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.
Our detailed guide covers some of the best Jamaica wedding packages for your destination wedding. Read on to learn more about planning a wedding in Jamaica and some of the legal requirements you’ll need to meet.
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.
The Best Jamaica Wedding Venues Jamaica Wedding Packages
Some of the best Jamaica wedding venues are:
Sandals South Coast
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.
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.
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.
The Sandals South Coast all-inclusive package includes:
All meals and all-day snacks
- Unlimited premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
- Watersports
- Unlimited free wireless internet
- Evening entertainment
- Tips and taxes
Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay
Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay gets its inspiration from the island’s beautiful surroundings, which is perfect for a tropical destination wedding. The adult-only resort is 15 minutes from MBJ airport.
The resort has three all-inclusive packages to choose from as a couple. You can choose from the classic, premier, or luxury package. You’ll be spoilt for choice with seven gourmet restaurants, nine bars/lounges, and 24-hour room service.
The resort is a 20-minutes from Sangster International Airport, and its proximity to Morgan Bay makes it a popular destination wedding venue.
The customisable packages allow you to host your ceremony at the stunning wedding gazebo that overlooks the clear waters or on the private beach.
You can opt to have the reception by the beach, terrace, or in the elegant ballroom. The venue also provides a professional wedding coordinator to ensure everything runs smoothly on your big day.
The classic all-inclusive wedding package includes the following:
- Symbolic ceremony
- Newlywed package
- Bride’s bouquet and groom’s boutonniere
- Onsite wedding coordinator
- Complimentary room for the groom
- Sparkling wine toast and wedding cake
- 15% discount on spa treatments
- Minister’s fee for a legal wedding
- Preferred club junior suite
Sandals Montego Bay
Sandals Montego Bay boasts elegance and luxury. Its white sandy beach and blue waters remind you of the Caribbean feel. The resort has eight world-class restaurants, oceanfront pools, and tropical gardens.
Thanks to the well-positioned three large bars, you don’t have to worry about going hungry or missing out on cocktails. Their staff are friendly and always available to ensure you’re doing well and that your stay is unforgettable.
All wedding packages include:
- Personal pre-travel wedding planner
- Personal wedding planner and wedding team
- Marriage documents preparation
- Pre-recorded musical accompaniment
- Witnesses on request
- Free wedding site and gift registry
- Complimentary honeymoon photo
- Honeymoon night turndown service for bride and groom
- Manicure for the bride and foot massage for the groom
- Honeymoon dinner
Couples San Souci
Couples San Souci is another all-inclusive resort with breathtaking beaches, waterfalls, and grottos.
The resort has five wedding venues, the most popular being the main beach, which can accommodate 100 guests, and the Heliconia suite, which has 150 guests. Tucked away in emerald mountains, this Ocho Rios resort offers an intimate setting for your big day.
With loads of thrills and pampering, your big day will be memorable for years.
All wedding packages include:
- Choice of wedding location
- Fresh bridal bouquet and boutonniere for the groom
- Tropical flower arrangements
- Designer wedding cake
- Exclusive wedding/honeymoon registry
- Professional photoshoot
- Wedding coordinator
- Wedding Officiant
- Marriage certificate
- 25 minutes couple massage
Sandals Ochi
Sandals Ochi is the largest resort in the Sandals Chain. The all-inclusive resort in Ocho Rios offers the best of the Caribbean Islands with its vast beachside and over 100-acre Garden full of private escapes.
Get to sample delicious meals from the 16 eateries, sip some cocktails at one of the eleven bars, or spend some alone time at the Sandals Golf & Country Club.
All wedding packages include:
- Wedding planning team
- Choice of wedding location
- Two-tier wedding cake
- Orchid bouquet and boutonniere
- Complimentary wedding photo
- Preparation of marriage documents
- Witnesses upon request
- One-hour wedding cocktail reception with sparkling wine
Jamaica Destination Wedding Legal Requirements
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:
- Proof of citizenship through a certified copy of the birth certificate
- Written consent by a parent if you’re below 18 years
- Proof of divorce, if applicable
- 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:
- Wedding coordinator
- Wedding ceremony
- Bridal bouquet
- Groom’s boutonniere
- Decoration at the ceremony site
- Music during the ceremony
- Wedding cake
- 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.
