There are two airports, one quite far from the major hotels. Make sure you fly into the right one.

Area: 238 square miles; 24 miles long, 14 miles wide.

Population: 150,000.

Language: Officially, it's English but the locals favor a thick patois that is incomprehensible even to those who speak French. This French-based Creole is known as Kweyol.

Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time, one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time.

Rainy Season: From June through November. December through May is considered the dry period.

THE TWO AIRPORTS SITUATION: This can get confusing as well as time consuming and costly if you choose the wrong airport. The majority of flights and all the larger planes fly into Hewanorra International Airport (airport code UVF) in the southern town of Vieux-Fort. This is the island's largest and most modern airport facility. However, the majority of hotel rooms are located closer to the north end of the island at Castries, which is served by George F.L. Charles Airport at Vigie (airport code SLU). The travel time from the Hewanorra Airport to the northern part of the island is about 90 minutes.

Wedding Requirements: A marriage license takes two days to obtain and the couple must be on island for these two days. Many hotels in St. Lucia have wedding coordinators who will coordinate all of the paperwork necessary to get married. There is also an independent company called Awesome Caribbean Weddings that coordinates weddings in unique and interesting venues outside of hotel environments . Required documents to obtain a marriage license include passports and birth certificates. If either party is divorced, a copy of the final decree is needed. If either party is widowed, a death certificate of the deceased spouse must be presented. The cost for obtaining a license is about US$300.

Getting There: Most international flights land at Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) at the southern end, about 90 minutes from Castries. Those staying near Castries should use George Charles/Vigie Airport (SLU) located just outside the city if the flying time and fares are comparable. American Eagle (800/433-7300) serves both airports. American, Delta, Continental, BWIA (www.bwee.com), Air Jamaica (www.airjamaica.com) Air Canada www.aircanada.ca ) and LIAT (800/468-0482) also serve St. Lucia.

Documents: Valid passport. Also a return or ongoing ticket.

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