The Caribbean has long been synonymous with beach weddings, and is one of the most popular long-haul wedding locations for couples across the UK. Until you experience the Caribbean for real it’s hard to appreciate just how different each of the individual islands area. From stunning private islands such as Necker Island, where you can take over the whole island exclusively for your wedding party, to hotspots such as St Lucia and Antigua, through to well established and more affordable islands such as Jamaica, Cuba and the Dominican Republic.
The majority of weddings which take place overseas from the UK involve wedding couples who take their family and friends with them to celebrate their momentous occasion. For this reason it’s really important for the bride and groom to choose a location that can fit their guests’ budget, but without compromising on the wedding of their dreams.
Here are our top 5 affordable Caribbean wedding hotels…
Smugglers Cove, St Lucia
The Smugglers Cove Resort is located towards the Northern ‘tip’ of the tropical island of St Lucia. It’s ideal for an all-inclusive beach break, giving you the option of venturing out to the nearby marina town of Rodney Bay, which has a host of boutique shops and restaurants with local flavour.
The Smugglers Cove has two on-site wedding venues — the Ocean Front Gazebo and the Seaside Tropical Arch. Some room categories even benefit from a Free Wedding Package.
Jolly Beach Resort, Antigua
Jolly Beach has long been acknowledged as one of the most popular wedding venues on the island of Antigua, an island which is often referred to as one of the most aspiring locations in the world to visit.
The hotel, located just a short walk away from the harbour, is ideal for those who like to venture out and about. If you prefer to laze around on the beach all day long then you’ll be pleased to hear that the hotel is situated on one of the best beaches in Antigua.
For weddings there are numerous choices and some gorgeous outdoor wedding reception venues to choose from.
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic has a range of flights from regional airports across the UK, making it one of the most affordable of the Caribbean Islands to visit.
One of the absolute gems of the Dominican Republic is the Hard Rock Hotel in Punta Cana. Imagine thrilling gaming action, the best casino around, exhilarating nightlife, tantalising culinary options and amazing rooms, all infused with Hard Rock’s legendary rock and roll vibe; now that is a place worth visiting!
When it comes to weddings, there are some fantastic beach themes for the bride and groom to choose from.
Jewel Runaway Bay, Jamaica
Jewel Runaway Bay, located right on a sandy beach, is ideal for an affordable Caribbean wedding. On an all-inclusive basis there are rooms spread within the grounds of the hotel, and this hotel welcomes people of all ages, whether it’s keeping the kids busy with on-site activities, or even keeping the older kids busy with the adjacent Runaway Bay Golf Club next to the resort.
There are many things to keep everyone in the wedding party entertained, including Pool Concierge, Dive-In Movies, Gem of the Day and Candlelit Dining Under the Stars.
Sea Breeze Beach House, Barbados
Nestled on a secluded corner of the south coast of Barbados, the recently renovated Sea Breeze Beach House is a beachfront all-inclusive offering varied amenities, accommodations and dining options, whilst maintaining the laid-back vibe of Barbados.
Set in over 2.5 acres, choose from Sea Breeze’s many wedding locations, including the Oceanview Wedding Gazebo, Landscaped Gardens, Cliff Front Balcony… or even on the hotel’s sandy beach.
This is an ideal hotel to stay in if you’re visiting the Caribbean for the first time, as the lively resort of Bridgetown and area of St Lawrence Gap are nearby.
Helen Doyle of PerfectWeddingsAbroad.co.uk
Images from resorts
