If you’ve always dreamed of getting married in a premier Caribbean destination, you might want to consider a Jamaica wedding. This romantic paradise offers many diverse locations so whether you choose South Coast or Montego Bay, there are always several options.
You’ll find numerous beautiful resorts and boutique hotels that will take care of wedding planning and coordination. These pristine properties will let you have a luxurious stay and a dreamy wedding.
Jamaica is home to Blue Mountain Peak, the highest mountain in the Caribbean. If you’re a lover of mountains as well as beaches, this is the best place for your wedding.
About Destination Weddings in Jamaica
Why Get Married in Jamaica
Jamaica has a warm and pleasant climate all year long. If you want to tie the knot at an outdoor location, this place has beaches, mountains, and rainforests. And there are many entertainment options to add fun and excitement to your Jamaica wedding.
Also, it’s really easy to reach Jamaica. There are many flights to and from the US. If you don’t want to spend a lot of time in travel, Jamaica is the ideal location for you.
And the best part is that there are several resorts here that will offer a free wedding if you stay there for a minimum number of days. So you can have a luxurious destination wedding and save money too!
Average Cost of a Destination Wedding in Jamaica
The overall cost of a Jamaica wedding will depend on the accommodation you choose and how fancy you want the wedding to be.
On average, if the airplane tickets cost $1,200 and accommodation costs $2,400 for two people for three days in an all-inclusive resort, the total cost would be $3,600.
Some resorts (like Sandals) offer a free wedding if you stay at their resort for three days. So you can manage the entire wedding for under $4,000.
If you include guests, the costs will go up. In any case, it’s always best to book an all-inclusive place so you don’t have to worry about money.
The Best Jamaica Wedding Venues
Sandals Montego Bay
This is the first all-inclusive resort by Sandals. All-inclusive is what Sandals is known for, apart from its luxurious accommodation. It has a modern and open lobby with a romantic ambiance.
When you want the best accommodation, try their beachfront swim-up suites that come with butler services. You don’t need to walk out of the room to get into the pool – the pool comes to you.
Tie the knot at their over-the-water chapel that offers religious weddings with a 360o view of the ocean. There are 12 fine eateries where you can go and have a delicious meal or maybe just a couple of bites.
And when it comes to entertainment, there are relaxed swims and motorized water sports. Enjoy firepit gazing at night with your significant other.
Be a part of their Stay at 1, Play at 2 exchange program that lets you stay at one resort and use the facilities of two – Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Royal Caribbean.
When you stay at Sandals for three nights, you get a free wedding. The wedding planners at Sandals will take care of the wedding planning and coordination while you can stay at the resort and enjoy your wedding vacation.
Sandals Negril
Sandals Negril offers a free-spirited ambiance in its adults-only resort. It’s an ideal location for a Jamaican wedding. Take a long break in the tranquil environment of Jamaica and sip on a cool cocktail or take a bite of fruity ice cream.
It offers access to the world-famous Seven Mile beach. The resort is home to five bars and seven restaurants. Like other Sandals resorts, it also offers swim-up rooms that offer direct access to the pool.
They also offer a butler service on special suites. The resort has many nighttime fun activities and there will not be any dull moment here.
Continue your daily workout at their well-equipped fitness center. Looking for scuba diving on your wedding vacation? Sandals Negril offers courses so you can get PADI certification and go diving in the ocean.
Enjoy water fun here at 4 pools and 3 whirlpools. They also offer waterskiing and wakeboarding activities.
When it’s sunset time, unwind with unlimited premium liquors at any of their 5 bars, including 2 swim-up bars. And when you stay here for three or more days, you get a free wedding. So you don’t have to spend anything extra for the big day.
Royalton Negril, An Autograph Collection
Royalton Negril is a beach resort that offers you access to a pristine beach with sparkling waters. It comes with modern and luxurious rooms along with several restaurants.
This resort is divided into three sections, and each one is distinctive and unique. When you plan your Jamaica wedding here, you can select from the Diamond Club section, Resort section, or adults-only Hideaway section.
It’s an all-inclusive resort with a special restaurant for Japanese cuisine, delicious steaks, Italian flavors, and American delights.
Revel in a rich spa experience that will relax your mind and body as you prepare for your big day. For a handmade cocktail, head to their unlimited open bar that serves premium liquors from all over the world.
The entertainment staff plans daily activities for all guests so there is no dull moment when you’re staying here. They also have a dedicated wedding planner who will take care of all wedding activities while you relax and enjoy your vacation.
These are Marriott-certified wedding planners who are formally trained in planning and coordinating weddings and related events such as receptions. They handle everything from finding photographers, arranging tables, and even deciding the menu.
Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay
This all-inclusive holiday inn is a part of the Holiday Inn and Intercontinental chain of hotels. It’s right next to Montego Bay International Airport and offers comfortable accommodation.
