Destination Wedding Guide: Guam Edition

You’ve decided you want to host your wedding in a tropical paradise. You’ve got plenty of options, but have you considered Guam?

Guam has everything you need to make your destination wedding beautiful and successful, and it’s a perfect honeymoon destination. But I’m sure you have a lot of questions about how to make your Guam wedding happen, so here is a handy FAQ to get started.

Do we need a wedding planner?

When it comes to destination weddings it’s usually advised to have a wedding planner, unless you can make frequent trips to the destination beforehand to make arrangements and meet with vendors.

The internet makes research and communication easier, but a local wedding planner will have contacts with flower merchants, halls, local musicians, everything you need for a wedding, and may be able to save you money by knowing when the off season is.

How do we get a marriage license in Guam?

Getting a marriage license on Guam is a multi-step process. A wedding planner should be able to help you to a certain extent, but most of the work has to be done by the couple in Guam.

You’ll need to make sure you have a photo ID (passport, driver’s license, etc.) and birth certificates for both the bride and groom. Both parties will need to present themselves at the Office of Vital Statistics to fill out the application and pay the fee. There is a 5 day waiting period after the application is filed before you can get married.

Note: Non-U.S Citizens need a “Marriage License Affidavit” form from the Office of Vital Statistics. This must must be completed and notarized on Guam.

Within 10 days of the ceremony the couple must take the signed marriage certificate to the Vital Statistics Office where they will receive a certified copy of the marriage certificate.

Should I buy my wedding dress in Guam or bring one with me?

This is up to you. Guam has bridal shops where you can buy or even rent a dress for your big day. Remember, if you want to buy a dress locally, you’ll have to travel for fittings; I don’t recommend waiting until just a few days before to buy your dress.

Discuss your options with a wedding planner in advance.

What about tuxedo rentals?

Guam has plenty of options for renting tuxedos for the groom and groomsmen.  This is something that should be discussed in advance with a wedding planner.

What about catering the reception?

Guam is a food lover’s paradise, with cuisine from all over the world. If you rent a hall for the reception they may have their own kitchen or catering service they work with, so be prepared to have a discussion with your wedding planner or the hall if you want a certain type of food.

If you’re choice is a beach picnic there are many catering options available.

But maybe your guest list is small, and you’d rather host your reception at a restaurant. With Guam you’re in luck. Whether you want a buffet, sushi or local Chomorro cuisine, Guam has a restaurant that can accommodate you.

What about the rehearsal dinner?

As stated above, Guam has an amazing array of restaurants. But for something truly special, treat you guests and wedding party to a dinner and a show.

The TaoTao Tasi Beach Show showcases Polynesian dancers and a fire show combined with a delicious BBQ buffet. They accommodate groups, such as wedding parties, and can offer discounts and upgrades, so contact them in advance to make special arrangements. They are also currently offering a complimentary VIP upgrades for newlyweds.

We want something intimate and romantic before or after the wedding, what can we do?

If you’re looking for something romantic, I recommend the Big Sunset Dinner Cruise. Enjoy a romantic sunset dinner, unlimited drinks, and dolphin watching with stargazing after it gets dark.

This is Guam’s only dinner cruise, so why not spend your romantic evening on it?

What about the bachelor/bachelorette party?

You can party on the beach or in your hotel room, of course, but why not put on your dancing shoes and hit Guam’s largest night club, the Globe. This three floor night club boasts multiple dance floors and a live DJ every night.

Best of all, the Globe offers a drop off service at your hotel so you can dance, drink and party all night without worries. Pick up service is also available, but you have to arrange it ahead of time.

There are so many reasons to make Guam the site of your destination wedding. So get in touch with a planner and make your dream happen today.