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There are lots of easy decisions you can make in life, but unfortunately, choosing a location for a destination wedding is not one of them. There are just so many places in the world you can travel to, and have an amazing experience, that a bit of research is necessary in order to choose the best place for you.
Also read: Sandals 8 Most Romantic Destination Wedding Venues in the Caribbean to see the one-of-a kind Over-the-water chapels and more unique wedding venues.
Some of the top wedding destinations in the world include Mexico, Hawaii, and the Caribbean islands; like Jamaica and Saint Lucia. Not surprisingly, the latter are high up on the list of the most popular destinations for weddings. Unquestionably exotic, these Caribbean islands make it easy for any visitor to appreciate their unique and captivating landscapes. This is with good reason, as these locations consistently deliver on their promise of spectacular experiences filled with sun, sea, sand, and a chance to rediscover the essence of love.
Just in case you’re fighting a losing battle to reduce your top 10 wedding location list to your top 2, or even top 5, we’ve put together a list of Caribbean islands which are perfect for both destination weddings, and honeymoons. The sooner you get reading, the sooner you’ll be on your way to choosing the location of your perfect Caribbean destination wedding!
Expert tip: Find out which documents need to be notarized ahead of time for your marriage license application. Most destination weddings require a residency period. This means you’d need to stay within the borders of a country for a specified period of time (often several days), before getting married. To avoid the residency requirement altogether, consider getting married at home, and having the official ceremony abroad.
Getting married at a Sandals or Beaches all-inclusive resort? Your personal wedding planner will help you with the documents and requirements! We do this all the time and know exactly how to make this process go smooth and worry-free.
1. Jamaica
The lure: Jamaica is at the top of the list for romantic and exciting island getaways, in the Caribbean. Much more than beaches and palm trees, Jamaica has a rich history and vibrant people. Reggae music is the heart and soul of this land, and these trends seem to add something laid back to the entire experience. Montego Bay is a great place to stay while in Jamaica, as is Negril and Ocho Rios.
Flight duration from Miami: 1 hour, 45 minutes.
Flight duration from New York: 4 hours.
Best time for a wedding in Jamaica: December to April are good months to get married in Jamaica. Read ‘Best time to visit Jamaica’ to find out more.
Residency period: 48 hours. Friday arrivals can be married on Sunday.
Marriage license and administrative fee: 95 USD
Documents you need to get married in Jamaica:
- Notarized original state-issued birth certificate and passport.
- Court certified final divorce decree (if applicable).
- Legal name changes or legal adoption papers (if applicable).
- State issued death certificates with related marriage certificates (if applicable).
- Notarized copy valid government issued photo ID or driver’s license.
- An original notarized sworn affidavit can be provided to accompany photocopies of documents which should refer to documents specifically.
See Sandals all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica. Stay three nights or more and get your wedding for free! Sandals resorts are designed for couples and adults-only. Inviting families with children to your destination wedding? Check out one of the nearby all-inclusive Beaches resorts in Jamaica!
Also read: Getting Married In Jamaica: Insights From Wedding Planners.
2. Turks & Caicos
The lure: The Turks & Caicos have a more high-end feel, when compared to some of the other Caribbean locations. Among the 40 beautiful islands, 8 of which are inhabited, life is beautiful in Turk & Caicos, just like your wedding will be, if you have it at this destination. Here you will also find what many call the most beautiful beach in the world: Grace Bay beach.
Flight duration from Miami: 1 hour, 45 minutes.
Flight duration from New York: 3 hours, 35 minutes.
Best time for a wedding in Turks & Caicos: December to April are good months to get married in Turks & Caicos.
Residency period: 48 hours. Does not include day of arrival, weekend or holidays.
Marriage license and administrative fee: 400 USD
Documents you need to get married in Turks & Caicos:
- Original state-issued birth certificate & a valid passport or driver's license.
- All pages of all court certified final divorce decrees (if applicable).
- State issue death certificates with related marriage certificates (if applicable).
- Legal age to marry is 21 years old.
- Under 21 must have written consent from both parents.
3. The Bahamas
The lure: The islands of the Bahamas have a charm that’s hard for any other island to emulate. It is one of the best locations for a destination wedding with powdery white sand beaches, exotic uninhabited islands, and great scuba diving. The Bahamas is also one of the closest Caribbean territories to the United States, which works out well when a majority of your guests are joining from the US.
Flight duration from Miami: 1 hour.
Flight duration from New York: 2 hours, 48 minutes.
Best time for a wedding the Bahamas: December to April are good months to get married in the Bahamas. Read ‘Best time to visit the Bahamas’ to find out more.
Residency period: 48 hours. Does not include day of arrival, weekend or holidays. No Sunday weddings in Exuma.
Marriage license and administrative fee: 310 USD
Documents you need to get married in the Bahamas:
- Original state issued birth certificate and passport.
- Court certified final divorce decrees (if applicable).
- Legal name changes or legal adoption papers (if applicable).
- State-issued death certificates with related marriage certificates.
4. Saint Lucia
The lure: Saint Lucia is becoming increasingly more popular for travelers to the Caribbean, especially destination wedding seekers and honeymooners. The island is a mix of luxury and simplicity, and these two concepts meet each other right in the middle in this romantic island nation.
Flight duration from Miami: 3 hours, 38 minutes.
Flight duration from New York: 4 hours, 31 minutes.
