The moment is here — he/she has finally proposed (or maybe you did!) and now the two of you are trying to decide on the best location for your wedding. A traditional wedding ceremony isn’t a good fit and you’re looking to plan a small scale elopement wedding that’s truly one-of-a-kind.
Whatever the reason you’ve settled on eloping, you’re probably wondering which elopement location is best for you as a couple. No need to worry! Here’s a list of some favorite elopement ceremony locations in the Caribbean.
Jamaica
With WestJet’s nonstop service to Jamaica, it is one of the most beautiful Caribbean islands to share your vows and seal the deal with your partner. This laidback paradise is filled with luscious rainforests, majestic waterfalls and stunning beaches.
There are many luxurious all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica as well, which cater specifically to couples and can make your wedding feel like something out of a dream.
As part of your Jamaican escape, not only will you two be able to tie the knot, but the island is also a great honeymoon destination. Fall in love all over again experience some of the most incredible points of interest in Jamaica, like the world-famous Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios and the sprawling Seven Mile Beach in Negril.
Expert tip: Get a free wedding when you stay three nights or longer at any Sandals Resort in the Caribbean (includes a free wedding planner!) and check out these amazing wedding venues to get a taste of what Jamaica has to offer for couples who are looking to elope.
Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia is a mountainous island filled with mystery and allure, making it one of the most romantic locations for an elopement wedding. This Caribbean Island effectively combines adventure, history, romance, and pleasure.
When in Saint Lucia, there are many activities you and your spouse will be able to enjoy together once your marriage is sealed. You can visit the world’s only drive-in volcano in Soufriere and climb the famous Pitons and take a dip at the rejuvenating mud baths. Afterward, you can explore the rainforests or beaches on the island. Snorkeling in Saint Lucia is amazing if an underwater adventure appeals to you.
Overall, Saint Lucia is an amazing island to have combine your elopement wedding with an adventurous and laidback honeymoon.
The Bahamas
The charm of The Bahamas can bring your wedding dreams to life. The Bahamas has won the World Travel Awards title of “Leading Wedding Destination” multiple times, and for good reason. With more than 700 islands and close to 3,000 cays, this territory offers a variety of picturesque wedding spots to choose from.
All-inclusive resorts in The Bahamas offer tons of scenic elopement locations and the resort’s wedding teams will help you plan the perfect day for you and your future spouse.
After the wedding, feel free to stick around and enjoy the islands as there are lots of things to do in The Bahamas. Snorkel with turtles, feed rock iguanas and nurse sharks or swim with the pigs. Of course, no trip to The Bahamas is complete without some beach-hopping, so make some time to enjoy popular beaches like Cable Beach and Love Beach.
Grenada
Like many other Caribbean countries, this tropical island in the southern Caribbean is known for its scenery, beautiful beaches, and year-round great weather. However, unlike the others, Grenada is also known as the “Spice Island” due to its production of nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and mace.
Grenada’s spicy history, friendly people, warm weather, and fantastic sights make it a fantastic elopement location. Tie the knot at parks like the Hyde Park Tropical Garden, which is one of the island’s hidden gems. This is a great outdoor wedding location already equipped with a reception area for the afterparty.
Or, if you are looking to get married with ocean waves lapping at your feet, Grand Anse Beach creates a beautiful backdrop for an intimate ceremony. All-inclusive resorts in Grenada are also a great option for elopement ceremonies as wedding packages will include a free wedding planner who will help you set up the wedding of your dreams on this Caribbean island.
Bonus: Planning your elopement outside of Canada.
Now that you have read about different places you can visit to elope with your partner, you’re probably wondering what it entails to have a wedding in a foreign country.
Although it varies from place to place, you can expect to need the following documents:
● Original birth certificates
● Valid passports
● Valid marriage license
● Proof of divorce (if either party was married previously)
Before you are able to get married in any particular country or state, you’ll need to obtain a marriage license from the governing body. Once you and your partner have decided on the country and the venue, find out what the regulations are. Some countries only require three days to process a marriage license, while others may need as many as ten working days.
For some destinations you need an officiant, so be sure to get one secured long before the ceremony. Some destinations require one or two witnesses whereas others do not. Do your research and find out all you need to know.
If for whatever reason, you are having trouble getting a marriage license, you can also consider getting married in your home country and having a symbolic ceremony in another country to culminate the process.
Rest assured your chosen elopement venue is likely to have successfully married hundreds of couples from the U.S. in the past, so they’ll be able to help you every step along the way!
Plan the elopement of your dreams
There are so many possibilities for your elopement wedding, but the perfect location should reflect who you are as a couple. Active couples may love the idea of getting married on one of many scenic hiking trails, and nature-loving couples may be considering the lush landscape of a national park for their wedding venue. While important considerations like the size of your wedding party also need to be considered, your elopement wedding location should be a place that makes your wedding feel like a dream. The warm sandy beaches of the Caribbean are not only ideal for a fairytale wedding, but they also give you the option to jump straight into a romantic honeymoon.
Once you are familiar with some of the most spectacular elopement locations in the Caribbean, you can start making arrangements. Whether you’ll combine your elopement with a Caribbean honeymoon, make it a day to remember!
Expert tip: Sandals all-inclusive resorts are adults-only and specifically designed with couples in mind – ideal for elopements. Sandals’ experienced wedding team will guide you through the process of setting up the perfect wedding day, at no additional cost. The best part? Your honeymoon starts the day after, and all food and cocktails are always included, always unlimited! A great way to start your life together.
Article sponsored by Sandals Resorts.
Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before travelling. OnantaForbes.com does not endorse travelling against government advisories.
