7 Destinations For an Easy & Uncomplicated Destination Wedding
Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but a destination wedding offers a simpler and stress-free alternative. Imagine a breathtaking backdrop, surrounded by loved ones, with minimal planning.The Caribbean islands are an ideal destination for weddings, offering a year-round warm and tropical climate. With a multitude of outdoor activities like beach parties, sunset ceremonies, and water sports, couples can infuse excitement and fun into their wedding celebrations. The stunning backdrop of the Caribbean islands ensures a memorable experience for both couples and their guests.
Let's explore seven amazing locations in the Caribbean that make it easy to have a destination wedding that provides convenience, natural beauty, and comprehensive wedding services, making your special day truly unforgettable!
WHY CONSIDER THE CARIBBEAN?
Apart from the convenience of these 7 destinations for expediting your legal wedding, the Caribbean offers several more compelling reasons to consider it for your dream destination wedding:
#1: Range Of Venues
Couples seeking to tie the knot in the Caribbean can discover a wealth of wedding venues that cater to their unique preferences and budgets. Whether you desire a setting amidst lavish resorts and exclusive villas or a romantic beachfront gazebo, the options are abundant!
#2: Many All-Inclusive Resort Options
The Caribbean has a bunch of awesome resorts that offer all-inclusive wedding packages. They've got you covered with accommodation, delicious meals, refreshing drinks, and top-notch wedding planning services. Plus, some resorts even throw in extra treats like spa treatments or fun day trips to make your special day even more incredible!
Looking into an all-inclusive resort for your destination wedding? Check out this post for more details on what you can expect when opting for an all-inclusive experience at a resort!
#3: Amazing Local Hospitality!
Most of all, the Caribbean is famous for its amazing hospitality, vibrant culture, and welcoming community. Couples can mingle with the locals and dive into the islands' one-of-a-kind traditions, music, and delicious food, creating a truly memorable and authentic wedding experience.
Not sure whether to go for a legal or symbolic ceremony for your destination wedding? Check out my post on the difference between the two options. It could give you some helpful insights to make up your mind!
Here Are The Top 7 Caribbean Islands For a More Stress-Free And Easy Legal Destination Wedding:
The Islands of Bahamas
The Bahamas is truly unmatched in its appeal, making it an extraordinary selection for a destination wedding. With its breathtaking powdery white sand beaches, secluded uninhabited islands, and incredible scuba diving adventures, this destination possesses a charm that is hard to find elsewhere. Not only that, it's conveniently close to the United States, making it easy for guests to join in the wedding festivities.
Best Time: December to April
Legal Wedding Requirements:
Residency Period: 48 hours. It doesn’t take into account the day of arrival, holidays, and weekends. This means you will need to be in the Bahamas for two full business days first before you can get legally married. Many couples will fly in on a Tuesday or Wednesday, as they enjoy the resort and make final wedding prep with the onsite team Thursday and Friday, and then have their legal ceremony on Saturday. Most of the Bahamian islands do not allow Sunday weddings.
Applying For a Marriage License:
The following fee and documents will be required to apply for your marriage license in the Bahamas.
Marriage License And Administrative Fee: $310 USD
Documents Needed:
Original birth certificate and passport.
The court issued concluding divorce rulings (if applicable).
Legal name changes or legal adoption papers (if applicable).
Death certificates with related marriage certificates.
Working with a state-side destination wedding consultant can be immensely helpful in ensuring a smooth and effortless process. They can guide you on what documents you need to submit and when to submit them, ensuring that your destination wedding goes off without a hitch. Rest assured, I always make it a priority to inform my destination wedding couples about the necessary paperwork and deadlines to make their special day stress-free!
Jamaica
Jamaica is an exhilarating island getaway in the Caribbean. It's not just about the beautiful beaches and swaying palm trees; this country is rich in history and brimming with vibrant energy. The soul-stirring reggae music is at the heart of Jamaica's charm, immersing every corner with a laid-back vibe. For an unforgettable wedding experience, Montego Bay, Negril, and Ocho Rios come highly recommended.
Best Time: December to April
Legal Wedding Requirements:
Residency Period: 48 hours. But unlike the Bahamas, your day of arrival does count toward your residency requirement so you can arrive on Friday and get married on Sunday
Applying For a Marriage License:
The following fee and documents will be required to apply for your marriage license in Jamaica.
Marriage License And Administrative Fee: $95 USD
Documents Needed:
Validated original birth certificate and passport.
Court-issued concluding divorce ruling (if applicable).
Legal name changes documents (if applicable).
Death certificates with linked marriage certificates (if applicable).
Validated copy of photo ID or driver’s license issued by the government.
Turks & Caicos
The Turks & Caicos Islands offer a sophisticated atmosphere that sets them apart from other Caribbean destinations. Consisting of 40 breathtaking islands, including 8 inhabited ones, this destination embodies the beauty and elegance that couples seek when planning a destination wedding. Nestled among these islands is a true treasure called Grace Bay beach, which consistently ranks among the world's finest.
