Best Caribbean Destination Wedding Spots

The Knot gives us a list of  the taste of the tropics with a wedding at one of these sun-drenched Caribbean islands. If you’re thinking of having your destination wedding in the Caribbean, you can’t go wrong with any of the islands. With a sunny atmosphere, gorgeous backdrops and sand underneath your toes, what’s not to love? Here’s a guide to nine Caribbean destination wedding hotspots, below.

1. Antigua

   

   Why: This idyllic island not only has a whopping 365 beautiful beaches, but it’s also steeped in nautical history. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Antigua was home to a huge British naval base and its harbor is still a popular yachting destination for the international jet-set. If you want to host your nuptials at a high-end all-inclusive resort, look no further — many of the world’s swankiest are here.

   When to go: The high season runs from mid-December through April. After April, rates go down as much as 40 percent, but some places do close between August and October. The humidity and rainfall are low year-round, and hurricane season runs from June through November.

   Guest activities: History buffs can tour Nelson’s Dockyard National Park at historic English Harbor. Those up for some exercise can hike to the Megaliths of Greencastle Hill, with mysterious six-hundred-foot-high rock formations said to have been created by early inhabitants for better worshipping of the sun and moon. The uninhibited might want to hit the clothing-optional beach at Hawksbill. Even if you’re camped at an all-inclusive, try to steal away for a few meals off property. Try some of the traditional West Indian dishes at the Home Restaurant in Gambles Terrace.

   Best spots to get married:

   Jumby Bay: Situated on a private three-hundred-acre island two miles off the coast of Antigua, this elegant resort focuses on enhancing its lush natural surroundings and on fostering serene seclusion. Say your vows on one of the three sandy beaches or take the opportunity to reserve the entire resort for your celebration.

   Jolly Beach Resort: Antigua’s largest resort is a great way to stretch your dollar, offering all-inclusive stays on the beach. Huge pools and a wide range of activities keep guests busy day and night. The more guests you bring, the more the resort throws in for free.

2. The Bahamas

   

   Why: This collection of 700 islands has something for every taste—enjoy complete privacy by renting your own island, or host hundreds of your favorite people at a megaresort. Nassau and Paradise Island are two of the most visited and activity-packed destinations, while more remote areas such as Harbor Island and the Exumas tend to feel more laid-back. And since the Bahamas are just a 35-minute plane trip from Florida, it’s an easy journey for guests.

   When to go: The high season lasts from mid-December to mid-April, while summers are sleepier. Although hurricanes are infrequent, they can occur, so it’s best to avoid the area June through November.

   Guest activities: Scuba dive around Andros Island (the third largest barrier reef in the world), stroll the white-sand beaches, tour the historic homes of Nassau, and sip Goombay Smashes while snacking on conch fritters.

   Best spots for weddings:

   Coral Sands Hotel: This gorgeous boutique oceanfront hotel located on Harbour Island in the Bahamas (50 miles east of Nassau) has the type of charm where the staff knows your name, desert island-style privacy to make you feel completely at peace, and a subtly luxurious vibe that’s apparent from the elegant, airy rooms to the world-class amenities.

   Pelican Bay at Lucaya, Grand Bahama Island: A beautiful boutique setting on Grand Bahama Island, this resort can accommodate wedding parties with up to 80 guests. Host your ceremony on the beach and head to the Ferry House nearby for your reception dinner.

3. Bermuda

   

   Why: Though geographically removed from the Caribbean, Bermuda shares many of the traits of those beachy, beautiful islands. If you love the idea of a Caribbean destination wedding but also want something formal and elegant, consider Bermuda. Famous for its tranquil pink-sand beaches and proper British history, the island has no casinos and few fast-food restaurants. But perhaps its biggest selling point is that it takes just a couple of hours to fly there from the East Coast, and flights are often cheaper than those to Caribbean destinations.

   When to go: May through early September. Bermuda is only 850 miles off the coast of North Carolina, so its weather resembles the coastal US’s more than it does the Caribbean islands’ to the south. Typical temperatures hover around 85 degrees in the summer and climb to only around 70 in the winter. Although hurricanes are infrequent, they can occur, so be aware of any warnings from June through November.

   Guest activities: Spend days teeing off on one of the country’s eight golf courses (this island is a links-lover’s paradise), visiting the botanical garden, or scuba diving among reefs and shipwrecks. Rent a scooter (lots of fun but also a practical necessity, as visitors aren’t allowed to rent cars) to tour around the island’s iconic pastel-hued houses.

   Best spots for weddings:

   The Hamilton Princess Hotel & Beach Club: Known as the iconic “Pink Palace,” modern luxury is the name of the game here, with a spa, golf, tennis, pools, watersports and more at the ready. Internationally acclaimed chef Marcus Samuelsson also has an upscale restaurant at the property, Marcus’, with a world-class menu.

   The Reefs: An award-winning resort with one of the best spas in all of Bermuda, The Reefs is set on a beautiful stretch of private beach overlooking the Atlantic. Stay in an oceanview guest room (try to book the Point Suites), or reserve one of the cliff-hugging cottages spread out over the property.

4. Jamaica

   

   Why: Jamaica offers much more than just beaches and palm trees—it’s steeped in world-class culture: reggae, Rastafarianism, and indigenous spice. And glamorous globetrotters call it home (Ian Fleming wrote the first James Bond book, Casino Royale, from his seaside abode here). The site of many all-inclusive resorts, Jamaica can be one of the most affordable of the Caribbean islands, but it has super-posh options too, including private villas that come with their own chefs, housekeeping staffs, and security.

   When to go: Avoid March, aka spring break season, as well as the hurricane season, June through November.

   Guest activities: See a live reggae performance, indulge in a spa treatment featuring indigenous ingredients and techniques, and absorb the local culinary culture by dining on jerk chicken, munching plantain chips, having an ackee and saltfish breakfast, or by sipping Jamaican rum.

   Best spots for weddings:

   Half Moon: Rent out one or two of the royal villas (with up to seven bedrooms each) or put guests up in the many rooms and suites with ocean views at this Montego Bay beachfront resort. Couples can choose from beautiful beach, gazebo, or terrace settings for their ceremony location.

   Strawberry Hill: Nestled in the lush Blue Mountains overlooking the bustling capital city of Kingston, this tranquil spot with jaw-dropping views is a destination for spa lovers and their guests alike (it’s the only full-service Aveda Concept Spa in the Caribbean). Highlights include an amazing infinity pool, superb New Jamaican cuisine, and romantic four-poster mahogany wood be

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