Best time for a wedding in Saint Lucia: December to April are good months to get married in Saint Lucia. Read ‘Best time to visit Saint Lucia’ to find out more.
Residency period: Three business days. No Sunday weddings. Friday arrivals can be married on the following Thursday. Monday arrivals can be married on Friday.
Marriage license and administrative fee: 270 USD
Documents you need to get married in Saint Lucia:
- Original state issued birth certificate and passport.
- Court certified final divorce decrees (if applicable).
- Legal name changes or legal adoption papers (if applicable).
- State-issued death certificates with related marriage certificates.
See Sandals all-inclusive resorts in Saint Lucia. Stay three nights or more and get your wedding for free. Guests of any of the three Sandals Resorts in Saint Lucia, can make use of all the amenities at the other two Sandals Resorts (this includes all the restaurants and bars - 27 in total!).
5. Barbados
The lure: Barbados is a festive and upbeat island where you’ll find the sort of beauty the Caribbean is known for, against a backdrop of music, culture and love. Here you’ll have options like getting wed on a boat, in a church, inside a plantation house, out in a beautiful garden, atop sea cliffs, or with your toes dipping into the sand. This island beckons all romantics for an experience you’ll always remember.
Flight duration from Miami: 3 hours, 42 minutes.
Flight duration from New York: 4 hours, 41 minutes.
Best time for a wedding the Barbados: December to April are good months to get married in Barbados. Read ‘Best time to visit Barbados’ to find out more.
Residency period: 48 hours. Does not include weekends or holidays.
Marriage license and administrative fee: 325 USD
Documents you need to get married in Barbados:
- Original state-issued birth certificate and passport
- Court certified final divorce decree
- Legal name changes or legal adoption papers
- State issued death certificates with related marriage certificates
See Sandals all-inclusive resorts in Barbados. Stay three nights or more and get your wedding for free. Guests of any of the two Sandals Resorts in Barbados, can make use of all the amenities at the other Sandals Resort (this includes all the restaurants and bars).
6. Antigua
The lure: You probably won’t get a chance to take in all 365 beaches in Antigua, but you will get a chance to explore at least a few. There are lots of fun places to tie the knot in Antigua, including at old forts, nature parks, and resorts like Sandals Grande Antigua for a more upscale experience.
Flight duration from Miami: 3 hours, 5 minutes.
Flight duration from New York: 3 hours, 57 minutes.
Best time for a wedding in Antigua: December to April are good months to get married in Antigua. Read ‘Best time to visit Antigua’ to find out more.
Residency period: 48 hours, must include 1 business day, which includes day of arrival. Excludes holidays. No Sunday weddings. Example: Friday arrivals can be married on Tuesday.
Marriage license and administrative fee: 288 USD
Documents you need to get married in Antigua:
- Original state‐issued birth certificate and passport
- Court certified final divorce decree
- State-issued death certificates with related marriage certificates
- Legal name changes or legal adoption papers
7. Grenada
The lure: Grenada will forever be known as the spice isle, but this small island in the Caribbean is also known for its abundant greenery, gorgeous beaches, and friendly locals. There are over 50 beaches to choose from in Grenada and plenty to do on each one. Grenada is conservatively developed, with the environment in mind, allowing you to tune into your most natural self. This can be a great way to get in tune with your significant other on a deeper level.
Flight duration from Miami: 3 hours, 34 minutes.
Flight duration from New York: 4 hours, 43 minutes.
Best time for a wedding in Grenada: January to April are good months to get married in Grenada. Read ‘Best time to visit Grenada’ to find out more.
Residency period: 72 hours. Marriage license will have to be applied for, take into account 1‐3 days for processing. Example: Friday arrivals can be married on the following Thursday. Monday arrivals can be married on Friday. Or choose the 48-hour express wedding for an additional US$190.00 fee to expedite, which must include one (1) business day. Example: Monday arrival can be married on Wednesday after 12 noon.
Marriage license and administrative fee: 180 USD
Documents you need to get married in Grenada:
- Original state-issued birth certificate and passport
- Court certified final divorce decree
- Legal name changes or legal adoption papers
- State issued death certificates with related marriage certificates
- Sworn affidavit attesting that neither party has been married before
- Sworn affidavit or letter from a clergyman, lawyer, registry or notary public. This letter must be on letterhead with relevant notarization stamps and seals, etc. Letter must state that neither party was married previously.
Will my marriage be legal and recognized in the US?
Given all requirements are met, when you get married in Jamaica, the Bahamas, Turks & Caicos, Saint Lucia, Antigua, Barbados or Grenada your marriage will be recognized as legal in most places, including the US.
Note: In Turks & Caicos you’ll need to be of the legal age to marry or have consent from both parents if under the age of 21.
The Caribbean was made for love!
One of thing things you’ll be most convinced of during your Caribbean destination wedding is that the islands were made for love. When you get married here, everything will convince you that your match was made in heaven; from the waves kissing against the shore and the birds flying gracefully overhead, to the unmatched beauty of the tropical landscapes. They will all sing their approval of your union.
Disclaimer: All information on this article was correct at the time of publishing and may change at any time without prior notice. Sandals is not affiliated with the relevant authorities or their application centres and will not be liable for loss or inconvenience arising from the use of this volatile information. Please double-check all information provided with the relevant application centres, before making any final decisions.
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