Seven Destination Wedding Locations In Heaven & Documents Required

There are lots of easy decisions you can make in life, but choosing a destination wedding location isn't one of them. With so many incredible destinations to explore, you’ll want to invest some thought and care into finding the perfect spot. Beyond just a location, there’s the joy of planning and shaping the elements that make your dream wedding come to life.

But before even getting to the planning, location matters. Some of the top wedding destinations in the world include Mexico, Hawaii, and Caribbean islands like Jamaica and Saint Lucia. And couples sure can’t get enough of the Caribbean! Laid back and exotic with just the right sprinkling of luxury, these destinations make it easy to say yes to love. With all the sun, sea and peace you’ll need, it’s a chance to rediscover the true essence of love.

If you’re struggling to narrow your top 10 wedding locations down to just a few, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of Caribbean islands that are excellent picks for both weddings and honeymoons. The sooner you dive in, the closer you’ll be to finding your dream Caribbean ‘I do’ spot.

Expert tip: Check early which documents need notarization for your marriage license. Many destinations require you to stay a few days before the wedding. To skip that residency rule, some couples choose to marry at home first and then celebrate with a ceremony abroad.

Getting married at a Sandals or Beaches all-inclusive resort? Your personal wedding planner will help you with the documents and requirements! We do this all the time and know exactly how to make this process go smooth and worry-free.

1. Jamaica

The lure: Jamaica is at the top of the list for romantic and exciting island getaways, in the Caribbean. Much more than beaches and palm trees, Jamaica has a rich history and vibrant people. Reggae music is the heart and soul of this land, and these trends seem to add something laid back to the entire experience. Montego Bay is a great place to stay while in Jamaica, as is Negril and Ocho Rios.

Photos: The intimate wedding chapel at Sandals Montego Bay, where memorable moments begin. A serene setting for your special day, from every angle.

Flight duration from Miami: 1 hour, 45 minutes.
Flight duration from New York: 4 hours.

Best time for a wedding in Jamaica: December to April are good months to get married in Jamaica. Read ‘Best time to visit Jamaica’ to find out more.

Residency period: 48 hours. Friday arrivals can be married on Sunday.

Marriage license and administrative fee: 95 USD

Documents you need to get married in Jamaica:

• Notarized original state-issued birth certificate and passport.
• Court certified final divorce decree (if applicable).
• Legal name changes or legal adoption papers (if applicable).
• State issued death certificates with related marriage certificates (if applicable).
• Notarized copy valid government issued photo ID or driver’s license.
• An original notarized sworn affidavit can be provided to accompany photocopies of documents which should refer to documents specifically.
  

Picture: Honeymoons are a little more tropical and heartfelt with a stay in the Overwater Bungalows at Sandals Royal Caribbean.

See Sandals all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica. Sandals resorts are designed for couples and adults-only. Inviting families with children to your destination wedding? Check out one of the nearby all-inclusive Beaches resorts in Jamaica!

Also read: Getting Married In Jamaica: Insights From Wedding Planners.

2. Turks & Caicos

Picture: Beachfront vows at the all-inclusive Beaches Turks & Caicos.

The lure: The Turks & Caicos have a more high-end feel, when compared to some of the other Caribbean locations. Among the 40 beautiful islands, 8 of which are inhabited, life is beautiful in Turk & Caicos, just like your wedding will be, if you have it at this destination. Here you will also find what many call the most beautiful beach in the world: Grace Bay beach.

Flight duration from Miami: 1 hour, 45 minutes.
Flight duration from New York: 3 hours, 35 minutes.

Best time for a wedding in Turks & Caicos: December to April are good months to get married in Turks & Caicos.

Residency period: 48 hours. Does not include day of arrival, weekend or holidays.

