Jamaica is home to beautiful beaches, world-class resorts, and dreamy scenery, perfect for a destination wedding. The Caribbean island is famous for Jamaican rum, Red Stripe beer, jerk dishes, Blue Mountain Coffee, and live reggae music, everything that will make your wedding memorable.
Table of Contents
Best Venues for Your Jamaica Destination Wedding
About Destination Weddings in Jamaica
Legal Requirements for Weddings in Jamaica
Jamaica Destination Wedding Planning Tips
Average Room Price: $400 to $1000
Drive Time to Airport: 90 minutes
Number of Rooms: 392
Weddings Per Day: 5
All Inclusive: Yes
Adult Only: Yes
LGBTQ Friendly: No
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The Sandals South Coast is a 5-Star luxury resort that boasts white beaches, tropical gardens, and a serene atmosphere. Nestled on the Southern coast of Jamaica, the resort has unmatched views and an intimate feel. The resort offers guests an immersive experience that combines the natural beauty of Jamaica with the ultimate in luxury and comfort.
Accommodation options at Sandals South Coast include spacious suites and villas. All rooms feature luxurious amenities such as king-sized beds, private balconies or patios, and fully stocked mini-bars. In the evening, you and your guests can relax at one of the three pools, dine at the restaurant, or story tell at the extravagant bonfire areas.
Sandals South Coast is also a popular destination for weddings and honeymoons. They have a dedicated team of wedding planners to help create the perfect day. You can have your ceremony in a secluded garden with beautiful blossoms or on the long white beach with fine white sand. Their over-the-water wedding chapel features a glass floor aisle and panoramic water views, guaranteed to give you a memorable experience.
One of the standout features of Sandals South Coast is the resort’s dining options. Guests can choose from nine world-class restaurants, each offering a unique dining experience. The resort also features seven bars, including a swim-up and beachside bars, serving premium spirits and cocktails.
Average Room Price: $100 to $400
Drive Time to Airport: 15 minutes
Number of Rooms: 348
Weddings Per Day: 1
All Inclusive: Yes
Adult Only: Yes
LGBTQ Friendly: No
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Secrets Wild Orchid is a luxurious all-inclusive resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica, known for its breathtaking views, exceptional service, and elegant accommodations. This resort offers a variety of wedding packages to suit different tastes and budgets.
One of the most popular wedding packages at Secrets Wild Orchid is the “Unlimited Love” package. This package includes a personal wedding coordinator to assist with every aspect of the wedding planning process, from selecting the perfect ceremony and reception location to choosing flowers and decorations.
For couples who want a more intimate wedding experience, Secrets Wild Orchid offers an “Eternity” package. Couples who want a truly unique wedding experience can choose the “Divine” package. This package includes a private yacht ceremony followed by a reception on the yacht or at a private beach location.
No matter which packages a couple chooses, Secrets Wild Orchid takes care of every detail so that the couple can relax and enjoy their special day. From the stunning ceremony locations to the delicious food and drinks, every aspect of the wedding aims to create unforgettable memories.
Average Room Price: $400 to $1000
Drive Time to Airport: 5 minutes
Number of Rooms: 272
Weddings Per Day: 5
All Inclusive: Yes
Adult Only: Yes
LGBTQ Friendly: No
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Sandals Montego Bay is the perfect destination for couples looking to celebrate their wedding day in a beautiful and luxurious setting. Located on Jamaica’s north coast, the resort offers stunning views and a pristine beach for a memorable destination wedding.
Guests at Sandals Montego Bay can indulge in the resort’s many luxurious amenities, including multiple swimming pools, a spa, and access to the private beach. The resort’s rooms and suites feature all the amenities needed to make your stay unforgettable.
Additionally, the resort’s team of experienced wedding planners will work with you to create a customized wedding package that meets your needs and preferences. They will take care of all the details, including decorations, catering, and entertainment, to ensure that your wedding is perfect in every way.
