As everybody knows, this is VERY, VERY important. As
well as offering an excellent holiday package as detailed in our brochures,
we provide special wedding insurance for extra peace of mind.
Legal requirements
The exact legal documentation required for each destination
is subject to change and is set by the respective country. Virgin weddings
will endeavour to advise of any changes to these requirements as soon as
possible. Virgin Holidays cannot be held accountable for any changes in legislation
or for any resulting fees payable by the wedding couple in order to comply
with these legalities.
Late documentation fee
As you can see from the legal
requirements page, the Weddings Department must be in receipt of copies
or certified copies* of the required documentation at least 12 weeks prior
to travel for the appropriate destinations. If documents are not forwarded
to us within this time, a late documentation charge of £95 will be
imposed. For Sandals and Beaches weddings, a $150 late documentation charge
will be made by Sandals.
For new weddings booked inside of 12 weeks prior to departure, Virgin Holidays
will not impose a late documentation charge as long as the necessary documentation
is received promptly. This does not include Sandals and Beaches properties where
this charge will still be made.
* The Weddings Department will advise you if we need certified copies
of documents to be sent. This information will be included in your confirmation
letter.
Wedding packages
The wedding package prices and inclusions
are printed in this brochure in good faith. On
rare occasions, resorts may withdraw or
change their wedding package inclusions.
Such instances are regrettably beyond our
control. We will endeavour to advise our
couples of any such changes at the earliest
possible opportunity.
What happens now?
We require a non-refundable deposit of £100 per couple
at the time of booking the wedding. This amount may increase if the venue has
a higher non-refundable deposit. Also, as per our booking conditions, there will
be a charge of £25 per person should you request the wedding date be changed
after written confirmation has been sent. This is to cover our administration
costs.