This post brought to you by Caribbean and Latin America Marriott and JW Resorts. The content and opinions expressed below are that of Top Wedding Sites.
Destination weddings are becoming popular amongst brides who imagine themselves (and their guests) on a tropical beach, surrounded by gorgeous scenary, hot weather and a relaxed atmosphere. At Team Wedding we often get questions about the best places for a destination wedding. We’re big fans of finding a place that is close to the U.S so that friends and family can easily join. Our favorite recommendations are locations in the Caribbean and Latin America. With easy flights from the U.S, decent flight times, great weather and scenery as well as some amazing hotel choices, they are perfect for destination weddings.
If you’re considering a destination wedding it’s likely that you’re excited about saying your vows in an exotic location. Think about the atmosphere that you’re looking for. Maybe you like the laid-back, carefree, island vibe that the Caribbean offers, or is it the big city energy that you’ll find in a metropolis? If you’re considering a location that you’ve never visited, take the time to do plenty of research, or connect with a travel agent early in the planning process to help determine if it’s a good fit for your style.
The Caribbean is a top destination for its picturesque white-sand beaches and tropical rainforests. Escape to Mexico to say “I Do” on the beach in a traditional wedding ceremony or travel to ancient Mexican ruins for something a little more unique.
Our Favorite Locations
Curacao
Serious divers have known about Curacao for years. This picturesque location has some amazing beaches and natural wonders. The beachers, with fine sand and calm waters are perfect for a beachside ceremony. We love Willemstad (Curacao’s capital city) with its charming pastel buildings and gorgeous streets.
Aruba
Aruba is the perfect paradise for your dream destination beach wedding. With crystal clear waters and almost perfect weather all year round, it is a great destination for your perfect wedding day. While a beach wedding is typical for Aruba, don’t forget to venture off the sand and check out fun attractions and discovery an island full of history, culture and rugged landscapes.
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is one of the most popular destinations in Mexico and with good reason. It has many options for spas, resorts and fine-dining. Situated on the coast of the Pacific and boasting some of the finest beaches and best resorts in the country, it is perfect for a destination wedding. The other great thing about Puerto Vallarta is that is has lots of non-beach activities for the downtime around the wedding. Zip-lining or bungee jumping or maybe a family outing like sight-seeing or swimming with the dolphins are all things you will find nearby.
Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman Island is the largest of the three Cayman Islands and our favorite for a destination wedding. Grand Cayman combines complete relaxation, exquisite dining, exciting nightlife or the awesome underwater sights. Seven Mile Beach is a great location to check out for your ceremony as is the North Sound, Stingray City and the Sandbar. If you want something away from the beach, definitely check out George Town. With Caribbean buildings in all sorts of fun colors, it is definitely a great location. Other popular attractions include the Cayman Islands National Museum, Rum Point, Pedro St. James, Bodden Town, the first capital of the Cayman Islands, Cayman Turtle Farm, and the National’s Trusts Mastic Trail, a 2 mile traditional footpath through unspoiled woodlands.
Cancun
Cancun is located on the second largest reef in the world, so this party city is much more of a destination wedding locations than meets the eye. There really is something for everyone in Cancun. With warm, clear waters, lots of amazing hotels and a fun and vibrant nightlife, this is the location for the couple looking to combine excitement and relaxation for themselves and their guests.
How To Choose A Hotel & Location
Deciding on where to have your destination wedding is a difficult decision, particularly once you’ve narrowed it down to a region such as the Caribbean or Mexico. Do your guests need to have passports? What kind of cultural experience are you looking for? Will the experience be turn-key or will it be a challenge to manage from overseas?
We asked the Caribbean and Latin America Marriott and JW Resorts team for their advice on choosing a resort and location. They provided a very helpful guide to help you make your decision. Simply follow the Matrimony Quiz and it will help you decide the destination that best fits your needs, and connect you, worry-free, with the CALA Marriott or JW resort that’s perfect for your big day. We loved it so much we included it here for you to try:
The guys at Caribbean and Latin America Marriott and JW Resorts also suggested that couples take at least one planning trip to your favorite locations. The idea is to scout and secure your key venues and local suppliers such as caterers, florists and photographers.
With a destination wedding, it also makes sense to work with a partner you can trust. Many resorts include a coordinator in their wedding packages so make sure to take advantage of that opportunity. This coordinator is often the person on the ground when you can’t be there.
