Best Things to Do in Barbados on Your Wedding
Whether you’re planning a wedding in the breathtaking paradise of Barbados or dreaming of a romantic honeymoon getaway, this island offers an array of memorable experiences to cherish together. From stunning beaches to vibrant culture, here are some delightful ideas to make your time in Barbados unforgettable with your new spouse:
Bask on pristine beaches
One of the biggest attractions of Barbados is its breathtaking beaches. As you kick off your island adventure, make sure to visit Crane Beach. This stunning spot is famous for its soft, pinkish sand and crystal-clear waters. It’s the perfect place to unwind—whether you’re lounging on the sand, taking a refreshing swim, or simply soaking up the sun.
If you’re craving a little more adventure head over to Bathsheba Beach. With its dramatic cliffs, rocky outcrops, and powerful waves, Bathsheba is a haven for surfers and nature lovers alike. Grab your board and tackle the legendary “Soup Bowl,” one of the island’s premier surfing spots!
Visit historic sites
If you’re eager to uncover the stories of Barbados’ past, you’re in for a treat. The island is teeming with spectacular historical sites that will captivate your imagination.
Start your journey at St. Nicholas Abbey, a stunningly restored plantation house that dates back to the 17th century. As you step inside, you’ll be transported back in time, exploring elegant rooms adorned with well-preserved artifacts and exquisite architecture that reveal the island’s colonial history. And don’t miss the chance to visit the rum distillery on-site—one of the last of its kind on the island. Here, you can sample their signature rums and gain fascinating insights into the distillation process.
Next, head to The Garrison Savannah, a UNESCO World Heritage site that pulses with military history. This area boasts impressive buildings from the 18th century, each telling its own story. As you stroll through the Garrison, take in the grand architecture of the historic barracks and officers’ mess, and don’t forget to check out the old horse racing track.
Visit Barbados Wildlife Reserve
Tucked away in the heart of the island, the Barbados Wildlife Reserve is an absolute gem for animal lovers and nature enthusiasts. One of the standout features of the reserve is its playful green monkeys, known for their entertaining antics and curious personalities. These charming creatures can be seen swinging through the trees and interacting with each other in their natural habitat. A highlight is the chance to feed them during designated times, allowing you to experience getting up close and personal with these lively animals.
As you explore the reserve, keep your eyes peeled for an array of colourful birds, such as the Barbados bullfinch and the green-throated carib hummingbird. You might even encounter tortoises, deer, and iguanas too.
Enjoy the buzzing nightlife at St Lawrence Gap
As the sun sets over the Caribbean, Barbados comes alive with an exciting nightlife scene. One of the most popular areas is St. Lawrence Gap, a lively stretch lined with bars, clubs, and restaurants.
Your evening here could begin with a delightful dinner at one of the many local eateries serving traditional Bajan cuisine. Don’t miss the chance to savour flying fish, the island’s national dish, often served with cou-cou, a cornmeal and okra mix. At dusk, the Gap transforms into a vibrant party hub, with music such as reggae, Soca and calypso spilling out from the numerous bars and club.
If you’re in the mood for a more laid-back evening with your spouse, head to one of the beach bars (such as The Buddha or the Harbour Lights) where you can sip on rum cocktails while feeling the sand between your toes.
Explore natural wonders
If you’re a nature enthusiast, Barbados is a treasure trove of natural wonders just waiting to be discovered. One of the island’s most popular spots is Harrison’s Cave, a breathtaking limestone cavern that draws visitors from all over. Discovered in 1970, this impressive cave stretches over 2.3 kilometres and features a stunning display of stalactites, stalagmites, and crystal-clear underground streams. As you walk through, visitors are often mesmerised at how this enchanting landscape was shaped over thousands of years by the slow, steady dissolution of limestone by water.
The Andromeda Botanic Gardens located on the east coast of the island is another marvel waiting to be explored. This lush sanctuary showcases a vibrant collection of tropical plants from around the globe. Established in 1965, the gardens cover about 6 acres and are home to over 1,000 species, many of which are native to the Caribbean.
As you wander along the beautifully maintained paths, you’ll encounter flowering plants like hibiscus, orchids, and bougainvillea. Informative signs throughout the gardens provide insights into the various plant species, highlighting their ecological significance and traditional uses in medicine and cuisine.
Crop Over Festival
One of the most famous and colourful events in Barbados is the Crop Over Festival, which takes place each summer and ends in early August. This festival celebrates the end of the sugar cane harvest, a significant part of Barbados’ history and economy. Originating in the 1780s, Crop Over has evolved into a lively, week-long celebration filled with vibrant parades, music, and dancing.
The festival features numerous events leading up to the grand finale, including the Kadooment Day parade, where visitors wear elaborate costumes adorned with feathers, beads, and sequins. The streets come alive with the sound of calypso and Soca music, and contributors dance throughout the streets.