Wildly diverse Belize is for lovers, and lovers come from all around the world to  exchange wedding vows here. This exotic place of dreams offers so many ways to celebrate marriage. Let the love bloom deep in a jungle, out on an island, alongside a waterfall, or back in time at an ancient Maya ceremonial site. Resorts offer packages with rooms, license, minister, cake, flowers, and totally original setting.

Traditional Belizean weddings - with ceviche, rice and beans, Garifuna drums, and tropical flowers - add a real Caribbean flavor to the celebrations. During some extravaganzas, "midnight snack" can mean a whole roasted pig smoked just to make tacos.

Many venues offer exquisite gardens. One inland resort releases iridescent blue morpho butterflies, which take flight just as the newlyweds kiss for the first time.

One popular venue is the beach. Caye resorts offer the brilliant blue sea as a backdrop for live Caribbean bands, which accompany dinners and receptions set in a tropical island mood.

Some divers take the plunge under water. One Ambergris Caye tour operator arranges bubbly weddings in which newlyweds and guests must all be certified.

How about a private island? With salty air and lapping waves, some resorts allow guests to rent entire small islands. Parties occupy fully equipped island houses, surrounded by beautiful coral gardens.

Mystical jungle resorts enchant newlyweds and guests with tribal dances, exotic drinks, flaming torches, coconut palms, and tropical flowers. A spa day for bride and groom soothes wedding-day jitters.

Riverside weddings can be exotic. At one inland resort, reached only by ferry, wild birds sing the wedding march as the bride glides down the florid outdoor "aisle." A typical couple, married at sunset next to a sparkling river, described the "incredible ambience and memorable experience." Some hardy adventurers hold their weddings at secluded waterfalls, where the flowers grow wild. At Butterfly Falls, deep in the Maya Mountains, the bride, groom, and guests have to hike to the wedding site - totally worth the effort. One couple said, "We could not have picked a better place in the world to get married and have a honeymoon."

Some couples invite the ghosts of ancient Maya kings, choosing to marry at temples otherwise aban­doned centuries ago. In such cases, the commissioner of archaeology must give his blessing, re­quested by fax. A luxurious lodge in the wilderness of Orange Walk will cater weddings at Lamanai, an impressive 3,500-year-old Maya temple. The resort arranges the photography, flowers, and reception dinner fit for a Maya king.

Forget wedding-day stress. Let the resorts plan the arrangements, and enjoy the big day in unique Belizean style.

REQUIREMENTS
To obtain a license and get married in Belize is relatively simple.

1. License. One or both parties must be in country for three days before applying for a license on the fourth. Licenses, signed by a justice of the peace, can be obtained through the registrar general in Belize City (501-227-7377, fax 501-227-0085) or the attorney general's ministry in Belmopan (501-822-2504, fax 501-822-3390). A day's notice is required before applying at the attorney general's ministry. Cost for non-Belizeans is US$100.
2. Passport. Show valid passports with date-of-entry stamps.
3. Citizenship. Provide proof of citizenship such as a valid passport or original birth certificate with father's name.
4. Divorce. Submit an original or certified copy of any divorce certificate.
5. Widowhood. A certified copy of any death certificate must be submitted.
6. Blood test. No blood test or parental consent is needed if over age 18.
7. Witnesses. Two witnesses, a man and a woman, can include hotel staff.

Wedding coordinators, provide info on requirements and assist with applications. Call the Belize Tour­ism Board at 501-223-1913 or 1-800-624-0686, or visit belizeweddings.com, for assistance.

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