Sexy reggae rhythms, photogenic British colonial architecture, and easy accessibility from the U.S. — the island nation of Jamaica has all the romantic elements for your own personal version of Caribbean bliss.
By: Donna Heiderstadt-AS SEEN IN BRIDAL GUIDE MAGAZINE-
Photo courtesy of Sandals Resorts
Plus, the rum cocktails are awesome and the sunsets are pretty amazing, too. All that is surrounded by picturesque beaches and topped with misted mountains, making Jamaica an excellent wedding destination choice, mon. Here’s where to swap vows.
Sandals South Coast
With Sandals’ new Aisle to Isle destination wedding pro- gram, your path to “I do” can be pristine white sand, a votive-lined garden path or a glass-floored, over-water wedding chapel. Choose from eight new mix-and-match package options. There are the Insta-ready Love in Bloom flower walls, the beachy chic Caribbean Breeze, which incorporates driftwood accents and white lanterns, and Modern Love, a poppy yet sophisticated color story, among others. You can also customize the site — beach, garden or breezy gazebo.
Photo courtesy of Sandals Resorts
At this 372-room all-inclusive resort positioned on a secluded stretch of beach about 90 minutes’ drive from Montego Bay, the adults-only vibe is immersive, romantic and downright festive (free wedding packages require a three-night minimum stay and include bouquet, boutonniere, a centerpiece, a cake and an hour-long cocktail reception. Room rates start at $220 per person, per night and are all inclusive).
Jamaica Inn
Photo courtesy of Jamaica Inn
Old-school romance reigns at this idyllic Ocho Rios resort, where a stunning mix of tropical blues — turquoise sea, cerulean sky and periwinkle walls — imparts a serene seaside ambience. The hideaway, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, is an island travel throwback thanks to no TVs or clocks in the rooms, a private crescent beach and al fresco common areas. Forty-eight accommodations are a mix of guest rooms, suites and cottages.
Photo courtesy of Jamaica Inn
The homey spot is equally ideal for just- the-two-of-us nuptials or a lavish week- end party for up to 100 of your nearest and dearest. As you dance beneath the stars, you’ll feel like one — Marilyn Monroe, Vivien Leigh and other Hollywood legends once vacationed here (wedding packages start at $1,500 and include an officiant and marriage license, a bouquet, boutonniere, some photography, a cake and celebratory bottle of champagne)
Photo courtesy of Jamaica Inn
Strawberry Hill
Thanks to its splendid setting in the Blue Mountains high above Kingston with a serene backdrop of lush green foliage accented by panoramic views of the turquoise Caribbean, the 12 colonial cottages at the uber-intimate Strawberry Hill evoke the feel of a romantic mountaintop village.
Photo courtesy of Strawberry Hill
As a destination-wedding locale it blends luxury and privacy with an unmistakable — and authentic — Jamaican flair. You and your guests will sleep in dreamy four-poster mahogany beds and savor contemporary Jamaican cuisine that’s been celebrated by those in the know for three decades.
Photo courtesy of Strawberry Hill
Celebrate your union at sunset in the wedding venue of your choice: a canopied yoga pavilion, a charming carved wood veranda, a 4,500-square-foot lawn or the patio of a lagoon-style infinity pool that has sweeping ocean vistas.
Photo courtesy of Strawberry Hill
With a buyout, Strawberry Hill can sleep up to 30 guests, but the property can also host wedding ceremonies and receptions for up to 150 people (wedding packages start at $1,000 and include an officiant and license, a bouquet, boutonniere, cake, ceremony music and an on-site wedding planner).
Legally Wedded: You can get married on Jamaica 24 hours after you arrive on the island, as long as you have applied for and received a marriage license from the Ministry of Justice ($50 fee and valid for three months; your resort or wedding planner should assist you). Both parties must be at least 18 years old and provide certified copies of their birth certificates (showing father’s legal name) and original certificate of divorce or certified copy of death certificate of previous spouse if applicable.
