For couples dreaming of exchanging vows against the backdrop of a breathtaking tropical beach or an enchantingly exotic locale, the world offers a stunning array of choices beyond the bright lights of Las Vegas. Deciding where to embark on this romantic adventure can be an exciting yet overwhelming task. To guide you through the possibilities, we’ve compiled a list of the top destinations favored by couples seeking unforgettable destination weddings, drawing upon the expertise of Bud Carmichael, the founder of DestinationWeddings.com, a renowned travel agency specializing in orchestrating dream weddings far from home.
Mexico: A Fiesta of Romance
South of the border lies Mexico, a vibrant tapestry woven with warm, sunny weather, a kaleidoscope of colorful culture, and an extensive coastline that whispers promises of romance. The allure extends to its tantalizingly spicy cuisine and a diverse selection of accommodations to suit every taste and budget.
Mexico‘s popularity as a destination wedding hotspot stems from its abundance of all-inclusive resorts gracing some of the most picturesque coastlines. These resorts offer comprehensive packages designed to streamline the wedding planning process, allowing couples to focus on celebrating their love. Beach weddings are a quintessential choice, with the turquoise waters and powdery sands providing a breathtaking natural altar.
On the western coast, the Baja Peninsula beckons with the allure of Los Cabos, a region renowned for its dramatic landscapes, luxurious resorts, and vibrant nightlife. Alternatively, the eastern coast, facing the mesmerizing Caribbean Sea, unveils the Riviera Maya, a haven of pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and lush tropical jungles.
However, amidst the excitement of planning a dream wedding, it’s crucial to navigate the legal landscape. Understanding the specific requirements for obtaining a marriage license in Mexico is paramount to ensuring the union is legally recognized.
Jamaica: Rhythms of Love and Paradise
The vibrant island of Jamaica, a jewel of the Caribbean, beckons with its lush landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and majestic mountains. The island boasts more all-inclusive resorts than any other Caribbean destination, each infused with the infectious rhythm of reggae. It’s easy to understand why this island is so popular with couples who want a destination wedding followed by a beach honeymoon.
Jamaica distinguishes itself by its streamlined process for couples, including those from foreign lands, to legally solemnize their union. A mere 24-hour waiting period stands between arrival and the issuance of a marriage license. The island’s experienced wedding planners and resort coordinators are adept at guiding couples through the necessary paperwork. For those who prefer to navigate the process independently, applications can be submitted to the Ministry of Justice in Kingston. A blood test is not required, but certified copies of birth certificates are essential. If either party has been widowed or divorced, official documentation is also necessary.
Sandals Resorts, renowned for its collection of all-inclusive properties in Jamaica, simplifies destination wedding planning with its "Aisle to Isle" program, offering free webinars to help couples envision their dream celebration.
For couples wishing to honor the African-American tradition of jumping the broom, Jamaica provides a welcoming space to seamlessly integrate this meaningful ritual into their wedding ceremony.
The island, surrounded by sandy beaches, presents an ideal setting for a post-wedding honeymoon. Choosing a Sandals Weddingmoon grants access to the restaurants and facilities of multiple resorts, ensuring a diverse and engaging experience.
Beyond the beach, Jamaica offers a wealth of activities for wedding guests. The Blue Mountains, home to the world-renowned coffee, invite exploration through plantation tours and national park visits.
For water enthusiasts, a plethora of aquatic adventures awaits. Mayfield Falls and Dunn’s River Falls offer refreshing cascades, while the warm waters of the Blue Lagoon beckon. Snorkeling at Montego Bay Marine Park and rafting on the Rio Grande, Jamaica’s longest river, provide unforgettable experiences.
The Dominican Republic: Shared Island, Shared Dreams
East of Jamaica and west of Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean with Haiti. Wide swaths of beach and powdery sands along 900 miles of coastline are among the attractions of the Dominican Republic. It also has a large selection of all-inclusive resorts that are comparatively cheaper to stay and wed in than on other Caribbean islands.
Isolated enclaves in Punta Cana on the eastern tip and other places on the island’s southeastern side are the most popular spots for couples to hold a destination wedding and continue with their honeymoon.
In order to have a legal wedding in the Dominican Republic, couples must do a bit of pre-planning. Prior to arrival in the Dominican Republic, American citizens must get permission to marry from the American Consulate in Santo Domingo. The document you receive then must be presented at the Dominican Consulate along with your birth certificates and any divorce papers (wait until ten months after a divorce to apply). Once permission is obtained, couples can marry in a civil ceremony, which can be officiated by a judge or notary public. Additionally, Dominican law requires that banns be published prior to the ceremony.
The Bahamas: An Archipelago of Bliss
The beautiful Bahamas, just off the coast of Florida, offer couples everything from 24/7 excitement to total laid-back bliss, depending on whether they opt for developed Nassau, Freeport, Paradise, and Grand Bahama Island or one of the low-key Out Islands.
You have more than 700 islands of the Bahamas to choose from, although hotels with destination wedding services are only available on a handful. All of the islands of the Bahamas are ringed by coral-sand beaches, which makes it a prime spot for beach weddings set against clear, clean, aquamarine waters.
One advantage of a destination wedding in the Bahamas is that it is close and easy to reach from the continental United States. Flights from Miami take less than one hour. The other advantage is that for couples who want a relatively long and event-filled celebration, there’s plenty to do. Whether guests enjoy swimming and sunning, snorkeling and diving, fishing and sailing, shopping and spas, clubbing and gambling (or any combination of those activities), places are accessible and plans can be easily arranged.
Hawaii: An Island Paradise
Hawaii, a string of volcanic islands in the heart of the Pacific, is a long flight to Hawaii from just about anywhere, yet couples flock to the state’s gorgeous islands in order to have a memorable destination wedding in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
One popular option is the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Honolulu, Hawaii. The property contains the first free-standing, resort wedding chapel in Waikiki. It is surrounded by lush landscaping, romantic waterfalls, and a lagoon.
Couples who want to get married in Hawaii should familiarize themselves with how to apply for a marriage license in Hawaii.
U.S. Virgin Islands: Caribbean Charm, American Ease
As a United States territory, it couldn’t be easier to travel to the United States Virgin Islands; no passports are necessary. Once you’ve taken care of the paperwork, you can focus on the destination wedding itself. The USVI consists of three major islands, St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. In both tone and surroundings, the islands vary tremendously, which makes an island-hopping wedding or honeymoon great fun.
Aruba: Sunshine and Serenity
Dry Aruba, south of the hurricane zone, welcomes wedding couples year-round. Rarely does a day without sunshine occur in Aruba. Add to that trade winds, gorgeous sunsets, and year-round average temperatures of 82°F, it’s unlikely that your destination wedding here will be a rain-out. Wide, long, glistening and lapped by warm, turquoise waters, the extensive sandy stretches provide beautiful natural venues for a ceremony on the sand.
Fiji: A World Away
Exotic Fiji, with its gentle culture and castaway-island charm, is the choice of couples who want an unusual getaway-from-it-all wedding destination. Traditional Fijian weddings can include the delivery of the bride in a boat and ceremonial dances in costume.
Almost Anywhere in Europe: A Timeless Romance
Historic and romantic, Europe’s great cities and small villages alike provide unforgettable settings for destination weddings. However, many countries within Europe have stringent requirements for marriage that can include a long residency period. For this reason, many couples who want a destination wedding in Europe first marry at home and then have a symbolic ceremony in Europe.
