Caribbean islands offer some of the most idyllic wedding locations imaginable, from their sandy beaches and bustling towns to lush jungles that provide something for every couple’s dream wedding celebrations.
Carnival Cruise Line specializes in romantic getaways, offering packages such as the Captain officiated Ceremony. Princess offers various packages including live webcasting of your ceremony.
1. The Bahamas
The Bahamas offer the ideal setting for an idyllic island wedding and honeymoon vacation, featuring luxurious resorts, warm weather and endless beaches. Choose between an all-inclusive resort or an intimate hideaway to create memories to last a lifetime.
Eleven Experiences is known for offering luxurious lodge-style stays in far-flung corners of the globe, but its Bahama House property in The Bahamas stands out as an unforgettable wedding experience for up to 26 guests. Boho island vibes abound here with beachfront suites and cottages offering beachfront suites reminiscent of Instagram posts from bohemian Instagrammers alike. Enjoy relaxing spa sessions before or post ceremony or take part in action-oriented buddymoon activities like deep sea fishing, kite surfing and scuba diving activities during an action-oriented buddymoon experience!
Sandals Emerald Bay offers another romantic all-inclusive resort option along the mile-long beachfront, and offers its resort-wide wedding package to allow couples to exchange vows in any of 20 locations, both waterfront and indoor, to exchange vows. Plus, indulge yourself with an ocean-view suite offering butler service and private balcon or patios!
Graycliff provides a distinctive Bahamas wedding venue, offering glamour, history, exquisite cuisine, outstanding wines and elegant living all rolled into one unforgettable venue. Situated near Nassau in Nassau Island is this resort that houses iconic Cloisters from France that were imported for use as part of an Augustine monastery; as well as stunning lagoons, lush gardens and luxurious living spaces.
2. Belize
Belize, Central America’s second-smallest nation, is a cruise destination offering idyllic beaches, lush rainforest thrills, ancient Mayan ruins and one of the world’s most vibrant barrier reefs. Birders love birding Xelaju for its vibrant array of hummingbirds and parrots while divers visit Blue Hole; land lovers can discover Xunantunich Caracol ruins or stroll along Ambergris Caye beaches where bottlenose dolphins often swim alongside sea turtles for some unforgettable encounters!
From Belize City cruise terminal, Caye Caulker is just a quick ride on a tender away, where you can snorkel or dive among vibrantly colored reef fish or simply relax on its beaches. Additionally, visit the Museum of Belize to witness artifacts that showcase Belizean cultural history.
Holland America Cruises is an ideal choice for couples searching for an unforgettable nautical wedding experience. Their unique routes travel worldwide and they provide shore side ceremonies at picturesque locales like vineyards in Santorini, Greece – as well as extra amenities to make sure that special day runs smoothly and seamlessly. If you want an opulent and stylish celebration, marry on their Royal Clipper five-mast sailing ship which replicates classic clipper vessels!
3. French Polynesia
People typically think of Bora Bora when envisioning weddings in the South Pacific, with its overwater bungalows perched above a crystal lagoon. But French Polynesia comprises more than just Bora Bora: its 118 islands and atolls provide plenty of opportunities for couples searching for an idyllic destination wedding experience.
Your honeymoon in the islands can be as luxurious or relaxed as desired, depending on what activities are most appealing. On Moorea, try aqua trekking (also known as helmet diving); wear something resembling vintage scuba dive helmet and walk past reefs on the ocean floor while doing aqua trekking (also called helmet diving).
For an exclusive and luxurious experience, consider visiting one of the islands’ newest ultra-luxury resorts: Brando. Or visit InterContinental Hotel Tahiti with its magnificent gardens featuring exotic blooms; guests have reported receiving outstanding service here.
Huahine offers more of an off-the-beaten-path experience; just a short flight away from Papeete you will find beautiful resorts such as Brando and Le Taha’a. Or travel further north to Marquesas for an authentic Tahitian experience: lush landscapes of hibiscus and bougainvillea meet villages where traditional Tahitian hospitality reigns supreme.
November through April is an ideal time to visit the islands when temperatures are at their coolest and rainy season has ended. These islands can be reached within 24 hours from Europe, 8-17 hours from USA and 10-14 from Australia; we suggest spending at least 14 nights to allow yourself enough time for recovery from jetlag, visit some highlights, take part in local activities and experience all that this unique destination has to offer. For an added luxurious touch consider booking a cruise aboard one of Star Clippers ships; these gorgeous vessels boast structures which resemble old sailing ships!
4. Mexico
Couples looking for an exotic destination wedding will typically prefer this nontraditional method of celebrating their nuptials, since you have full control of how simple or elaborate your ceremony should be – with guests all being on one ship during their journey together.
Numerous cruise lines offer wedding packages that include everything from an officiant and music to photography and more. While details of each cruise differ depending on which line, Celebrity Cruises’ Lawn Club ceremony allows couples to exchange vows outdoors on real grass with captain officiating. Carnival offers its Perfect Little White Wedding Chapel located at Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas which can only be booked through five-day sailings from Port Canaveral during January and April voyages, respectively.
Cunard’s classic ocean liners provide the ultimate in classic romance, and can be booked for ceremonies while sailing from New York to Southampton or vice versa. Their tempting itineraries allow couples to renew their vows atop Paris’ Eiffel Tower or declare their love before the Arc de Triomphe – adding another memorable dimension of classic romance!
Royal Caribbean offers several wedding at sea packages, beginning with their Royal Proposal package that features a private location, officiant and coordinator to help plan an engagement proposal. They can even assist in setting up beach or natural wonderland ceremonies – even such as proposing on an Alaskan glacier cruise in Juneau!