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Free flights to Bermuda

MSE_Jenny
MSE_Jenny Posts: 1,321 MSE Staff
Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
edited 7 May 2010 at 11:10AM in It's gone, but was it any good?
[title=http://images2.moneysavingexpert.com/images/dp/wtd_underline.gif]wtd_icon.gif What's this about?[/title]
Planning to elope? Get hitched in Bermuda before 31 Oct, and Bermuda Tourism will refund the cost of return BA flights for you and your sweetheart (worth c. £600 each). You just have to pay for a license & ceremony and stay at least four nights in a hotel.

The catch is that you must pay for the flights up front and send proof you’ve swapped vows to get refund. Thus this is suitable for loved-up folks already planning to get hitched in the sun – it's not worth getting a quickie wedding with a mate!

[IMGRIGHT]http://images.moneysavingexpert.com/images/200_Wbea_Reception.jpg[/IMGRIGHT][title=http://images2.moneysavingexpert.com/images/dp/wtd_underline.gif]wtd_icon.gif Is it worth it?
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The total cost of the marriage and hotel will be roughly £780. This includes …
  • Marriage license £159
  • Registry office ceremony & certificate £133
  • Additional copies of the certificate £14
  • Four nights in a Bermuda Tourism approved hotel c. £120/night

[title=http://images2.moneysavingexpert.com/images/dp/wtd_underline.gif]wtd_icon.gif How to get the free flights
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  • Step 1. Fill in an application form

    To get an application form, email [EMAIL="ukweddings@bermudatourism.com"]ukweddings@bermudatourism.com[/EMAIL] with the subject line 'I can't wait to get married in Bermuda’. You must send the form back before 15 June ‘10 to qualify.
  • Step 2. Book the ceremony

    The cheapest option is a civil ceremony at the Registrar’s marriage room, where a service and certificate cost £133. You need two witnesses, who must be over 18. The Registrar will supply witnesses, but Monday to Friday only.

    For full details and book a date, call 00 441 297 7709. (See the cheap overseas calls guide to find out how to make free calls via the web and use the daily updated International CallChecker.)

    Alternatively, you can exchange rings at a church or other location, though this is likely to be pricier. See a full list of wedding locations.

  • Step 3. Book your flights

    The flights must be direct economy British Airways flights returning before 31 October 2010. The offer’s only valid on new flight bookings made after 15 April 2010.

  • Step 4. Book a hotel

    To qualify, you must stay in a Bermuda Tourism-approved hotel for a min. four nights. One of the cheapest is Aunt Nea's Inn At Hillcrest at c.£120; please post below if you spot one cheaper. See a full list of approved accommodation.

    The press office has confirmed that this offer can be combined with discount hotel offers. (For a step-by-step guide to getting the cheapest hotel prices, see the Cheap Hotels guide.)

    Though do make double-sure the hotel’s approved by Bermuda Tourism. If you’re not sure, email [EMAIL="ukweddings@bermudatourism.com"]ukweddings@bermudatourism.com[/EMAIL].

  • Step 5. Apply for a marriage license

    Three months before the big day, fill in a Notice of Intended Marriage form and send it with a cheque for BM$243. You’ll then get a license valid for three months.

    To get a form, email the UK Bermuda Tourism office at     [EMAIL="ukteam@bermudatourism.com"]ukteam@bermudatourism.com[/EMAIL]. Read full details on how to send off the form.

  • Step 6. Send Proof

    The final step is to send proof you’ve swapped vows to Bermuda Tourism. You must send photocopies of the following: a copy of the marriage certificate; proof of purchase of two return direct flights from London to Bermuda; receipt for min. four nights’ accommodation in Bermuda.

    You’ll then get a cheque within 30 days.

[title=http://images2.moneysavingexpert.com/images/dp/wtd_underline.gif]wtd_icon.gif Anything to watch out for?[/title]

The kicker is you must pay for the flights up front and reclaim the cost later. Bermuda Tourism is a government department and the press office says everyone who meets the rules will be reimbursed. Yet if it doesn’t pay out, you’ll have little recourse.

The terms say 'The Bermuda Department of Tourism’s decision on awarding the ‘free flights’ is final and no correspondence will be entered into', so we have no idea whether they will definitely pay out. Thus this is better for people who were already fancied walking down the aisle under sunny skies and see the free flight as a bonus.

Be sure to read the application form’s terms and conditions carefully. You must be a UK resident aged 18 or over. If you have any questions, email [EMAIL="ukweddings@bermudatourism.com"]ukweddings@bermudatourism.com[/EMAIL].

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Comments

  • goingtothedogs
    goingtothedogs Posts: 117 Forumite
    edited 29 April 2010 at 11:48AM
    http://www.gotobermuda.co.uk/freeweddingairfare.aspx

    BA flights are worth £600 per person. Not really worth getting married for, but good if you were up for it anyway!

    Marriage licence & certificate £215

    Ceremony at the registry office £143

    Cheapest hotel for four nights £400 (unless anyone can find a cheaper on, it has to be tourist office approved)
  • miamoo
    miamoo Posts: 1,694 Forumite
    Where can you find a list of the tourist approved hotels?
    £100 - £10,000
  • dmg24
    dmg24 Posts: 33,920 Forumite
    10,000 Posts
    Anybody fancy getting married? ;)
    Gone ... or have I?
  • Daisymac_2
    Daisymac_2 Posts: 776 Forumite
    Looks like it is a type of competition.
  • miamoo
    miamoo Posts: 1,694 Forumite
    dmg24 wrote: »
    anybody fancy getting married? ;)

    me! :d:d:d
    £100 - £10,000
  • miamoo
    miamoo Posts: 1,694 Forumite
    I really fancy this, I really want to get married!
    £100 - £10,000
  • Dicky2K
    Dicky2K Posts: 495 Forumite
    Hrmm. Gotta Fork it All Out, then Prove you got Hitched to get a refund on 'return' flights??

    Doesnt mention the flight to get out there :P
    Almost..debt free.. :P:money:
  • dmg24
    dmg24 Posts: 33,920 Forumite
    10,000 Posts
    Daisymac wrote: »
    Looks like it is a type of competition.

    I assumed that but having read the t&c's would disagree. Assuming they are not going to withdraw the offer without notice, it appears to be open to all.
    Gone ... or have I?
  • dmg24
    dmg24 Posts: 33,920 Forumite
    10,000 Posts
    Dicky2K wrote: »
    Hrmm. Gotta Fork it All Out, then Prove you got Hitched to get a refund on 'return' flights??

    Doesnt mention the flight to get out there :P

    It does refer to return flights. However, if they did not pay out, it would be difficult to follow up.
    Gone ... or have I?
  • Dicky2K
    Dicky2K Posts: 495 Forumite
    Yeah, But does "Return" mean, One each way, Or Does it Mean the "return" flight back home ?? :P
    Almost..debt free.. :P:money:
This discussion has been closed.
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