I can't help on the legal side. As far as language goes, you shouldn't have too many issues; the wedding co-ordinator at the resort you pick should have a decent grasp of English.

As far as money goes: I personally would only attend a wedding abroad if it was a family member or very close friend, as our annual trip is precious, and we prefer to choose where to go. And even then, we would both be miffed and having to go somewhere we hadn't chosen. We would also want the option of staying at a different hotel (one we'd chosen) and getting a day pass for the day of the wedding (so this might be something to inquire about depending on who your guests are).

However, I don't think it's unreasonable to ask that people pay for themselves, and that is the expectation when a couple marry abroad: as soon as your guests know it's in Cuba, they will expect to pay. But, you need to understand that not everyone will be able, or want, to attend, so bear that in mind. I honestly get annoyed when someone marrying abroad rants that x y and z can't come because they can't afford it, because in choosing to marry abroad that was a risk they were taking.

Documents Required By The Holiday Place 12 Weeks Prior To Departure:

Proof of Identity: A copy of Birth Certificate and copy of the passport which is valid for at least 6 months upon your return to the UK.
Divorced: A copy of the original Decree Absolute stamped with the seal of the court where it was issued.*
Widow(er): A Copy of the marriage certificate and death certificate of husband or wife is required.*
Name Change: A copy of Deed Poll under which change has been done.*
Adoption: A copy of the adoption certificate is required.*
*Important Note: All documents stated above except passport and birth certificate must be translated into Spanish first and legalized at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and then the Cuban Consulate.

All Original documents must be presented in the resort.
Residency: Minimum 3 working days of residency required. If you are marrying a Cuban citizen, there are additional requirements that can take several weeks to process. Ask your Wedding Coordinator for more details.
Marriage Officer: Dependent on the location and ceremony.
Ceremony: The wedding ceremony may be performed by the Registrar or the Deputy Registrar in the Registrar's office, or by a Civil Marriage Officer at an appointed place and time, between the hours of 9.00am and 4.00pm. Your marriage will be formalized in the name stated on your passport. Your passport must therefore be correct, and the name on your passport must match that on all your other documents.
It takes between 3 – 5 months to receive the wedding certificate
Useful Contact :
Cuban Consulate: No 0207 240 2488.
Email : [email protected]

Address: 167 High Holborn, London WC1V 6PA
Foreign & Commonwealth Office No: 01908 295 111,
Email: [email protected]

Address:
The Legalisation Office
Norfolk House (West)
437 Silbury Boulevard
Milton Keynes
MK9 2AH

If I knew someone getting married abroad & I had enough notice, I'd want to go, if there were a close enough friend or a family member. If they have enough notice to save & they want to be there, it shouldn't be a problem xx

I had narrowed it down to Cuba, Tobago and St Lucia, however my h2b doesn't want to go to Cuba and will not budge on this. So i have compromised and suggested we chat to the travel agents and take it from there. H2b also wanted to plan eveything ourselves but i was adamant were not going to do this.

xx

Tobago ....

Proof of identity: A copy of a full passport valid for at least 6 months and birth certificate.

Divorced: A copy of the original decree absolute or a notarized copy of the decree absolute.

Widow(er): A copy of original Death Certificate of deceased spouse.

Name change: A copy of Deed Poll under which change has been done.

Adoption: A copy of adoption certificate is required.

Persons under the age of 18 must have documented consent from a parent or legal guardian.

Documents in languages other than English must be accompanied by certified English translations.

Residency: Both parties must be resident in Tobago (and/or Trinidad) for a minimum of 3 days before the wedding ceremony. It is important to note that the day of your arrival does not count in the three-day period. In order to get a Special Marriage Licence, both parties must be non-residents of Trinidad & Tobago.

Fees: The license costs US$55 (TT$337.50) and the fee must be paid in cash at the Registrar General’s Office or the Warden’s Office, in Scarborough. On applying for the license both parties will be asked to legally declare that they are single and free to marry.

Ceremony: Wedding ceremonies can be conducted almost anywhere, subject to agreement with the priest or minister who will require a marriage licence. Ceremonies can only take place after 6am and before 6pm. You must have at least two witnesses present during the ceremony.
All Original documents must be presented in the resort.

We got married in Vegas and everyone (8 people) that came paid for themselves - they saw it as their holiday. We made sure we gave them plenty of notice so they could save - I think that's really important.

Since it's a DW I think it's expected that people pay their way, but you ned to be aware that because of this a lot of people may not be able to go. I'd be wary of paying for some and not others as if out comes out it may make people angry.