Some Caribbean Wedding Locations
The Caribbean islands are great destinations for getting married. Both Aruba and Jamaica are popular Caribbean wedding destinations as are St. Thomas, St. Lucia and Antigua. Other islands fit the bill too!
Of course beach weddings are the most popular type for Caribbean destination weddings but they are not the only kind of ceremony that you can have. You can tie the knot at a secluded chapel on at least one island and in a jungle clearing site under a waterfall on another island.
Caribbean Destination Wedding Packages
Many island resorts offer destination Caribbean wedding packages that usually include an officiated ceremony for the couple and a few guests, bridal flowers, a few keepsake wedding photos, a marriage certificate plus overnight lodging for the bride and groom in a hotel room. A wedding coordinator will meet with you after your arrival in the Caribbean to go over all the details of your wedding itinerary.
Sometimes the wedding ceremony is “free” if you stay for a week or so at the resort. All-inclusive wedding packages which may include meals at the resort for the wedded couple during their extended vacation/honeymoon, are also offered at a number of Caribbean destination resorts.
Typically a full reception with dining and dancing will be above the cost of the destination wedding package as will videography, and other embellishments.
So many different packages with varying combinations of services and frills are available, that you should be able to choose one that fits your budget and unique style.
Planning Destination Weddings in the Caribbean
You should consult with a travel agent that is an experienced destination wedding professional to help you plan your Caribbean wedding. In addition to personal information about their travels to particular locations, you’ll find that their special understanding of the laws and customs of the particular island nation with regards to marriage is very important. This knowledge will help you avoid misunderstandings and timing issues in getting the marriage documents required by that particular country. For example, you may need to apply for your license in person a certain number of days in advance of your wedding so you’ll want to arrive far enough prior to your actual wedding day.
Most couples take an airplane but a few arrange for a wedding cruise that may stop in an island port for your ceremony and reception on land and continue on for a honeymoon sail.
You will want to book your date way in advance so that you can get ready for the trip and give any invited guests sufficient time to make their own travel arrangements.
