What to Expect if You Get Married in the Caribbean

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After the past two years of the pandemic postponing plans, you deserve a perfect wedding. And we're not just talking about the day itself - we mean a perfect planning process, too, which you can enjoy (almost) as much as getting married. That's why we've teamed up with Sandals® Resorts to explain the simple steps you can take to the unique wedding of your dreams in the Caribbean.

Sandals' romance-ready resorts are located on seven of the most enchanting Caribbean islands: Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, The Bahamas, Grenada, Barbados and Curaçao. Wherever you choose to say 'I do', you'll find idyllic beaches, luxurious accommodation, the finest food and drink - and, naturally, some one-of-a-kind ceremony locations.

But your journey to wedding paradise actually begins at home. Sandals have used their decades of destination wedding experience to create a remote planning process like no other. With clever online tools and virtual consultations, you can get everything sorted in your living room, from the colour scheme and cake to weekend activities for your guests.

You supply the dream -  your very own Sandals wedding team make it a reality. Here are your steps to paradise.

Step 1. Put Yourself in the Hands of the Experts

When you're planning a destination wedding, it's crucial to use a company you can trust. Sandals have led the way in romantic, sun-drenched weddings for the last four decades, and their expertise is second to none. Your first contact will be with a Wedding Concierge agent, who will help you choose the best Caribbean destination, resort and room for you. You can take a 360-degree digital photo tour to check out all the facilities. Once you've made your decision - that'll be the most difficult part of the planning process! - you can choose your wedding date. Call 08000 22 33 31 to get started. 

We suggest you elevate your experience by booking a Love Nest Butler Suite®. These incredible rooms really have to be seen to be believed, with features such as made-for-two Tranquility Tubs on private patios, in-suite bars, bespoke furniture - and, of course, your very own butler service!

Even better: you could have your Sandals wedding for free! Book a stay of 3 nights or more and you can get a free wedding - that's the honeymoon and the big day sorted, leaving you with more of your budget to spend on something fabulous. Terms and conditions apply.

Step 2. Create Your Wedding Look

With the basics taken care of, you can start thinking about the look and feel of your wedding. Sandals have an interactive wedding inspirations planning tool to help you put together your unique celebration, from cake and colour palette to flowers.

Whether you're inspired by the tropical setting or want a contemporary-luxe look, your most cherished wedding ideas are achievable. Don't really have a wedding vision? We get it - the planning tool will show you all kinds of styling ideas. Once you've started to build a picture of your wedding look, have a video call with your planner who can walk you through the actual décor details.

Step 3. Let Your Planner Look After Practicalities

Virtual consultations with your pre-travel Sandals planner will keep the process on track. Don't worry - they'll take care of all the practicalities, so you can relax and start imagining the wedding and honeymoon to come. As well as looking after your big day, your planner can also help with extra elements to make the whole experience more special, such as arranging activities for you and your guests.

Step 4. Get Ready for Married Life

Enjoy being nearly-weds! To make sure you'll be legally wed at your Caribbean ceremony, you need to make sure you have correct documentation. Luckily, Sandals have a team of document specialists who'll be able to tell you exactly what you need, and answer any of your questions.

Step 5. Prepare for Take-Off!

Now all you have to do is get there; your dream wedding is just a flight away. Double-check your packing list (wedding dress: tick; wedding suit: tick) and head to the airport. Once you arrive in the Caribbean, take some time to settle in - we suggest a romantic beach walk - before you meet your on-resort planner, who'll ensure everything is as you want it.

None of your loved ones will have to miss out on seeing your wedding plans come together. Whether you've decided on a just-the-two-of-us elopement, or not all of your family and friends are able to travel, Sandals have a live streaming service so you can share your 'I do' with all the people that matter.

Sounds simple? That's because it is! Start planning your wedding at sandals.co.uk.