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General Info ‘One Happy Island’ The precious island of Aruba is marked by diamond white sands, rugged seascapes and the famous silhouette of the divi-divi tree. Beaches along the southern and western shores are accented by unbelievably clear waters, and are considered among the most beautiful in the world. Journey in-land, where dramatic rock formations, blossoming cacti and teeming wildlife cover the island’s 70 square miles. Millennia’s of world history have resulted in a hospitable and celebrant people, whose genuine smiles are seen within the shops, showrooms, bars and casinos of Aruba’s cities. Every local interaction sheds light on Aruba’s official descriptions as ‘One happy island.” Wild Parks and Wreck Diving Arid deserts and rolling hills flourish within Aruba’s wild parks and nature preserves. Explore the rustic terrain on a Jeep safari or gallop through winding trails on horseback. Old chapels and remnants of flourishing gold mills are just some of the historic sites that span the countryside. Afterwards, ride to the brilliant white shores that introduce the colorful marine life of breathtaking reefs, tropical fish and famed shipwrecks. The warm, clear waters surrounding Aruba have been named the #1 destination for wreck diving by Rodale’s Scuba Diving Magazine. Culture and Cuisine Enjoy the warm embrace of Aruban culture within the markets, shops, casinos and clubs that surround the major resort areas. Folkloric festivals offer marvelous displays of native artwork and delicious tastes of the local cuisine. Bite into freshly caught conch, snapper and mahi-mahi while under the charming ambiance of Aruba’s numerous cafes and restaurants. Aruba’s nightlife is consistently proven to be as wonderful as the island itself. Weddings and Romance The island’s perfect blend of natural and modern treasures has long endeared Aruba as the ideal destination for weddings and honeymoons. Warm Caribbean sunsets and clear blue skies flourish on the romantic beaches of Aruba. Many resorts offer complete wedding and honeymoon packages as well as advice for the best ceremony and honeymoon spots on the island. An Island Masterpiece The island of Aruba is a luminous display of the Caribbean’s natural and cultural wonders. Untamed terra firma and fascinating wildlife are found in this exotic world of dry deserts and florid landscapes. Local shopping excursions are quickly met with friendly Aruban greetings and the welcomed aroma of fresh seafood. A myriad of elegant resorts and quaint inns take full advantage of the island and are often situated on long stretches of pure white beach. Aruba’s natural, historical and cultural joys have run side by side, weaving into a masterpiece that captures your affection and demands your return. Destination information is subject to change without prior notice. Travelers are advised to use extreme caution and common sense when venturing out in any foreign destination. While luxury beach destinations can be quite alluring, remember to keep your guard up when approached by locals in any foreign area. We advise guests to attend the resort orientation upon arrival(if provided) and conduct plenty of research prior to arriving at your destination. The information provided on this site is not comprehensive and we advise travelers to utilize the official tourist board site for each resort area, the CDC, travel.state.gov and other official sources for up to date destination information. Available Resorts Getting There Entry Requirements All travelers between the U.S. and the Caribbean are required to carry passports beginning January 1, 2007 as mandated by the United States Department of Homeland Security and the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. We encourage you to begin the passport application process early to avoid unexpected delays. Travelers should allow a minimum of six weeks between their application submission and receipt of passport. Visas are not required for stays less than three months by US Passport holders. Passports can be expedited for an additional processing fee. Please visit travel.state.gov for more information. Foreign residents of the United States and all other foreign visitors not holding a US Passport must contact the appropriate government authorities to determine the entry and visa requirements. Vaccinations Vaccinations are not required unless arriving from, or traveling through, a country with a formally declared health epidemic. Please consult www.cdc.gov for current information. Departure Tax The departure tax in Aruba is $36.75 (U.S.) and is often included in the price of the airline ticket. (Subject to change)
What to Wear Light, informal clothing is the rule for Aruba’s year round summer climate. Some of the elegant resorts, nightclubs and casinos may require dressier clothing and evening wear. Currency and Banks Aruba’s offical currency is the Aruba florin. Banks are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Those with ATM cards bearing the CIRRUS or Plus system emblem can withdraw cash in florins or U.S. dollars through the many ATM’s throughout the island. Driving Arubans drive on the right side of the road as in the United States. Communications Aruba is fully equipped with cable telephone lines, cellular service and Internet capabilities. Electricity Aruba’s electrical voltage is 110 AC/60 cycles, just like the U.S. Water With the world’s second largest saltwater purification plant, Aruba’s water is safe to drink straight from the tap. Airports Queen Beatrix International Airport is Aruba’s primary commercial airport for connections around the world. Pets Valid rabies and health certificates from a recognized veterinarian are required before bringing dogs or cats into Aruba. No pets from South or Central America are allowed. Geography Aruba is a wild island filled with arid plains, lush cacti and miles of Caribbean kissed shores. Dramatic rock formations and unique vegetation