Marriage license and administrative fee: 400 USD

Documents you need to get married in Turks & Caicos:

• Original state-issued birth certificate & a valid passport or driver's license.
• All pages of all court certified final divorce decrees (if applicable).
• State issue death certificates with related marriage certificates (if applicable).
• Legal age to marry is 21 years old.
• Under 21 must have written consent from both parents.
  

Your best option? The Beaches all-inclusive resort on Grace Bay Beach, Turks & Caicos. Inviting families with children to your destination wedding, or do you have children yourself? The kids will love the waterpark at this resort! It’s all included.

3. The Bahamas

The lure: The islands of the Bahamas have a charm that’s hard for any other island to emulate. It is one of the best locations for a destination wedding with powdery white sand beaches, exotic uninhabited islands, and great scuba diving. The Bahamas is also one of the closest Caribbean territories to the United States, which works out well when a majority of your guests are joining from the US.

Flight duration from Miami: 1 hour.
Flight duration from New York: 2 hours, 48 minutes.

Best time for a wedding the Bahamas: December to April are good months to get married in the Bahamas. Read ‘Best time to visit the Bahamas’ to find out more.

Residency period: 48 hours. Does not include day of arrival, weekend or holidays. No Sunday weddings in Exuma.

Marriage license and administrative fee: 310 USD

Documents you need to get married in the Bahamas:

• Original state issued birth certificate and passport.
• Court certified final divorce decrees (if applicable).
• Legal name changes or legal adoption papers (if applicable).
• State-issued death certificates with related marriage certificates.

From above: The all-inclusive Sandals Royal Bahamian, where oceanfront beauty and a private island offer just the right measure of serenity.

See Sandals all-inclusive resorts in The Bahamas.

4. Saint Lucia

The lure: Saint Lucia is becoming increasingly more popular for travelers to the Caribbean, especially destination wedding seekers and honeymooners. The island is a mix of luxury and simplicity, and these two concepts meet each other right in the middle in this romantic island nation.

Flight duration from Miami: 3 hours, 38 minutes.
Flight duration from New York: 4 hours, 31 minutes.

Best time for a wedding in Saint Lucia: December to April are good months to get married in Saint Lucia. Read ‘Best time to visit Saint Lucia’ to find out more.

Residency period: Three business days. No Sunday weddings. Friday arrivals can be married on the following Thursday. Monday arrivals can be married on Friday.

Marriage license and administrative fee: 270 USD

Documents you need to get married in Saint Lucia:

• Original state issued birth certificate and passport.
• Court certified final divorce decrees (if applicable).
• Legal name changes or legal adoption papers (if applicable).
• State-issued death certificates with related marriage certificates.

Picture: Set on its own penninsula, you can say yes to the enticement of a tropical wedding at the all-inclusive Sandals Grande St. Lucian.

See Sandals all-inclusive resorts in Saint Lucia.

Good to know: Guests of any of the three Sandals Resorts in Saint Lucia, can make use of all the amenities at the other two Sandals Resorts (this includes all the restaurants and bars - 27 in total!).

5. Barbados

The lure: Barbados is a festive and upbeat island where you’ll find the sort of beauty the Caribbean is known for, against a backdrop of music, culture and love. Here you’ll have options like getting wed on a boat, in a church, inside a plantation house, out in a beautiful garden, atop sea cliffs, or with your toes dipping into the sand. This island beckons all romantics for an experience you’ll always remember.

Flight duration from Miami: 3 hours, 42 minutes.
Flight duration from New York: 4 hours, 41 minutes.

Best time for a wedding the Barbados: December to April are good months to get married in Barbados. Read ‘Best time to visit Barbados’ to find out more.

Residency period: 48 hours. Does not include weekends or holidays.

Marriage license and administrative fee: 325 USD

Documents you need to get married in Barbados:

• Original state-issued birth certificate and passport
• Court certified final divorce decree
• Legal name changes or legal adoption papers
• State issued death certificates with related marriage certificates

Picture: An aerial view of Sandals Royal Barbados set along the bright blue Caribbean shore.

