PETER ISLAND RESORT OFFERS STORYBOOK SITE FOR WEDDINGS

>more on honeymoons & destination weddings in the British Virgin Islands

PETER ISLAND, B.V.I. -- From sunset serenades to gourmet picnics on the Caribbean's most dramatic beaches, Peter Island Resort -- twice named one of Conde Nast Traveler's "Best Places to Stay in the World" -- provides storybook weddings and fantasy honeymoons on a private island devoted to one exclusive retreat amid the sapphire seas of the British Virgin Islands (B.V.I.).

The Classic Caribbean Resort indulges couples with the promise of pure personalization at the 52-room escape. Endearing island characters anticipate every whim whether snorkeling in a secluded cove, casting off on the resort's sailing yacht or escaping to Honeymoon Beach, the resort's most romantic stretch of sand and sea with just two lounge chairs beneath a single thatch hut -- all 1,800 acres of lush, mountainous terrain and five secluded beaches kissed by technicolor tides.

On an entire island devoted to one exclusive retreat, anything is possible: small, simple ceremonies in the open-air library overlooking the lapping waves of Drake Channel or extravagant, all-the-trimmings affairs on remote White Bay Beach. Whatever the taste or desired setting, Peter Island Resort caters to all requests.

The resort's on-site wedding coordinator handles every detail including flowers, cake, photographs, champagne toasts, music and decorations. She works with the resort's award-winning chefs to create an incredible cake and catered reception for two to 102. She also orchestrates entertainment from solo violinists to five-piece steel drum bands. Couples are responsible only for their marriage license which can be secured within three days of visiting the B.V.I.

As wedding gifts, Peter Island presents an exquisite piece of custom-engraved Waterford crystal and a keepsake wedding album inscribed with names, date and a special island saying.

After the ceremony, an intimate honeymoon awaits. The resort's "Island Romance" package offers luxurious accommodations for eight days and seven nights, intimate gourmet dinner and wine tasting, indulgent spa massages for two, choice of day trip to the Baths of Virgin Gorda or sightseeing in St. Thomas, gourmet meals daily and unlimited use of island activities such as watersports, mountain biking, day and evening tennis, swimming pool and beachfront health club. Peter Island also offers "Ashore/Afloat" with a five-night resort stay and two nights aboard a sailing yacht.

On the island, newlyweds revel in the respite of five private beaches. Island tradition dictates that lovers pay tribute to Honeymoon Beach at least once. During escapes to remote White Bay, where fish literally eat out of extended hands, island staff deliver exquisite picnic lunches and then remove the baskets when summoned.

For the more adventurous, Peter Island Resort staff often arrange private-crewed boat charters to surrounding islands, deep-sea fishing excursions, scuba diving through the resort's own Dive Center, eco-excursions to the Baths of Virgin Gorda with an on-staff naturalist, sightseeing and shopping tours, or self-indulgence at Sol, Spa.

After a full day of sunning, sailing or napping together in palm-tied hammocks, couples often opt for a sunset sail, privately guided island tour by resort rover, dance under the stars to calypso melodies or a moonlit stroll along Drake Channel and Sprat Bay.

To obtain a marriage license in the B.V.I, contact the Registrar's office at (284) 494-3701. To experience an unforgettable island wedding and fantasy honeymoon at Peter Island Resort, call 800-346-4451.

WEDDING PROCEDURES

Getting married in the British Virgin Islands is as easy as one, two, three. Couples simply establish residency for three business days. On the first day, a resort representative will escort the couple into town to:

1. Make an appointment for the ceremony with the Registrar's Office. (Requires a $100 application fee.)

2. Purchase B.V.I. stamps at the Post Office (Requires a $110 fee at the Attorney General's Office)

3. Apply at Attorney General's Office where the couple must surrender their passports, certified divorce papers (if applicable) and pay stamp fees.

The Registrar will return passports and papers with the Wedding Certificate at the ceremony. The couple may arrange for a Minister to perform the ceremony if needed.

Peter Island Resort presents three special gifts to couple getting married on the island: an exquisite piece of Waterford crystal engraved with the couple's first names and date of marriage and a leather-bound photo album also inscribed with names, date and an inspirational verse. On the couple's first anniversary, the resort sends a celebratory card including a momento of their marriage on the island.

Favorite wedding locations include DEADMAN'S BAY BEACH, a mile-long crescent with towering coconut palms renowned as the "Caribbean's Most Breathtaking Beachscape," and "THE LOOP," a bluff carved into an unspoiled island hillside overlooking miles of the Caribbean. TRADEWINDS offers an open-air dining room overlooking Sir Francis Drake Channel and nearby Tortola while YACHT HARBOUR provides a handcrafted teak and mahogany arrival gazebo surveying Sprat Bay's collection of spectacular yachts from around the world. THE GARDENS lend tropical surroundings of hibiscus, bougainvillea and night-blooming jasmine near the LIBRARY which is framed by lush flora and the pool on one side and breathtaking views of Sir Francis Drake Channel and neighboring islands on the other.

To experience an unforgettable island wedding and honeymoon at Peter Island Resort, call 800-346-4451 or see http://www.peterisland.com.