What is required by the Island of Aruba for a legal wedding?
Civil Ceremonies Requirements:

Kindly note that The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba ceremonies are non-denominational. If you are interested in a civil ceremony, your assigned Meetings and Special Events Coordinator will be happy to guide you in the right direction as this service is through a preferred vendor and not the hotel. All outdoor ceremonies at the hotel are symbolic ceremonies.

• Couple must obtain a document from the bureau of vital statistics or civil registry from their home state as proof that by their records they are both presently unmarried and are therefore free to be married to each other. 
• Each person must submit copies of their birth certificate with a raised seal. The local civil authorities will keep these copies. 
• Items 1 and 2 must be taken to the office of the secretary of state of your home state for an “apostil” seal that verifies the signatures on these documents. 
• If either party has been divorced they must submit a copy of their degree nisi. 
• If either party has been widowed, they must submit a copy of the death certificate. 
• 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 must be submitted by courier (i.e. FedEx) at least one (1) month prior to desire wedding date.

Civil Ceremonies for Dutch Citizens Requirements:

• Notarized copies of birth certificates of both parties. 
• Copies of passports of both parties. 
• Notarized declarations from both parties of never being married. 
• Notarized declaration of divorce, if any one of the parties has been married before. 
• Notarized declarations of not being remarried, if one of the parties did marry after a divorce. 
• Notarized declaration from either party if one is widowed. 
• Copies of passports of witnesses if any.
  

Conditions:
All civil ceremonies must take place at the Bureau Burgerlijke stand (civil town house) in Oranjestad.

Ceremonies are performed Monday through Friday between the hours of 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and from 2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. By special request ceremonies can be performed on Saturday between the hours of 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

At sea
A boat captain is not authorized to officiate a wedding according to Dutch laws.
This applies for international waters as well as in port. The only exception to this rule is if has he has been given authority by the country under whose flag the ship is Registered.
The Bride and Groom need to arrive on island one business day prior to the ceremony. The Bride and Groom will need to have an appointment with wedding officiate and bring the following paperwork: passport, immigration card (given at arrival on island), and divorce paperwork (if applicable.)

What do I need to know before contacting the resort?
You should know the estimated number of guests, a date, and an approximate budget for your event. If possible, choose a few alternate dates in case your first choice is not available. You should know the estimated number of guests, a date, and an approximate budget for your event. If possible, choose a few alternate dates in case your first choice is not available.

How far in advance should I reserve the date?
Winter dates should be booked at least a year in advance. Summer dates are typically available with less notice. Contact the hotel for more information about available dates.

What is the average cost per person for food and beverage?
Based on our current banquet menus, you may expect to spend on average, $120 per person for lunch and $250 per person for dinner, both of which are exclusive of service charge and sales tax. These averages include hors d’oeuvres for your welcome reception, three-course plated meal, wedding cake, wine service with the meal, champagne toast and an open, hosted bar for the entire event, based on a moderately drinking group. Please be aware that our menu items and pricing are subject to change and are guaranteed 90 days in advance. Your final menu pricing will be based on your actual selections.

I/my guests have special dietary needs; what are our options?
We are delighted to offer a selection of vegetarian, vegan, and Kosher cuisines for any dietary need. Please consult with your wedding planner for more details. At The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba, our Chef will be delighted to prepare a special menu for your guests with dietary needs.

Can The Ritz-Carlton provide my wedding cake?
Our pastry chef will ensure your new life together gets off to a sweet start. Choose from our imaginative wedding cakes and patisseries or customize your own creative temptations.

What does The Ritz-Carlton provide for weddings and receptions?
The Ritz-Carlton provides all food and beverages, tables and chairs, white table linens, silverware and glasses, a dance floor, and staging for your event. The rental of a ceremony location includes chair set-up and staging as well as rehearsal time for the ceremony. This also includes an on-site Concierge to greet and assist your guests.

The Ritz-Carlton can also provide a wide range of specialty items to help you personalize your event, such as chiavari chairs, specialty linens, specialty base plates and menu cards. We can also assist you with welcome baskets, bridesmaid and groomsmen gifts and a variety of other special amenities to help add that personal touch to your wedding. Costs for all items vary.

May I bring in an outside caterer?
All events at The Ritz-Carlton are catered by our exceptional culinary team.

May I use outside vendors?
You may use outside vendors for your music, photography, and flowers. A fee may apply; contact your wedding professional for more details.

We recommend that all floral arrangements and decorations to be provided stay within the Ritz-Carlton tradition of excellence. Decorations or displays brought into the Hotel must be approved prior to arrival.

Based on our current banquet menus, you may expect to spend on average, $120 per person for lunch and $200 per person for dinner, both of which are exclusive of service charge and sales tax. These averages include hors d’oeuvres for your welcome reception, three-course plated meal, wedding cake, wine service with the meal, champagne toast and an open, hosted bar for the entire event, based on a moderately drinking group. Please be aware that our menu items and pricing are subject to change and are guaranteed 90 days in advance. Your final menu pricing will be based on your actual selections.

What are the deposits and when are they due?
Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. 25% Deposit due upon receipt of signed contract. Three months prior to your event, 50% of the estimated charges are due. One month prior to your event, 100% of the estimated charges are due. Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. 25% Deposit due upon receipt of signed contract. Three months prior to your event, 50% of the estimated charges are due. One month prior to your event, 100% of the estimated charges are due.