Sandals Montego Bay’s talented chefs can create a delicious menu featuring a range of local and international flavors to satisfy your guests’ tastes. They can also accommodate special requests.
And last but not least, Sandals Montego Bay’s wedding packages offer a range of options, including the basic Beautiful Beginnings package and the more comprehensive Customizable Wedding package.
Average Room Price: $100 to $400
Drive Time to Airport: 105 minutes
Number of Rooms: 150
Weddings Per Day: 5
All Inclusive: Yes
Adult Only: Yes
LGBTQ Friendly: No
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Couples Sans Souci is a luxurious, adults-only resort located in Jamaica. The resort is renowned for its beautiful, serene atmosphere and stunning ocean views, making it an ideal destination for weddings.
Couples Sans Souci offers a range of wedding packages, each designed to suit different needs and budgets. Couples can choose from intimate elopement packages to large, lavish affairs, and everything in between.
The resort provides a dedicated wedding planner who works closely with couples to plan every aspect of their big day, including the ceremony, reception, catering, and décor. The wedding planner also arranges transportation, photography, and entertainment.
Couples can exchange vows in various breathtaking settings, including on the beach, in tropical gardens, or on the cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The resort also offers indoor venues, such as the Sunset Beach Restaurant, for couples who prefer an air-conditioned setting.
After the ceremony, newlyweds can enjoy a romantic honeymoon at Couples Sans Souci. The resort features a variety of luxurious accommodations, including suites with private balconies and Jacuzzis, gourmet dining options and a range of activities and amenities.
Average Room Price: $100 to $400
Drive Time to Airport: 90 minutes
Number of Rooms: 519
Weddings Per Day: 5
All Inclusive: Yes
Adult Only: Yes
LGBTQ Friendly: No
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Sandals Ochi is a luxurious all-inclusive resort nestled in the beautiful coastal town of Ocho Rios, Jamaica. This resort is renowned for its breathtaking beachfront location, top-notch service, and a wide array of amenities that cater to couples’ desires on their special day. The venue features stunning options for weddings, including beachfront ceremonies, garden ceremonies, and indoor spaces that overlook the ocean.
Sandals Ochi provides various wedding packages that include everything from catering, music, and decorations to photography. The resort’s experienced and dedicated wedding coordinators will work tirelessly to ensure that the wedding planning process is seamless. Starting from selecting the perfect location to organizing the reception.
Apart from these, the resort provides guests with the opportunity to indulge in a range of amenities. A rejuvenating spa, a sparkling pool, and world-class dining options are some of them. Sandals Ochi is also an adults-only resort, creating a perfect atmosphere for couples to create cherished memories.
With its spectacular location, unmatched service, and an extensive range of amenities, Sandals Ochi provides couples with an unforgettable and romantic experience.
Average Room Price: $400 to $1000
Drive Time to Airport: 90 minutes
Number of Rooms: 74
Weddings Per Day: 1
All Inclusive: No
Adult Only: No
LGBTQ Friendly: Yes
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Sandals Royal Plantation is an exquisite resort that offers an unparalleled experience for couples looking to celebrate their wedding day. Located in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, the resort provides the perfect setting for a luxurious destination wedding.
Sandals Royal Plantation’s talented chefs can create a mouthwatering menu that will delight your guests, featuring a range of local and international specialties. They can also accommodate special requests and dietary requirements for your guests.
As usual, a team of expert wedding planners works to provide exceptional service and create a personalized experience that perfectly reflects your vision for your special day. They will work closely with you to select the ideal venue for your ceremony and reception and take care of all the details, including decorations, catering, and entertainment, to ensure that your wedding is perfect.
Guests at Sandals Royal Plantation can indulge in the resort’s many luxurious amenities, including a private beach, butler service, and access to the nearby Sandals Ochi Beach Resort, which offers even more dining and entertainment options. The resort’s rooms and suites offer stunning ocean views, creating the perfect setting for your wedding celebrations.
