My fiance and I just got engaged and would like to get married in AC on New Year's eve if it's possible. We thought it would be a great way to end and start the year. Can you tell me if a priest will marry us outside the catholic church (on the beach for example)? Can you also tell me a little bit about the catholic churches in town (location, size, occupant capacity)? We are looking at having less than 50 people in attendance and are also checking out places for the reception and lodging as well as looking for a photographer. I am still going through previous posts, so apologies if I'm asking something that's already been addressed previously. Any help you can provide would be appreciated!

The Catholic Church of San Pedro is right in the middle of town. You can see it in this composite photo //AmbergrisCaye.com/pages/lodge/longview.html

Kay Scott took our pictures, and they turned out wonderfully! I would contact Iraida Gonzales (www.belizeweddings.com) and have her help you coordinate your wedding.
Good luck!

Contact me via e-mail, my wife and I got married in a catholic ceremony a few years ago there in San Pedro. She has a bunch of contact info I'm sure she'd love to pass on to you. Father Murray in Belize City flew out to perform the wedding, he is a wonderful man.

superfooch@yahoo.com

I too am getting married on Ambergris Caye. The only place a Catholic priest can marry you is in the church. If you have your heart set on the beach, then the ceremony cannot be done by a Catholic priest.

Belize UnderWater Video does above water videos too.. and have a special for weddings.. just send a line to Anta at belize_underwatervideo@yahoo.com for more details..

Good luck

Tinka

Thank you all for your replies. Does anyone know what the requirements are for a Catholic wedding there? I've been trying to call the church there, but I can't seem to get a hold of anyone. Perhaps I have the wrong number?

Try this site for a photographer.... http://Kayscott.com/........Good luck & congrats....

Just wanted to give you all an update on this.

It turns out that you can only be married by a priest in a church.

There is one catholic church on the island - I believe it's called San Pedro Catholic Church.

There is no resident priest on the island. I found this out after calling the Holy Redeemer Church in Belize City and speaking to Father Lazarus Augustin (sp?). According to Father Lazarus, there is a priest that flies in weekly from Belize City to say mass on Sundays. He is also the person that generally performs weddings. His name is Father Carl Heumann. I have his contact information if anyone needs it.

In terms of requirements for geting married in a Catholic church, I confirmed this with both priests. The only type of information they require is baptismal certificates issued within six months of your wedding date (cannot be older than that), a letter from your local priest or parish indicating that you have gone through marriage prep, and all other marriage papers that your local parish is preparing on your behalf. Confirmation is highly desirable, but NOT NECESSARY.

Many people have told me that the church requires confirmation and first communion papers, but this is not the case.

Anyway, I thought this might be helpful to couples interested in having a catholic wedding.

thanks a lot for the details, much appreciated!