The Caribbean isn’t one single destination. It’s home to thousands of different islands, belonging to different nations and federations across the globe. These islands tend to be extremely tourist-friendly, ready to welcome weary travelers any time of year.
Many couples are ditching the stress of wedding planning and picking an all-inclusive venue in the Caribbean. Experienced wedding planners meet with florists, talk with caterers, arrange photographers and much more — all while you relax and enjoy the lead-up to the big day.
If you’re not already convinced, here are seven more reasons to skip the stress and get married in the Caribbean.
1. The Amazing Weather
One reason the Caribbean is such as popular destination, for vacations and weddings both, is the tropical weather. Tourism season in the Caribbean is December through April, with many looking to escape the cold weather back home. The shoulder season, which is considered late spring and fall, will feature milder weather, fewer tourists and cheaper prices. The temperatures average between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, making it perfect for a wedding ceremony outdoors.
2. The Picturesque Beaches
The Caribbean is home to some of the best beaches in the world, with translucent turquoise waters, pristine white sand and warm temperatures year-round. Even if you don’t plan to spend hours relaxing on the beach, an oceanfront venue could make the perfect spot for your destination wedding.
Some of the most famous beaches in the Caribbean include:
- Eagle Beach, Aruba
- Hopkins Bay Beach, Belize
- Horseshoe Bay Beach, Bermuda
- Guardalavaca Beach, Cuba
- Wavine Cyrique Beach, Dominica
Caribbean beaches are known for looking straight out of a fairytale. As a bonus, the destination will look just as nice in pictures and videos as it does in person.
photo by Bajan Wed Vendor Jess Leigh Photography
3. The Delicious Food
Head to the Caribbean if you want to serve a wedding reception dinner that will blow your guests out of the water. You and your guests will enjoy trying new recipes with unfamiliar ingredients. If you love seafood, the local variety is always fresh and delicious. Local chefs tend to use spices liberally, perfect for those who love a little zip. Even those with less adventurous palettes will savor island staples like fried plantains, roti and papaya.
4. The Interesting Attractions
Guests will love the opportunity to explore and try new things while at your wedding. Don’t take it personally — they just want the most bang for their buck. Luckily, anyone can find something interesting to do in the Caribbean, no matter their interests. Try snorkeling with colorful fish in the crystal-clear water. Swim with dolphins and discover hidden coral reefs. Take a surfing lesson or join a sunset boating excursion. If you plan your wedding during a festival — such as Carnival in Trinidad or Pirates Week in the Cayman Islands — you and your guests can also experience a unique side to the local culture.
5. The Affordability
Traveling and getting married are two things that can be pricey. Combine the two into one affordable experience by opting for a Caribbean wedding. The islands are home to many luxurious — but affordable — all-inclusive resorts. Plus, many offer special deals and discounts year-round. Beyond accommodations, the food, travel and attractions are all much cheaper than in popular destinations like London or Paris. And when searching for a resort, ask if you qualify for a free wedding ceremony based on the length of your stay.
6. The Eco-Friendly Options
The Caribbean may be a cheap travel destination, but it’s not a wasteful one. There are many environmentally-friendly hotel options — such as Rosalie Bay in Dominica and Kanopi House in Jamaica — for those who want a more secluded and private ceremony. While these hotels may be smaller than their conglomerate counterparts, an all-inclusive option will still provide a wedding planner who can offer assistance with organizing your ceremony.
7. The Wedding-Honeymoon Combo
Couples are saving money by combining the wedding and honeymoon with a destination ceremony in the Caribbean. Save thousands on venues, airfare, hotel accomodations and more by combining it all into one event. After the ceremony ends and the guests head home, you and your partner can stay behind for some much-needed rest and relaxation. Spend some time on the beach getting to know the sound of the waves. Or head out into the streets and discover an exciting new culture.
photo by Bajan Wed Member Asia Pimental
Why You Should Get Married in the Caribbean
Are you considering getting married in the Caribbean? More and more couples are heading abroad to say their nuptials, and it’s not hard to see why. You and your guests can experience an exotic new location, complete with tasty foods, lavish beaches and exciting festivals. Plus you can save a little money by hosting your event in an affordable location and combining the wedding and honeymoon into one.
What are you waiting for? Forget the stress of planning a traditional wedding. Head to the Caribbean where you can relax and remember what the big day is all about — you and your partner.
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Kacey Bradley is the blogger behind The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations and cultures, all while portraying her love for the world around her through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts. Along with writing for her blog, she has written for sites like U.S. News, SUCCESS, Ruffled, and more!
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