Average Room Price: $100 to $400
Drive Time to Airport: 10 minutes
Number of Rooms: 227
Weddings Per Day: 5
All Inclusive: Yes
Adult Only: Yes
LGBTQ Friendly: No
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Sandals Royal Caribbean is an all-inclusive luxury resort located in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The resort is a part of the Sandals Resorts chain, which specializes in couples-only vacations.
Sandals Royal Caribbean offers a range of accommodations, including rooms, suites, and villas. All of them are elegantly furnished and feature luxurious amenities such as four-poster beds, flat-screen TVs, and private balconies or patios. The resort also features a private offshore island with a pool, beach, and bar, as well as seven additional pools, several restaurants, and a full-service spa.
Activities at the resort include water sports, such as kayaking and snorkeling, as well as land-based activities, such as tennis and beach volleyball. There are also several organized excursions available. You can take trips to nearby attractions such as Dunn’s River Falls and the Rose Hall Great House.
As with all Sandals Resorts, the Royal Caribbean is an adults-only resort, catering exclusively to couples. The all-inclusive package includes all meals, drinks, and activities, as well as airport transfers, gratuities, and taxes, making for a stress-free and indulgent vacation experience.
Average Room Price: $400 to $1000
Drive Time to Airport: 25 minutes
Number of Rooms: 260
Weddings Per Day: 1
All Inclusive: Yes
Adult Only: Yes
LGBTQ Friendly: No
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Sandals Dunn River is a stunning resort that provides an unforgettable experience for couples looking to celebrate their special day. Located in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, the resort offers a breathtaking backdrop for a destination wedding. It’ll open on May 24th, 2023.
The resort’s team of expert wedding planners aims to provide exceptional service and create a personalized experience that perfectly reflects your vision for your wedding. They will work with you to select the ideal venue for your ceremony and reception and take care of all the details, including decorations, catering, and entertainment, to ensure your wedding is flawless.
Sandals Dunn River’s talented chefs can create a delicious and personalized menu that caters to your guests’ tastes and preferences. They can also accommodate special requests and dietary requirements for all of your guests.
Guests at Sandals Dunn River can indulge in the resort’s many luxurious amenities, including multiple swimming pools, a spa, and access to the private beach. The resort’s rooms and suites offer breathtaking views and all the amenities needed to make your stay unforgettable.
Average Room Price: $100 to $400
Drive Time to Airport: 90 minutes
Number of Rooms: 226
Weddings Per Day: 5
All Inclusive: Yes
Adult Only: Yes
LGBTQ Friendly: No
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The Sandals Negril is an all-inclusive resort situated on the Seven Mile Beach in Negril, Jamaica. Its romantic atmosphere and spectacular sunsets make it a dream location for weddings.
With a range of wedding packages available, from intimate ceremonies to grand celebrations, Sandals Negril provides couples with several picturesque venues to exchange their vows. The beach, garden gazebo, or oceanfront pavilion. The resort’s experienced wedding planners prioritize making the couple’s dream wedding a reality by taking care of every detail. Whether its venue selection to floral arrangements and photography, allowing the couple to relax and enjoy their special day.
The all-inclusive package includes a personal wedding planning team, a wedding officiant, a bridal bouquet, a groom’s boutonniere, a wedding cake, and a one-hour cocktail reception with hors d’oeuvres. The couple can also customize their wedding with additional add-ons, such as a steel drum band, videography, or a private candlelit dinner on the beach.
After the wedding, the couple can indulge in the resort’s luxurious amenities. Including gourmet dining, unlimited drinks, and water sports. They can also relax and unwind at the resort’s Red Lane Spa, which offers a range of rejuvenating treatments, such as massages, facials, and body wraps.
About Destination Weddings in Jamaica
Why Get Married in Jamaica?
Apart from its tropical beaches and Caribbean vibes, Jamaica has a lot to offer. Some of the other reasons you should consider getting married in Jamaica include:
Affordability
The average cost of a destination wedding in Jamaica is $6,000. That includes flights, accommodation, and the ceremony. Comparing that to the average cost of a wedding in the U.S. makes Jamaica a more affordable place to get married.
