Castara Retreats

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• Accommodation
• Weddings
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• Notes for Visitors
• Contact Us

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Castara Village

• The Beach
• Location & Services
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Weddings

An increasing number of our clients are married in Tobago, including us, Sue and Steve Felgate, who own Castara Retreats. We also receive regular enquires about weddings and whether this is something that we can arrange. So we thought it would be helpful to give you a picture of what is possible in Castara. As you can see from our website, Castara Retreats is stunningly beautiful with views of the ocean, beach, rainforest and village. There are few places with such charm and simplicity and it is a perfect place if you are looking for a romantic setting. Clients have been married in every one of our accommodations and also, as we were, under the Pagoda. In the background is the sound of the ocean, sunsets are glorious and the birdsong is constant. Some clients have alternatively chosen to be married on the beach under simple structures with palm leaf roofs to shelter from the sun or the occasional shower of rain.

Most couples have a simple ceremony with just themselves, the minister, and two witnesses. Porridge and Jeanell, our local managers, make all the arrangements for you and ensure that everything runs smoothly and you have a happy day. Our clients have greatly appreciated their warm-hearted help and support. Over the last couple of years, Porridge has arranged 15 or 20 weddings, mainly small intimate affairs, but with a few special touches to make it memorable. Depending on what you want, he can arrange most things as long as the theme is simple. One thing to bear in mind is that the people in Tobago are quite religious so a Minister will definitely be part of your wedding and will add his or her own sincere, passionate approach to the marriage. Many clients say the ceremony has been moving and significant as a result.

The first step in the planning process is a phone call or email to Jean, who handles our bookings. She lives in Canada and you can reach her on this number:

• From North America - 1-613 267 5167 (Eastern Standard Time)
• From England - 001 613 267 5167 (five hours behind)
• Or email on:

Talk things over with Jean so she understands your wishes and desires. She will also recommend one of our accommodations for you depending on your budget and availability. She will then liaise with Porridge and Jeanell to put an arrangement in place for you. They charge 3,000TTD (about £300) for arranging a simple, private wedding. This is what they will do for you set out in four stages:

1. Planning: Porridge and Jeanell will meet with you when you arrive and clarify the arrangements - the day/time, place, Minister, flowers, food and drink. They will also explain the legal requirements to you (see below).
2. Organising the Legalities: Porridge will drive you to Scarborough in his air-conditioned vehicle to register to be married, which costs 350TTD, (about £35) and do his best to ease that process (queues can be long in Tobago). You must attend in person. He will also arrange for you to meet the Minister to talk through what you would like. The minister usually calls to see you just before the ceremony to discuss the style of service that you seek. The Minister charges 2,000TTD (about  £200.) If you want champagne or wine for a wedding lunch or supper, he will take you to the wine merchant so you can purchase this. He will also take you to a florist so you can choose your flowers. Jeanell will also arrange a special meal in your accommodation (if you wish) or a barbeque for a bigger group. Or you may want to go out in which case she will recommend a restaurant for you.
3. The Wedding Day: Porridge will be with you on the day to ensure that everything runs smoothly and will make sure the paperwork is completed and that witnesses are available and the Minister is paid.
4. The Marriage Certificate: He will also follow through on your marriage certificate. This can take 6-8 weeks to arrive at your home address. If you are staying with us for an extended honeymoon (three weeks or more), it may arrive before you leave. Or not, Tobago being Tobago!

So, the average basic cost of a typical wedding for two with two witnesses would break down as follows (wine and flowers extra):

Organisation by Porridge	3,000 (prices in TTD)
Minister	2,000
Registration Fee	350
Meal for 4	600
Total	5,950

All the above is local style. It is inexpensive, simple and fun. Porridge doesn't do champagne flutes, or limos, or dinner jackets, or name cards, or classical music. But he is highly reliable and competent and, just as important; he is fun to be with. If you want something more elaborate, such as a wedding including family and friends who fly in for the event, Porridge will charge more for his services. Let Jean know exactly what you want and we will tell you if Porridge can arrange it and what he would charge. For example, a party for 25-30 people, flowers, live music, food, and a beach pagoda would probably cost about 8-10,000TTD (about £800-£1,000) for Porridge and Jeanell's time with an extra charge for everything they provide for you. The bottom line is it all costs a great deal less than in Britain or America with a lot less hassle and more fun. Castara Retreats can accommodate 17 people plus a few extras if all our accommodation is available. We can also help guests find alternative accommodation in the village if necessary.

To get married in Tobago you need to:

1. Have your passport for the tax office visit.
2. Your birth certificate.
3. Your divorce papers (if appropriate)
4. Be resident in Tobago for three days before the ceremony. This does not include the day of the ceremony.

Do visit www.myTobago.info and www.SimplyTobago.com for more information on weddings and what you need to do as the information we offer here is the best that we have, but we cannot be responsible for its accuracy and suggest that you do your own research if you want to be absolutely confident that all will be well. We are happy to provide this information on the wedding service that Porridge offers on the understanding that you accept that we have no responsibility for the success of your day, or for Porridge's service. It is separate from our business and we do not charge or receive any fees or commissions.

We had a fantastic wedding in Castara. There was a big tropical storm two days before, and there was litter and storm damage afterwards. Carrington, our gardener, came back and cleaned up the garden a second time, the friends arrived, the sun shone, the minister was lovely, the Pagoda was beautifully decked out and we had lots of fun and very little hassle. Some of the photos on this page are from our special day. If you get married with the help of Porridge and Jeanell and want to send us some photos we would gladly include them. If you go to our Visitor Comments section you will see feedback from satisfied customers and if you decide to get married in Castara, as we did, we would love to hear all about it.

Most importantly have a wonderful day.