Enjoy beachfront views as you wake up with your soulmate in one of their luxurious rooms. The hotel is close to many local attractions such as Dunn’s River falls, Martha Brae River, and Rose Hall Great House.
Enjoy a swim in their outdoor pools. And if you have some kids as guests, they will enjoy the Children’s activity center at the hotel.
Holiday Inn Montego Bay offers access to a half-mile stretch of beach where you can take relaxed strolls with your significant other.
The hotel has suites as well as rooms, and you can easily accommodate your wedding guests here. All the suites have oceanfront views and Jacuzzi.
There are five restaurants on-site that offer fresh seafood along with Caribbean, Japanese, and Italian cuisines. If you want to have a beach wedding, the hotel staff will help you with it.
For the reception, there are big event halls that can accommodate up to 1000 guests. You can have a cocktail reception party outdoors or indoors.
Iberostar Rose Hall Beach
This family-friendly beachfront resort offers amazing features not just for young couple but also for their guests. They have a Star Camp that plans exciting activities for kids.
If you both are adventure enthusiasts, you can visit the diver center of the hotel. You will get training and can go on a diving expedition. Or visit the hotel’s spa for rest and relaxation.
The hotel’s entertainment team plans daily activities for their guests. There are two outdoor pools and a children’s pool. They also have a coral nursery where you can view the marine life up close.
There’s a golf course nearby and you can have an enjoyable afternoon there with your loved one.
The hotel has many dining and drinking areas, including Uncle Tony’s rotisserie, Little River Buffet, Samurai Japanese restaurant, Deep Blue Pool bar, and others.
When you’re here for your Jamaica wedding, make sure you visit the Aliveness center that connects your body to your mind and you come out fresh and invigorated.
The hotel also has a fitness facility where you can continue your workout regimen. Also, there are special wedding planners here who will take care of the entire event.
Jamaica Wedding Legal Requirements
Can you legally marry in Jamaica
It’s possible to have a civil or legal wedding in Jamaica. Once you tie the knot here, your marriage will be recognized in your home country as well.
Make sure you arrive in Jamaica at least one day before your wedding. You’ll need to make a prior application for a marriage license before arriving.
And if you want a symbolic wedding, it is super easy. Get married in your home country and come and read your vows here. It’s symbolic and you don’t have to handle any legal paperwork.
If you want a religious wedding, there are many churches and chapels here. In fact, some resorts have their own chapels.
Can you elope in Jamaica
Yes, you can. And elopement weddings don’t even cost too much. Discuss your wedding needs with your chosen resort or hotel before arriving here.
If you want a civil wedding, they can help you out with the paperwork and witnesses. Even if you want a symbolic wedding, make sure you discuss the wedding needs with your resort since they can help you plan the wedding.
And if you want to invite guests, it’s important to find out if the resort has enough rooms available at that time.
Required Legal Documents & Fees
Here are the documents you’ll need for your Jamaica wedding:
- Certified copies of the birth certificates of the bride and groom
- Certified copies of divorce or death certificates of previous partners (if applicable)
- Signs of two witnesses. Your resort can help you out with arranging witnesses
If you’re coming from a country where marriage is allowed for people aged less than 18, you’ll need your parent’s written consent.
You need to translate all the documents into English and notarize them.
Jamaica Wedding Planning Tips
How to Get There
Jamaica is well-connected to many major US cities via air. You’ll find direct flights and if you’re coming from Miami, you’ll arrive in just two hours.
Want to travel by sea? There are many world-class ports here with top-notch facilities.
If you come by air, keep in mind that airfares depend on the season of travel. There are many flights from the UK and other European countries too. A flight from London to Montego Bay will take 9 hours.
There aren’t any frequent flights from Canada so that could be a problem for some couples. However, you can reach the USA and take a flight from there.
Jamaica Weather
Jamaica has pleasant and sunny weather all year long. It’s a mountainous island and the weather is different in different regions.
The dry season lasts from December to May with February being the driest. There will be no (or very little) rain this season.
June to November are rainy months and there are often showers and thunderstorms. There can also be Atlantic hurricanes, which is why most tourists avoid the wet or rainy season.
However, hurricanes pass by Jamaica after 4-5 years so they are not a big threat. In any case, you might want to avoid the rainy months if you want an outdoor Jamaica wedding.
The Best Time of Year to Get Married in Jamaica
Dry months are the best for a Jamaica wedding. However, the tickets might get expensive in these months. Also, most tourists visit in this season as well.
If you want an indoor wedding, you might want to consider the rainy season. November can be a good month as it doesn’t rain too much and there will be fewer tourists. However, read the hurricane advisory before coming here.
Interested in Sandals resorts? Here are the 10 best Sandals resorts of 2023.