The Caribbean island also has all-inclusive resorts that offer a wedding ceremony as part of their package, which allows you to save money and enjoy a stress-free wedding planning experience.
Fantastic Weather Throughout the Year
Jamaica is famous for its tropical climate. The temperatures fluctuate a little around November, September, June, and May due to rain. However, you can expect warm sunny days from December to mid-April, perfect for your beach or garden wedding.
Stunning Venues
Jamaica’s unique garden setup and vast beaches attract stunning venues. The Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort has its private island, while the Sandals South Coast allows you to wed in the breathtaking over-the-water wedding chapel.
You’ll be spoilt for choice when looking for a wedding venue as there’s something for every couple.
Diverse Culture and Cuisine
Another reason you should consider weddings in Jamaica is the island’s diverse culture and cuisine. Apart from the richly-flavoured Jamaican cuisine, you can sample Italian, French, and Mexican cuisines. You also experience Jamaica’s culture through the different events and excursions around the island.
Average Cost of a Destination Wedding in Jamaica
On average, a destination wedding in Jamaica costs less than $10,000. That includes traveling costs, wedding/reception package, and honeymoon stay.
Couples can choose to customize their wedding packages, depending on their budget. Some resorts also offer all-inclusive packages with an onsite wedding coordinator, reducing costs and ensuring your big day goes as planned.
For a luxurious wedding, you can expect to spend at least $20,000 on everything, including an all-inclusive resort and wedding/reception package.
Legal Requirements for Weddings in Jamaica
Legal Weddings vs Symbolic Weddings
A symbolic wedding happens when a couple wants to experience an actual ceremony without legally binding conditions. The ceremony is ideal for couples who are already married and wish to have a wedding ceremony, those renewing their vows, or those who would like to have a legal ceremony in future.
Most all-inclusive wedding packages in Jamaica include a symbolic ceremony. There are extra costs for a legal ceremony.
In Jamaica, an advanced hotel stay is required for a symbolic ceremony. Couples need to arrive at their hotel one day before the ceremony. You also need a copy of the marriage certificate for a vow renewal ceremony. Additionally, you need to arrive two weeks before the ceremony.
You must apply for a marriage license before flying to Jamaica for legal weddings. You also need a certified copy of your birth certificate, proof of divorce if applicable, or a certified copy of the death certificate for the widower or widow. Don’t forget to bring original documents with you when traveling to Jamaica.
After the ceremony, the marriage officer will issue you with a copy of the marriage register as proof of marriage. Note that this isn’t a legal document, as you need to get a certified copy of your marriage certificate.
The marriage officer applies for the marriage certificate, which takes seven working days to a month. You can also apply for it directly after making the payment.
Once the Government issues the marriage certificate, the certified copy is sent to the marriage officer, who will forward it to your embassy. The marriage process is complete after being legalized by your embassy and will be recognized as legal in your country of origin.
Required Legal Documents & Cost
Planning for your Jamaica destination wedding is essential and makes the process easier. You’ll need to apply for a marriage license at least two to three months ahead.
You can apply by emailing the Ministry of Justice at customerservice@moj.gov.jm or by calling 1-876-906-4923-31. A marriage license costs $60-$65.
Some of the documents you need to apply for a license include the following:
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- Proof of citizenship through a certified copy of the birth certificate
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- Written consent by a parent if you’re below 18 years
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- Proof of divorce, if applicable
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- Death certificate certified copy for widow or widower
Note that if your documents aren’t in English, you may need to have them translated by an official translator before being certified by your Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a Jamaican Honorary Consulate.
After acquiring the license, you can get married in 24 hours after arrival.
Legal Marriage Timeline
Once you have the marriage license, you can get married 24 hours after arriving in Jamaica.
You should note that the minister’s marriage license will expire 90 days after the issuance date, which means you should get married within this timeline.