span the interior and level into the white sands that mark Aruba’s beaches. The Arikok Park comprises nearly 20% of the island and boasts 48 types of native trees and a myriad of animal species. The unique geography is a bustling land that forms the collage known as Aruba. Climate Aruba boasts a year-round summer temperature of approximately 82° Fahrenheit and an average rainfall of less than 20 inches a year. Government As part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Aruba is a hereditary constitutional monarchy and is based on Western democratic principles. The Queen of the Kingdom appoints a governor for a term of six years and acts as the island’s sovereign representative. History Beginning with the Arawak Indians in 1000 A.D., the beauty of Aruba has been a source of conflict and International war. In 1499 Spanish explorer Alonso de Ojeda arrived and exported the Arawaks to the Dominican Republic to work in the copper mines. The Dutch took possession of the island as a result of the Eighty Years’ War and have remained as a country under the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This far-reaching history can be seen in the ancient artifacts, churches and abandoned plantations found throughout the island. Cultural Experience The culture of Aruba is a diverse mixture of people from South America, Europe, Asia and other islands in the Caribbean. The result is a jubilant people whose carnivals, festivals and native foods are a welcomed comfort for everyone who comes here. Colorful dresses flow with bright colors and the signature sound of island music. It’s the people who have won Aruba the well-appointed description of “One Happy Island.” Time Zone Aruba is on Local Standard Time which is 4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Destination information is subject to change without prior notice. Attractions Beaches Aruba’s beaches are a beautiful tapestry of white sands, green palms and clear blue waters. Welcoming shores are cooled by gentle trade winds and stretch for miles into the surrounding Caribbean Sea. Wonderfully clear waters open the marine world to snorkelers, while slowly descending beaches create a safe haven for children and other aqua endeavors. Dining Savory tastes from the Caribbean Sea are a specialty in Aruba. Freshly caught conch, tuna, wahoo and grouper are commonly mixed with native spices and presented in charming seaside venues throughout the island. Increased tourism has also brought flavors from around world and made Aruba a culinary retreat for fine International dining. Excursions The rugged landscape and enigmatic history of Aruba have primed the island for exciting and scenic excursions. Experience the diverse flora and fauna of Arikok Park. Approximately 18 percent of the entire island was reserved for this teeming reserve of exotic wildlife, striking cacti and the signature bend of the divi-divi tree. For a taste of history, visit the California Lighthouse or walk through the gold mines of the early Spanish and Dutch periods. The endless blend of Aruba’s natural and historic settings promises something for every avid explorer. Sports and Recreations Aruba is an exciting island with adventure for the active or languid traveler. Tee off on the championship fairways of the Tierra del Sol golf course or explore the sunken vessels of Aruba’s reefs. Every conceivable sport, from kite surfing to horseback riding, is found over the seascapes and landscapes of this rewarding island. Nightlife When the sun finally sets, fabulous resort areas and playful cities unveil a totally different Aruba. Eleven casinos and countless bars spread throughout the island and offer great gaming, tropical concoctions and the warm embrace of Aruban hospitality. Many resorts draw from the local talent for nightly shows and beachfront theme parties. Hop on a sunset party boat or take an intimate walk on the luminous sands of Aruba’s beaches. The tenor of every evening is harmonized on Aruba. Destination information is subject to change without prior notice. Weddings and Honeymoons Exotic terrain washed in the gentle tide of the Caribbean Sea has long offered romantics a backdrop for nuptial bliss. The wonders of Aruba’s natural settings and historic churches have made it a coveted island for destination weddings and honeymoon getaways. Exchange vows on a secluded cove or find absolute intimacy in the natural pool of Cura di Tortuga. Elegant beachfront resorts offer packages to cover every detail of your ceremony or honeymoon. Check out our suggested list for wedding and honeymoon hotels in Aruba! Necessary Documents: - Copies of Birth Certificate with the raised seal.
- Passport picture page or valid state issued picture I.D. for the bride & groom.
- Valid passports from the witnesses.
- A copy of the appropriate death certificate if widow(er). If divorced, a copy of the divorce decree.
- “Apostille” report (Statistical search from the Bureau of Vital Statistics proving both are single.) from country of citizenship.
- All documents must be faxed for review and submitted to the courier (i.e. USPS) at least one month before the wedding date.
Restrictions: - Ceremonies can take place in the late morning or early afternoon on Wednesdays, Thursdays or Fridays.
Saturdays are also available in the late mornings for an additional charge of $150. - Civil marriages are performed in the salon of the historic City Hall building in downtown Oranjestad.
Fees: - Marriage fees total to $80 (U.S.) during the week and $200 (U.S) for Saturdays, holidays and after hours ceremonies.
Weddings requirements are subject to change without prior notice and resort packages may feature additional restrictions not listed here. This is not a comprehensive guide to weddings in Aruba. Destination Wedding Resorts The following resorts are recommended for destination weddings: Honeymoon Resorts The following resorts are recommended for honeymoons: |
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