See Sandals all-inclusive resorts in Barbados. Guests of any of the two Sandals Resorts in Barbados, can make use of all the amenities at the other Sandals Resort (this includes all the restaurants and bars).

6. Antigua

The lure: You probably won’t get a chance to take in all 365 beaches in Antigua, but you will get a chance to explore at least a few. There are lots of fun places to tie the knot in Antigua, including at old forts, nature parks, and resorts like Sandals Grande Antigua for a more upscale experience.

Flight duration from Miami: 3 hours, 5 minutes.
Flight duration from New York: 3 hours, 57 minutes.

Best time for a wedding in Antigua: December to April are good months to get married in Antigua. Read ‘Best time to visit Antigua’ to find out more.

Residency period: 48 hours, must include 1 business day, which includes day of arrival. Excludes holidays. No Sunday weddings. Example: Friday arrivals can be married on Tuesday.

Marriage license and administrative fee: 288 USD

Documents you need to get married in Antigua:

• Original state‐issued birth certificate and passport
• Court certified final divorce decree
• State-issued death certificates with related marriage certificates
• Legal name changes or legal adoption papers

Picture: Located on Dickenson's Bay, Sandals Grande Antigua is just the right backdrop for your perfect island “I do.”

7. Grenada

The lure: Grenada will forever be known as the spice isle, but this small island in the Caribbean is also known for its abundant greenery, gorgeous beaches, and friendly locals. There are over 50 beaches to choose from in Grenada and plenty to do on each one. Grenada is conservatively developed, with the environment in mind, allowing you to tune into your most natural self. This can be a great way to get in tune with your significant other on a deeper level.

Flight duration from Miami: 3 hours, 34 minutes.
Flight duration from New York: 4 hours, 43 minutes.

Best time for a wedding in Grenada: January to April are good months to get married in Grenada. Read ‘Best time to visit Grenada’ to find out more.

Residency period: 72 hours. Marriage license will have to be applied for, take into account 1‐3 days for processing. Example: Friday arrivals can be married on the following Thursday. Monday arrivals can be married on Friday. Or choose the 48-hour express wedding for an additional US$190.00 fee to expedite, which must include one (1) business day. Example: Monday arrival can be married on Wednesday after 12 noon.

Marriage license and administrative fee: 180 USD

Documents you need to get married in Grenada:

• Original state-issued birth certificate and passport
• Court certified final divorce decree
• Legal name changes or legal adoption papers
• State issued death certificates with related marriage certificates
• Sworn affidavit attesting that neither party has been married before
• Sworn affidavit or letter from a clergyman, lawyer, registry or notary public. This letter must be on letterhead with relevant notarization stamps and seals, etc. Letter must state that neither party was married previously.

Picture: Slow down and savor every moment at the all-inclusive Sandals Grenada.

See Sandals all-inclusive resort in Grenada.

Will my marriage be legal and recognized in the US?

Given all requirements are met, when you get married in Jamaica, the Bahamas, Turks & Caicos, Saint Lucia, Antigua, Barbados or Grenada your marriage will be recognized as legal in most places, including the US.

Note: In Turks & Caicos you’ll need to be of the legal age to marry or have consent from both parents if under the age of 21.

The Caribbean was made for love!

Picture: Overwater Chapel wedding at the all-inclusive Sandals Saint Vincent.

One of the things you’ll be most convinced of during your Caribbean destination wedding is that the islands were made for love. With every intricate detail, weddings here remind you that your match was made in heaven, from the waves kissing the shore and birds gliding gracefully overhead to the unmatched beauty of the tropical landscapes. It might even seem as if nature itself applauds your love.

Disclaimer: All information on this article was correct at the time of publishing and may change at any time without prior notice. Sandals is not affiliated with the relevant authorities or their application centres and will not be liable for loss or inconvenience arising from the use of this volatile information. Please double-check all information provided with the relevant application centres, before making any final decisions.