Jamaica Destination Wedding Planning Tips
Some of the tips you need to have in mind are:
How to Get There
You can opt to travel to Jamaica by air or sea.
Jamaica has three international airports- Montego Bay, Kingston, and Ocho Rios. The Caribbean island has direct flights from N. America, U.K, and most parts of Europe.
Most airlines fly into Montego Bay, while some land at Kingston. Boarding a plane that lands at Kingston is convenient if you’re going to the Blue Mountains or Port Antonio.
A direct flight from Miami to Montego Bay takes 1 hour and 25 minutes.
With Caribbean Airlines, you can also choose to fly from New York to Jamaica, which takes 3 hours, and 20 minutes. There’s an option to fly from Orlando to Kingston or Montego Bay for 2 hours.
Fare prices are affordable during summer. You can expect to pay $600 plus taxes during the peak season and less than $500 during the low season.
U.S Airlines like American Airlines fly from Miami to Kingston, Delta from NY and Atlanta to Kingston, and United from NY and Houston to Kingston and Montego Bay. US Airways flies from Philadelphia, Boston, and Charlotte to Montego Bay.
For a more adventurous trip, you can take the cruise. Jamaica has three main cruise ports, Falmouth, Montego Bay, and Ocho Rios, all equipped to handle large cruise ships.
Jamaica Weather
Jamaica has fairly good weather, making it a fantastic wedding destination.
You can choose to get married in Jamaica during the low season that starts from July to October. These are warm months, with some parts like Montego Bay, Negril, and Ocho Rios experiencing maximum temperatures of 88 degrees Fahrenheit.
During this season, you can get high-end accommodation at a discounted rate. There are also fewer crowds in restaurants and beaches.
The peak season falls around Mid-December to Mid-April, which is the winter season in Jamaica. The island receives a lot of tourists during this season and it’s advisable to book in advance if you’re planning to get married in these months.
Shoulder season falls between Mid-April to May and from November to Mid-December. These months have great weather and you get to enjoy the island as there are fewer crowds after the peak season.
Budgeting Tips
Jamaica is popular for its stunning beaches, exotic landscapes, and breathtaking sunsets. Although Jamaica is a luxurious destination, it’s also budget-friendly if you plan accordingly.
Here are some budgeting tips to help you host a wedding ceremony in Jamaica.
Opt For an All-Inclusive Wedding Package
You can save money by choosing an all-inclusive wedding package. The package normally includes:
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- Wedding coordinator
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- Wedding ceremony
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- Bridal bouquet
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- Groom’s boutonniere
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- Decoration at the ceremony site
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- Music during the ceremony
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- Wedding cake
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- Dining arrangements
Choosing this package can help you cut costs as you won’t have to look for a separate wedding reception, hire caterers for your food, or get someone to bake your wedding cake.
Book in Advance
Plan yourself and book your preferred hotel or resort early, especially if you’re planning for a wedding during peak season. Booking early could also get you a discount for you and your bridal party.
Opt for a Low Season Wedding
Most destination weddings in Jamaica happen during the peak season, which is from April to November. Unfortunately, having your wedding at this time can also be costly due to demand.
It’s best to plan a wedding during the off-peak season if you’re on a budget. You’ll get lower rates in most resorts and more personalized attention from staff on your special day.
The Best Time of Year to Get Married in Jamaica
The best time to get married in Jamaica is from December through June. The months of March, April, and May have comfortable temperatures that your guests will love.
However, you should note that this is also during the peak season and airfare, accommodation, and other items may be pricey. You may find it a challenge to get accommodation as resorts are full. You’ll need to book in advance or opt for low-budget accommodation for your wedding party.
If you’re on a budget and looking for affordable options, you can choose to get married in July through October. Although the temperatures are at an all-time high, you can enjoy high-end accommodation and flights at a discounted rate. Resorts are not at capacity during low season, so you get more personalized attention from the staff.
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