Destination Caribbean Wedding Inspiration | Five More Reasons to Make it a Destination Wedding
What do you think of when you think of a destination Caribbean wedding? Warm weather and hospitality, relaxing beaches, white sands and relaxation? Those are certainly part of a Caribbean wedding, but what makes the Caribbean distinct for destination weddings is the variety. Every island has its own flavor and style. And depending on what you want to experience, you can tailor your visit to the exact experience you want. From the bustling city with great nightlife and shopping to more remote locations, there is a vibe for everyone . The secret is to know which island will offer you the vision and experience you are looking for.
But before we get into some of the details of destination Caribbean wedding locations, why have a destination Caribbean wedding to begin with? Here are our top 5 reasons:
Picture perfect backdrops with fabulous weather in a relaxed setting. With the trained wedding professionals in the Caribbean , stressing is not allowed. One stop and they can literally create your wedding for you to arrive and step right into.
Less guests means more quality with those you love. You can share fun activities together – and the Caribbean offers a plethora of fun things to do, or just relax with your guests and get caught up and celebrate what it’s all really about. The fact is, less guests means more quality (and more money for the budget)
Casual attire (less packing to do). The warm weather makes light attire all you need – even wedding “gowns” take on a more casual and romantic feel with shortened hem lines, bare shoulders and fresh flowers.
Convenience: your destination wedding becomes a weddingmoon, allowing for a combination of the wedding and honeymoon in one location!
Save money. A destination wedding is usually less costly than a traditional wedding.
About 30 countries make up the Caribbean and each has a different feel and terrain. For example, the Bahamas are known for being more flat and Jamaica is known for having more mountains. Jamaica’s most popular wedding destinations include: Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Negril and Port Antonio and the Bahamas include Nassau Bahamas (the capital), Grand Bahama Island and Lucaya. Even Cancun, Mexico is considered part of the Caribbean.
Don’t know where to start? Let one of our seasoned destination Caribbean wedding professionals help and start your search here on WeddingLocation.com.
Happy Caribbean Wedding Planning!
Destination Wedding Inspiration | Spotlight on Destination Mexico Weddings
As a neighboring country to the United States of America, Mexico affords a convenient escape to paradise without the heavier price tags associated with other distant wedding locations. And Mexico hospitality is bursting with welcome and wedding professionals just waiting to make your destination Mexico wedding experience one to remember for both you and your guests.
What type of wedding can you have in Mexico? Any: elegant, casual, large or small. The wedding locations in Mexico offer all kinds of options: from beach weddings, resort weddings , private hacienda (estate) weddings to historical site weddings (Mayan temples and so much more). The destination Mexico wedding allows you to dress any way you want: from saying your vows in a simple strappy sundress with toes in the sand or wear a formal gown and overlook a stunning vista or beach view from a resort. The choice is yours. No matter what your choice, using the already-existing stunning backdrops and local cuisine is a must. Treating yourself and your guests to a destination wedding experience means using many of the elements already in place built in for you – otherwise, why would you choose an exotic location?
So, where in Mexico do you start to search for your ideal Mexico wedding location? Some of the most popular areas include Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, Cozumel and Riviera Maya and we have a tool to help you quickly find your ideal location and put you in touch immediately with a wedding professional to assist with your every need. Once you’ve selected your Mexico wedding location, the rest is easy: let the professionals at your property take it from there.
Curious about some of the leading top tips/suggestions for getting married in Mexico? Check out our hot list:
Best time of year: October through May
Activities: parasailing, spa days, snorkeling, diving, fishing, golfing, site seeing, relaxing on the beach, sunset cruises and so much more.
Suggested Favors for Guests: Check with your planner: use local resources: send your guests home with a flavor of their visit (that will also pass customs on the way home).
Destination Wedding Etiquette: make sure you give your guests plenty of notice by sending Save the Date notifications with as much notice as possible. Asking your guests to incur charges of significant travel, hotel and incidentals may require many to save up and plan accordingly.
Obtaining a marriage license:
Note: You must be in Mexico 3 days prior to wedding date.
Completed Civil Ceremony Form
Original blood test. Tests must be taken at the resort and results are ready within 24 hours
Valid passports
Birth certificates (original or certified copy of each one.)
If either party is widowed, an original or certified copy of former spouse’s death certificate
Legal documentation of adoption or name change (if applicable.)
If either party is divorced, a copy of the divorce decree. If the divorce took place outside of Mexico, it must be authenticated and translated. Divorced parties can remarry in Mexico after one year after the termination of their previous marriage.
Name, age, nationality, home address and occupation of 4 witnesses. Witnesses must arrive 3 business days prior to the wedding in order to complete the documentation process and must be 18 years of age or older at the time of the ceremony. Witnesses can also be provided by the resort for a fee.
Tourist ID card (provided by customs upon your arrival at Cancun International Airport.)
Marriage license fee. Fee varies, but is generally around $200.
