Adventure
St. Lucia
If the bride and groom are adrenaline lovers, allow them to test their limits climbing The Pitons or zip lining through the Chassin region’s rain forest. The beautiful landscape creates the perfect view for an outdoor wedding from almost anywhere on the island. Other newlyweds are honeymooners, unwinding on one of the island’s chalky beaches or one of its isolated resorts.
St. Barts
There’s no doubt that the French Caribbean island of St. Barthélemy (St. Barts) is a gorgeous island to exchange wedding vows. After you’ve said “I do,” head to Gustavia to celebrate – the island’s capital buzzes with posh cocktail bars and dance clubs. Careful and early planning will ensure that your wedding and/or honeymoon in St. Barts is priced on par with other Caribbean isles. And fortunately, St. Barts’ (or St. Barth’s) 14 beaches are all open to the public. The island is ideal for those seeking Euro-themed bliss with plenty of beaches for ultimate relaxation.
Aruba
Because of its location outside the hurricane belt, Aruba offers more flexibility than neighboring Caribbean weddings and honeymoons. This southern Caribbean island is using its parched climate with minimal rainfall in its favor. Particularly, Aruba lures tourists with its white beaches and rugged limestone landscape. And with its extensive underwater visibility, this island is a preferred destination for divers looking to explore buried shipwrecks or to study some magnificent coral reefs up close.
St. Kitts and Nevis
Whatever your wedding style, the dual islands of St. Kitts & Nevis will accommodate it. The more subdued Nevis is known for its stunning beaches, while energetic St. Kitts offers a bevy of historical attractions. Both islands offer plenty of sprawling resorts right on the sand perfect for your wedding celebration. St. Kitts is the more outgoing island, with the widest selection of restaurants, bars and hotels. Quiet and luxurious Nevis showcases the opulence that has become this region’s signature.
Antigua
If you and your fiancé are beach lovers, you should put Antigua at the top of your list. You’ll have no problem finding a secluded shoreline for your oceanfront ceremony due to the island’s more than 300 beaches. Additionally, Antigua is home to some of the best resorts in the Caribbean.
Luxury & Relaxation
Anguilla
Weddings in Anguilla are like no other in the Caribbean. In Anguilla, there’s an embargo on cruise ships, casinos, and high-rise hotels resulting in a great deal of clear, coral-filled waters, unmarked and unpaved roads, and low-key beachfront villas. This pristine environment lends itself to spectacular weddings. And, once the sun does go down, you’ll be treated to one of the best live music scenes in the Western Hemisphere. Everyone from Quincy Jones to Bankie Banx and Jimmy Buffett has stopped by Anguilla’s white sand beaches to perform.
Jamaica
Jamaica is often considered the heart of the Caribbean. Choose from a bevy of all-inclusive resorts with wedding packages either ready-made or made-to-order. However, you’ll also have the option to splurge on your own private Jamaican villa for you and all your loved ones. Between the honey-colored beaches and the free-flowing reggae music, you’ll have no trouble relaxing.
Turks & Caicos
With its ivory-colored sands and turquoise waters, Turks & Caicos offers the quintessential Caribbean backdrop for your wedding. Plus, its geographic seclusion will lend a sense of exclusivity to your nuptials. Just keep in mind that the remoteness is more expensive than other destinations and you should include that in your wedding budget.
Barbados
Your wedding revelry will only be enhanced by Barbados’ Mount Gay Rum and oscillating beat of the calypso music. When you’re in need of some pre-wedding relaxation, you’ll have your pick of stunning beaches. And though you could spend all your time on the beaches, you’ll find plenty more to do when exploring this Caribbean paradise. This luxurious island is filled with breathtaking architecture, an enthusiastic sports culture, and a jubilant attitude. All of Barbados’ beaches possess picturesque views and calming ocean breezes. Some beaches to consider for your wedding location are just a few of the country’s must-visit beaches: Dover Beach, Bathsheba Beach, and the sands overlooking Carlisle Bay.
Accessibility
Bahamas
An hourlong flight from Miami is all it will take for you and your wedding party to reach this treasured paradise. Because the area is home to 700 islands, it’s easy to find a venue and location to accommodate guest lists of all sizes! Brides and grooms that converge here with their wedding party and guests tend to indulge in the diversions of Atlantis, Paradise Island (pictured above) and other mega resorts. However, this diverse island chain also offers beautiful weddings away from the hotel area.
Puerto Rico
Along with white sand beaches, ancient fortresses, and charming Old San Juan, Puerto Rico also offers a convenience factor: Since it’s a U.S. territory, you and your wedding guests won’t need a passport to travel here (provided your guests are U.S. citizens). The island is less than a three-hour flight from Miami. Also a bonus, when you’re shopping in San Juan, the capital city, you can pay for your souvenirs with American money. However, this isn’t quite a home away from home. Puerto Rico has both 20-foot waves for surfers and calm, clear waters for weddings.
Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands are an archipelago of three islands that sit 150 miles south of Cuba. Just a quick 90-minute flight from Miami, these majestic islands offer enough diverse activities to entertain your whole wedding party. Those with kids will want to take a trip to Stingray City, while beach-seekers will enjoy Seven Mile Beach. The largest, Grand Cayman, is full of gargantuan resorts with all-inclusive options, perfect for those who prefer preplanned itineraries and don’t mind sharing the sights with cruise crowds. Meanwhile, those who visit the less-traveled Cayman Brac and Little Cayman enjoy some of the best diving in the Caribbean.
