WEDDINGS IN A TROPICAL PARADISE?
10 THINGS COUPLES SHOULD KNOW WHEN PLANNING TO GET MARRIED OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES

With the increasing number of U.S. couples getting married at exotic overseas locations each year there has also been an increase in the number of
disappointed would-be-brides and grooms when their dream weddings turn into bureaucratic nightmares, or fail to happen at all.

"In some cases married life will offer enough pitfalls and crises over the years, there is no need to have a marriage start with any problems," notes Ruth Keusch, co-owner of Ottley's Plantation Inn, in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, recognized as the "Best Hotel in the Caribbean" by the editors of Rum and Reggae: The Insiders Guide to the Caribbean.

"The reason some couples have problems with their overseas wedding is that they are unfamiliar with the marriage laws, rules and regulations of where they want to be wed. Likewise many travel agents as well as destinations have little knowledge or experience with this information.

St. Kitts happens to have simple regulations for non-citizens getting married on our Caribbean island, and at Ottley's we can assist couples in every aspect of planning their marriage, we offer fully customizable wedding packages designed according to the couples needs."

But whether the marriage is to take place in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis or somewhere else, Mrs. Keusch says couples need to know the following:

1) Is the ceremony recognized as valid in the U.S.?
2) What is the minimum amount of time required in the destination before being allowed to marry?
3) For religious ceremonies what documents are necessary from your house of worship at home?
4) If either of the parties are divorced or widowed what proof is required?
5) Are blood tests required or can you bring documentation that they were done in the U.S.?
6) Is there someone there to work with you who speaks fluent English?
7) What costs or fees are involved?
8) What will the weather be like there when we plan to get married?
9) If we have a wedding party and guests can we get a special hotel rate?
10) Does the hotel have any previous experience planning on-site foreign weddings?

Ottley's, recipients of the coveted AAA Four Diamond Award for the ninth consecutive year, have done many weddings, some for as few people as just the bride and groom, and others for more then 100 guests, for which the entire 30-room property reserved, as well as additional accommodations arranged at neighboring properties. "We can customize the wedding around peoples' personal needs and desires," says Keusch.

A basic wedding package at Ottley's includes: arrangements for a marriage license, including all registrar's fees and taxes; the services of a Minister or Magistrate; champagne/sparkling wine; hors d'oeuvres for two; wedding cake; tropical wedding bouquet; exotic flower boutonniere for the groom. "But it doesn't stop there," says Keusch. "The intimacy of our property allows for unlimited variables in planning, and you can have as much or as little input as you like. We can even organize it to a point where you basically show up and get married and relax. With our award winning accommodations, on site five star restaurant, 35 acres of a lush, and meticulously landscaped grounds overlooking the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean, we have left nothing to chance for your special day," concluded Keusch.

For further information visit their comprehensive website, http://www.ottleys.com. Or contact them via e-mail, ottleys@caribsurf.com; fax (869) 465-4760; phone, (869) 465-7234; or write, P.O. Box 345, St. Kitts, West Indies. Reservations can be made toll-free at (800) 772-3039.