Best Time: December to April
Legal Wedding Requirements:
Residency Period: 48 hours. Does not include the day of arrival, weekend, or holidays. So in this case, you will need to be in Turks & Caicos for two full business days, before you can get married legally. If you arrive on a Saturday or Sunday, your first residency day will start on Monday, which means you could get legally married as soon as the Wednesday of that week or later.
Applying For a Marriage License:
The following fee and documents will be required to apply for your marriage license in Turks & Caicos.
Marriage License And Administrative Fee: $400 USD
Documents Needed:
Original birth certificate
A valid passport or driver's license.
Court-issued concluding divorce rulings (if applicable).
Death certificates with corresponding marriage certificates.
21 years is the legal age to get married.
Couples less than 21 years of age must have written consent from both parents
St. Lucia
Saint Lucia is becoming increasingly popular among couples seeking destination weddings and honeymoons in the Caribbean Islands. This captivating destination offers an exquisite blend of luxury and tranquility, along with breathtaking backdrops that are perfect for couples desiring a wedding that is both incredibly beautiful and deeply romantic.
Best Time: December to April
Legal Wedding Requirements:
Residency Period: 72 hours (must be business day). No Weddings on Sundays. You can pay to expedite this and get married in 48 hours (of course you can show them the money) with one of those days being a business day.
Applying For a Marriage License:
The following fee and documents will be required to apply for your marriage license in St. Lucia.
Marriage License And Administrative Fee: 270 USD
Marriage License And Administrative Fee with Expedited Services: 341 USD
Documents Needed:
Copies of birth certificate and passport.
Court-issued concluding divorce rulings (if applicable).
Legal name changes documents (if applicable).
State-issued death certificates with related marriage certificates.
Antigua
Antigua boasts an impressive 365 beaches, and while visiting them all may be a challenge, there are key ones you shouldn't miss. This island offers a delightful range of wedding locations, including historic forts, natural parks, and upscale resorts. Whether you're interested in exploring the island's historical sites or indulging in a luxurious setting to celebrate with your loved one, Antigua provides numerous options to create a truly memorable wedding experience.
Best Time: December to April
Legal Wedding Requirements:
Applying For a Marriage License
The following fee and documents will be required to apply for your marriage license in Antigua.
Residency Period: 48 hours, must include one business day, which includes the day of arrival. No wedding on Sundays and holidays.
Marriage License And Administrative Fee: $288 USD
Documents Needed:
Original birth certificate and passport.
Court-issued concluding divorce ruling (if applicable).
State-issued death certificates with related marriage certificates.
Legal name changes documents (if applicable)
Aruba
Aruba is one of the most sought-after wedding spots in the Caribbean. It boasts stunning coastlines, captivating heritage and customs, and delicious food. The beaches are absolutely breathtaking, and the weather is fantastic. With a wide range of activities available, it's an ideal destination for adventurous couples looking to have an unforgettable wedding experience.
Best Time: Mid-December to April
Legal Wedding Requirements:
Applying For a Marriage License
The following fee and documents will be required to apply for your marriage license in Aruba.
Residency Period: None. Civil Ceremonies take place in the City Hall Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday with Saturdays available for an extra fee.
Marriage License And Administrative Fees: $284 USD
Documents Needed:
State-certified copies of birth certificates for bride and groom
Valid passport for Bride and Groom.
Witness (18 years up) with a valid passport.
Certificate of no impediment for bride and groom
Declaration of Intent Form
Single Status Form
Final Divorce Decree or Death Certificate with Apostille if applicable
Barbados
Barbados is a vibrant and lively island that epitomizes the charm of the Caribbean. It effortlessly combines natural beauty, lively music, immersive cultural experiences, and a genuinely romantic ambiance. Whether you prefer a boat, a church, a historic plantation house, a stunning garden, dramatic sea cliffs, or the sandy beach, you'll find the perfect setting for your wedding. Those in search of a romantic adventure will undoubtedly leave the island with cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
Best Time: December to April
Legal Wedding Requirements:
Applying For a Marriage License
The following fee and documents will be required to apply for your marriage license in Barbados.
Residency Period: 48 hours. Does not include weekends or holidays.
Marriage License And Administrative Fee: $325 USD
Documents Needed:
Original state-issued birth certificate and passport
Court-issued concluding divorce ruling (if applicable)
Legal name changes documents (if needed)
Death certificates with related marriage certificates
I hope this list has brought you one step closer to choosing the perfect destination for your wedding. If you have the opportunity, consider visiting some of these locations as a wedding preview to get a better sense of which one aligns best with your desires and preferences. It can be a helpful experience in making your final decision.
Before you invest any more money or lose precious sleep scouring your phone for the ideal destination wedding location, I urge you to click this link to book a complimentary 30-Minute destination wedding consultation with me right away. This way, you can ensure you make the best possible decision for both you and your wedding!
