General Information

The islands of the Southern Caribbean Sea or West Indies are an extensive archipelago in the far west of the Atlantic Ocean, mostly strung between North and South America. They've long been known as a resort vacation destination for honeymooners and retirees, but a small movement toward eco-tourism and backpacking has started to open up the Caribbean to more independent travel. With year-round good weather this region is outside of the main hurricane zone.

Aruba has one of the highest rates of repeat visitors anywhere in the Caribbean. What continues to draw people back over and over again is the great pride and care that Arubans take to ensure that tourists have everything they could possibly need to make their stay both enjoyable and exciting. Arubans are famous for their friendliness and hospitality. The climate is perpetually sunny and welcoming, and great care has been taken to preserve and enhance the natural beauty of the environment.

Aruba

Aruba is a small island located in the heart of the southern Caribbean, approximately 24 kilometres from the coast of Venezuela. It is one of the most popular holiday destinations of the Caribbean islands. You will find a wide variety of beaches in the south-west, such as Manchebo, Eagle o Palm Beach.

Aruba Weather Info

Aruba is blessed with year-round warm tropical weather that is gently cooled by breezy trade winds. The average annual temperature is 28° C with very few tropical storms. Although there is a defined rainy season, from May to November, the annual rainfall is a mere 41 cm.

Banks & Currency

In Aruba, the legal tender is the Aruban florin. Although prices are listed with the national currency, US dollars are accepted readily so you may not need to exchange your money at all. Carry small bills since you may have difficulty changing US $50 and US $100 bills in shops and restaurants.

Other currencies can be exchanged in the banks and change offices. Bank ATMs are available throughout the more populated areas of the islands. All major credit cards and traveller's checks are accepted.

Getting Married in Aruba

The following list is the legal requirements for marriage in Aruba. Subsequent lists outline the specific requirements based on the religious preferences of the wedding party. Couple must provide from their Country of Citizenship an "apostile" report proof that they are both single and eligible to marry.

• Each person must submit their birth certificate with a raised seal.
• If either party has been divorced they must submit their divorce decree.
• If either party has been widowed, they must submit their death certficate.
• Couple must be holders of valid passports and submit with their application, copies of the pages showing all relevant details.
• Copies of the passport pages of their witnesses must also be submitted (if couple does not have any witnesses, we will provide them at an additional fee).
• All documents are to be faxed for review to the office of Civil Registry (below) and then submitted by courier (i.e. FedEx) at least one (1) month prior to desired wedding date.
• All civil ceremonies must take place before the church wedding, either in the US or in Aruba. Civil ceremonies are conducted inside the City Hall (Bureau Burgerlijke Stand) in Oranjestad.
• Ceremonies are performed Wednesdays through Fridays.
• Times are from 9:30 am - 12:00pm.

Registrars Offices
The registrar's office should be contacted for specific rules regarding planning your destination or beach wedding in Aruba. They will also provide information regarding marriage licenses and marriage certificates.

Office of Civil Registry Attn: Mr. Betto Christiaans Schoolstraat 2 Oranjestad, Aruba

Tel: 297 583 4400 Fax: 297 583 9160
Email: pivaruba@setarnet.aw

Travelling as a group? Request a quote by visiting our Groups page.