It seems more and more people want to get married on an island or in some exotic international destination. I can think of a couple of reasons. It's cheaper. It's easier. It's something cool to do.
Whether it is your first or second wedding, an all inclusive destination wedding may be the best option for holy matrimony. You could get married on the beach at sunset, take your vows in a tropical gazebo surrounded by lush gardens, or tie the knot in a beachside wedding chapel. Choose an all inclusive resort that includes the wedding and the price is very nice. Hey, inviting friends is also a breeze. You would be surprised how many people combine a vacation getaway with attending a friend's wedding. I have had numerous people tell me that they try to take a vacation to somewhere tropical each year and the destination wedding is the catalyst for making the commitment to travel.
Several all inclusive resort chains provide the weddings for free. At Superclub's Breezes Resorts, wedding are still complimentary (a government fee is required). For stays of 3-nights or longer, the complimentary wedding package includes a wedding planner, preparation of documents, marriage license, the ceremony, recorded music, witnesses if needed, a decorated wedding area, wedding cake, bouqet and boutonnierre, champagne or sparkling cider and a candlelit dinner for bride and groom. Not special enough? A host of upgraded wedding amenities is available for a nominal fee.
At Couples Resorts in Jamaica, the complimentary wedding package is all inclusive with stays of 3 nights or longer. A $200 government fee is required. Couples uses a wedding calculator to estimate the cost of a basic island wedding and all inclusive honeymoon for a total of $3820. This example is for airfare from Miami and a 7 night stay at Couples Tower Isle in June of 2009. Obviously, the price will vary by room category and type of airfare selected. With the average cost of a US-based traditional wedding at over $20,000, you can see how great of a deal the "destination wedding" is in comparison. Think about all the money you would save for furniture, a new car or a nice nest egg for the future.
Jamaica is a very easy destination for weddings. Typically, you can be married 48 hours after arrival on the island. The resort requirements are generally the same but a reservation is needed in advance. Once you have picked a date, the resort wedding coordinator can arrange for any special requirements or additions that you might have. In the Bahamas, couples are required to apply for their marriage license a day after arrival. As soon as the license is approved, the wedding can take place the following day. Other destinations have different waiting periods and requirements. Check with a wedding coordinator or one of our travel consultants for details.
Some other tips from some of my previous clients: One family wanted a traditional reception but the couple really desired to be married in "paradise". The solution? They went to the Caribbean and got married and then went home and had a traditional ceremony and reception. It was sort of like a renewal of vows, but none of the guests knew. This worked the opposite way for another couple. They didn't want to go through the requirement process for a wedding in Mexico, so they got married at the justice of the peace in the USA and then had a renewal of vows ceremony at the beach.
Whatever you desire for your wedding, keep in mind that most people end up at the beach. Either for a ceremony, or at least the honeymoon :)
Til Next Time,
Tom
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