The promise of sunshine and sand lure many couples overseas to say their ‘I Dos’. Yet with a plethora of places available, deciding where to get married abroad can be an overwhelming task.
Offering something for every bride and groom, Jamaica is ranked the number one Caribbean island by TripAdvisor and was named the Best Wedding Destination of 2019 by TravAlliance Media – and there’s a reason…
Both aspirational and surprisingly affordable, Jamaica glistens in the Caribbean Sea. Made colourful by its laid-back locals, culinary gems, and striking coastline, this island boasts year-round rays and endless ceremony locations, allowing those that marry here to combine a dream wedding with the honeymoon of a lifetime.
Instagram-Worthy Weddings in Jamaica
Whether you’re looking to say your vows in the grounds of a luxurious private villa, on a clifftop overlooking the ocean, or barefoot on the beach, Jamaica has an incredible landscape for you. Blending sun and sea with a unique cultural energy, this pocket of paradise is seducing couples wanting both romance and adventure for their big day.
For many, tying the knot abroad wouldn’t be complete without lapping waves and pristine sands – and if that’s your main pull, then Jamaica won’t disappoint.
This easy-going isle offers over 600 miles of enviable shoreline, with iconic destinations such as Montego Bay, Negril, and Ocho Rios offering brides stunning ocean backdrops for Instagram-worthy photographs.
Wedding Venues in Jamaica
Loved up couples looking to combine a memorable celebration with five-star hospitality will find themselves in luck! For one, Sandals Montego Bay offers luxury accommodation, global cuisine, and a wealth of ceremony locations tucked inside its enchanting garden estate.
Home to the island’s largest exclusive white sand beach, this flagship Sandals was founded in 1981 and has been crowned Jamaica’s Leading Resort at the World Travel Awards two years in a row. The luxurious ocean-front hotel has a dedicated wedding team, there to take care of everything from your table décor to those all-important marriage licenses.
Over-The-Water Serenity Wedding ChapelThanks to its customer-centric approach, no two weddings here are the same. Entirely tailored to your tastes and budget, you can choose to make your wedding as low-key or as lavish as you wish. Tie the knot in the stunning Over-The-Water Serenity Wedding Chapel, go it alone under a tree canopy in the tropical garden, or gather on the sand with a few close friends.
As for the hotel itself, there are 27 room types, meaning there’s something to suit all price points. From a swim-up Love Nest suite, complete with a personal butler, to a Caribbean Deluxe room with a fully-stocked minibar and four-poster bed, you’ll only ever be a few steps from the water.
Amazingly, if you stay at Sandals Montego Bay for a minimum of three nights, you’ll be eligible for a complimentary wedding! The longer you stay, the more you get included, making this resort ideal for budget-savvy couples. Plus, with access to 23 restaurants, countless bars, and the renowned Red Lane Spa, there are plenty of opportunities to kick back before, and after, your nuptials.
Honeymoon in Jamaica
Perhaps the best part about getting married abroad is that your honeymoon starts as soon as the ceremony finishes! Choosing to get hitched in Jamaica not only guarantees you a sun-filled affair, but the chance to enjoy all the island has to offer in the days following the main event.
This Caribbean gem is set apart by its shoreline, its food, and its festivals, offering the perfect blend between recreation and relaxation. No matter what time of year you set the date, this tropical oasis has a festival to entertain you. Savour rum and reggae in bucket loads during Bob Marley Week every February, or marry in July to enjoy the late-night beach parties of Reggae Sumfest. If your wedding is taking place in March or April, then Jamaica’s Bacchanal Carnival is a must. Picture colourful costumes, traditional dancing, and endless street food at this Rio-inspired parade – an event you’re unlikely to forget!
Outdoorsy types need not worry, either. Adventure seekers can hit the White River Valley cascades in Ocho Rios, golf enthusiasts can make their way around the island’s dozens of luxury courses, and culture vultures can visit a Rastafari Indigenous village in Porto Bello. If you’re more into R&R, soak up the flavours of the island with a rum experience at the world-renowned Appleton Estate.
Those that prefer getting in touch with nature will also find plenty to keep them entertained. While Ocio Rios is celebrated for its rainforests, rivers, and waterfalls, the Blue Mountains offer unrivalled walking trails and sunset-watching spots. If you’re drawn to the water then don’t forget your swimwear, because this island boasts fantastic snorkelling and diving opportunities around its seemingly endless shore.
When to Visit Jamaica
No matter when you decide to start your happily ever after, Jamaica is likely to deliver sunshine. Thanks to its tropical climate, the island benefits from year-round rays, with temperatures varying between 22°C and 31°C throughout the year.
High season runs from December to April, offering booming days and little chance of rain, while the rest of the year sees glorious sunshine with the odd (and brief) shower. Even during Hurricane Season, from June to November, there’ll be plenty of chances for topping up your tan! Find out more at visitjamaica.com
Getting to Jamaica
Virgin Atlantic flies direct from London Gatwick to Sangster International Airport three times a week. Flights start from £536 per person and take approximately 10 hours.
Seven nights at Sandals Montego Bay, staying in a Caribbean Deluxe room, costs around £1,689 per person. Prices include all-inclusive accommodation, return flights with Virgin Atlantic, airport transfers, and a simply elegant wedding. Learn more at sandals.co.uk.
Words by Jen Grimble
